Oh, Well That's Okay
Today I'm temping at that place that pays less than unemployment. When I got the call yesterday asking if I would mind coming despite the pay, I said yes for a few reasons:
1. I am having trouble being a person lately. You know, getting dressed, leaving the house. So this was a good push.
2. The firm specifically requested me.
3. The recruiter who called me about this job has been the only one to call me about ANY work over the last four or so months, which means I'd like to keep him happy.
4. Never know what it could lead to. Maybe someone will retire or move away. Maybe the attorney here will have a lawyer-friend who is hiring.
So here I sit, in an empty penthouse in Union Square. So far the woman who works here (who I met last time I temped) called, and another woman called twice for the lawyer. I told her he was not in. She asked when he was expected. I paused, and then told her, "Actually, I'm a temp and nobody else has come in yet so I'm not sure. If you'd like, I can email him a message from you."
She replied, "No, I already left a message. Several messages. When do you think he'll come in?" I sighed. "Again ma'am, I'm a temp, from an agency. I'm the first to arrive at the office, and I don't see any notes about when he's expected in. So I'm not sure."
Her response? "Oh, well that's okay. I was a temp once too." Lady, I *know* it's okay. I don't feel badly that you can't reach someone. Perhaps if you'd told me your issue and I agreed it was as urgent as you think it is, I might offer to track down the attorney's cell phone and call him.
The chances of that being the case are pretty slim though. This guy doesn't do a type of law that has real emergencies (criminal, family, etc.) so when a client thinks something is an emergency more likely they're just dizzy with the power of having someone work for them and want hand-holding. I wonder how many more times she'll call back before the lawyer shows up. So far we're up to three.
People, a little tip from me to you. When you're desperately trying to reach someone and keep getting their gatekeeper, leave your NAME. This woman has called three times! Not once has she told me her name! Yes, I've asked. That means if the attorney calls in, I can't say, "Mary's called three times for you, she urgently wants to talk with you." All I could possibly say is, "Some lady called three times but won't leave a message." Attorneys don't want to hear that. They don't want their time wasted with useless information.
1. I am having trouble being a person lately. You know, getting dressed, leaving the house. So this was a good push.
2. The firm specifically requested me.
3. The recruiter who called me about this job has been the only one to call me about ANY work over the last four or so months, which means I'd like to keep him happy.
4. Never know what it could lead to. Maybe someone will retire or move away. Maybe the attorney here will have a lawyer-friend who is hiring.
So here I sit, in an empty penthouse in Union Square. So far the woman who works here (who I met last time I temped) called, and another woman called twice for the lawyer. I told her he was not in. She asked when he was expected. I paused, and then told her, "Actually, I'm a temp and nobody else has come in yet so I'm not sure. If you'd like, I can email him a message from you."
She replied, "No, I already left a message. Several messages. When do you think he'll come in?" I sighed. "Again ma'am, I'm a temp, from an agency. I'm the first to arrive at the office, and I don't see any notes about when he's expected in. So I'm not sure."
Her response? "Oh, well that's okay. I was a temp once too." Lady, I *know* it's okay. I don't feel badly that you can't reach someone. Perhaps if you'd told me your issue and I agreed it was as urgent as you think it is, I might offer to track down the attorney's cell phone and call him.
The chances of that being the case are pretty slim though. This guy doesn't do a type of law that has real emergencies (criminal, family, etc.) so when a client thinks something is an emergency more likely they're just dizzy with the power of having someone work for them and want hand-holding. I wonder how many more times she'll call back before the lawyer shows up. So far we're up to three.
People, a little tip from me to you. When you're desperately trying to reach someone and keep getting their gatekeeper, leave your NAME. This woman has called three times! Not once has she told me her name! Yes, I've asked. That means if the attorney calls in, I can't say, "Mary's called three times for you, she urgently wants to talk with you." All I could possibly say is, "Some lady called three times but won't leave a message." Attorneys don't want to hear that. They don't want their time wasted with useless information.
Labels: Floating, Pounding the pavement
posted by Green at 8/21/2009 10:34:00 AM
3 Comments:
I've been a temp for a year now...it def sucks being without benefits!
how long is the temp position for? Best of luck with it.
She's a stalker. Get over it, lady. He's just not that into you.
Crap, I'm quoting self-help books.
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