1587: Using You

[BrianAlt]

Originally Posted by stulagu

...
However...I think I'm the only one in that class that actually listened. And I was certainly the only one that ever gave a shit about my job.
...
It really can wear down on you quickly if you actually care about your customers, so the good employees move on.

Look at you, all miss perfect and shit.

[stulagu]

Originally Posted by Blitzgal

I always thought it must have something to do with being in such a huge city, because I've never had the problems that Keith and Chemda have described from customer service people. But I remember being shocked way back when they said that there's glass between them and the post office workers (that was this show, right?). I think everyone in Wisconsin is just too repressed (or drunk) to be overtly mean to each other.

I'm from Minnesota, I see this stuff too. Though admittedly, not the glass in the post office. I think in general the Midwest is nicer, but I think it is just because we're a few years behind the coasts in things of culture.

[stulagu]

Originally Posted by BrianAlt

Look at you, all miss perfect and shit.

I am absolutely a Hermione Granger. Except I don't think she'd listen to this show

[Keith]

Please... She's an animal.

[stulagu]

Originally Posted by Keith

Please... She's an animal.

Of course! I forgot you knew Hogwarts inside and out

[Keith]

I know Hogwarts, Dumbledore, Griffendor and Snuffleupagus. I know it all.

[Blitzgal]

Originally Posted by stulagu

I'm from Minnesota, I see this stuff too. Though admittedly, not the glass in the post office. I think in general the Midwest is nicer, but I think it is just because we're a few years behind the coasts in things of culture.

It might be that I'm a lot like Keith in not liking to leave the house. When I worked at a grocery store I was on the other side of it -- customers were entitled fuck-heads who treated me like garbage because they assumed I must be some dipshit if I was "stuck" working at a grocery store. I think some people are just assholes and always have been.

[stulagu]

Originally Posted by Blitzgal

It might be that I'm a lot like Keith in not liking to leave the house. When I worked at a grocery store I was on the other side of it -- customers were entitled fuck-heads who treated me like garbage because they assumed I must be some dipshit if I was "stuck" working at a grocery store. I think some people are just assholes and always have been.

True, some are just assholes. But it does matter where your mindset is as well. Ever since I started working retail, I now look at the checker, I smile, I try to be nice and polite...it is like leaving the extra $2 for a tip, it makes their day better. In reality, we've all got asshole traits, it is whether we choose to act on it or not. And I've worked some terrible jobs...I'm not just saying this like an entitled person at all.

I look at it from a mom's view, too. Before I had kids, I used to glare at the mom that had kids at the store, now, I give her a friendly smile and it makes all the difference. I will absolutely let a little old lady go in front of me at the check out or a mom with kids...it takes an extra 5 minutes and maybe they will be nicer to the next person.

I think now, though, the bottom rung employees are not held accountable for anything, the customer is forced to run all over this huge store, no one knows what they're talking about...it is why THANK GOODNESS mom and pop stores are getting a little bit more business...the big box stores aren't worth it to some customers anymore.

I see this in the wedding industry all the time, there are businesses just after money and will say anything to get you to sign with them, others are small and talented but cost a bit more...we're starting to see people place more value in the small business with fabulous customer service because they're realizing it is worth it.

[Blitzgal]

They still seem to get fired at the drop of a hat in service industry jobs. I think lower level workers don't have respect for their companies anymore because their companies are treating them like shit. We're having massive layoffs in WI right now. My step-father lost the job he'd held at American Family for twelve years. They cut an entire department because their profits dropped....they weren't losing money, they just weren't making as much anymore. And in the meantime, the top five guys in the company made five million dollars, and got huge raises between 2010 and 2011.

[stulagu]

Originally Posted by Blitzgal

They still seem to get fired at the drop of a hat in service industry jobs. I think lower level workers don't have respect for their companies anymore because their companies are treating them like shit. We're having massive layoffs in WI right now. My step-father lost the job he'd held at American Family for twelve years. They cut an entire department because their profits dropped....they weren't losing money, they just weren't making as much anymore. And in the meantime, the top five guys in the company made five million dollars, and got huge raises between 2010 and 2011.

wow, I'm so sorry to hear that. Yes, it seems this is the new way of business. It creates an atmosphere of panic. The more paranoid side of me thinks we're going back to the age of the robber barons.