OT - NO POLITICS Off Topic Thread: Work sucks, I know

[rfournier103]

Another bullshit meeting at work yesterday.

Words were spoken.

Promises made, which aren’t worth a damn because they’ve all been made before.

I’m sorry, brother. Hang in there.

 

[Morris Wanchuk]

33 degrees and rain... is there more depressing weather?

 

[Alicat]

33 degrees and rain... is there more depressing weather?

I hate it. I feel like an 80 year old the way my joints hurt.

 

[smithformeragent]

 

[Alicat]

 

[NeelyDan]

NeelyDan's Friday Five:

1. Not only do we want to learn what your favourite song is - but we want you to explain why it's your favourite.
2. Who are the worst three public faces in the world today?
3. What's the worst job you've ever had?
4. Would money change you?
5. How do you personally judge or compare a persons intelligence? (i.e. comparing IQ test scores, educational background or grades, creativity, street smarts/common sense, personal accomplishments, open mindedness , forward thinking, the way they raise their kids, how likeminded they are to you, potential, etc?)

 

[Ladyfan]

NeelyDan's Friday Five:

1. Not only do we want to learn what your favourite song is - but we want you to explain why it's your favourite.
2. Who are the worst three public faces in the world today?
3. What's the worst job you've ever had?
4. Would money change you?
5. How do you personally judge or compare a persons intelligence? (i.e. comparing IQ test scores, educational background or grades, creativity, street smarts/common sense, personal accomplishments, open mindedness , forward thinking, the way they raise their kids, how likeminded they are to you, , etc?)

1. Can't Find My Way Home.Blind Faith/ Steve Winwood. It is a great tune and I just love it. I have many songs that I love.


2.trump, trump trump

3. I worked in Planning for years. I like numbers so it was OK until the last couple of years before I retired. There were 4 people in Planning and one left and wasn't replaced so three of us absorbed the work. Then another left...they hired someone, but he never showed up so two were doing the work of four. It was me and another lady who was 8 years younger than me. She went out on medical leave so it was me...She returned after 6 months but couldn't see well so I covered for her....and then she dropped dead. I was working crazy hours for a year and a half...I wouldn't have minded doing it for a short time, but I was exhausted. I was going to work until I was 70 but at 68 1/2 told my boss I was retiring. They hired 3 people after I left.

4. Money would help me not worry about money. I would probably do more things that I like but I am doing OK. It wouldn't change me too much as a person.

5. There are all kinds of intelligence. Some folks are street smart...some are book smart....some are kind and sensitive to other's feelings...Some THINK they are smarter than they are. Some are in cults....I like when people think for themselves and are not easily led. I like intelligent people usually BUT I like people who make the best of what they have and some that people wouldn't consider to be bright are better people that others who have a high opinion of themselves. Make the best of what you have and treat people the way you want to be treated.

 

[DarrenBanks56]

ill never forget that. ice dams. shovelling off the roof. Jumping off the 30 foot roof into 5 feet of snow. good times.

 

[jgatie]

NeelyDan's Friday Five:

1. Not only do we want to learn what your favourite song is - but we want you to explain why it's your favourite.
2. Who are the worst three public faces in the world today?
3. What's the worst job you've ever had?
4. Would money change you?
5. How do you personally judge or compare a persons intelligence? (i.e. comparing IQ test scores, educational background or grades, creativity, street smarts/common sense, personal accomplishments, open mindedness , forward thinking, the way they raise their kids, how likeminded they are to you, potential, etc?)

1. What day of the week is this? OK, I'll narrow it to 3, errr 4. Heroes, David Bowie. More than any other song, this one gets me every time. Every. Single. Time. Complete Control, The Clash. The best punk song ever. Tangled Up In Blue, Bob Dylan. Lyrically perfect. Structurally perfect. The Boxer, Simon & Garfunkel. Could be autobiographical, that how close it is to me.
2. Not touching this with a 10 foot pole.
3. Roofing.
4. No.
5. How full of shit they are. I've found people who are compensating for lack of intelligence/knowledge are quick to bullshit both themselves and others. I've got nothing against people who don't know things, we all have areas of expertise and areas of gaps. I can't stand the phonies who spend more time trying to bullshit that they are experts than the time it would take to gain more expertise in the first place.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

NeelyDan's Friday Five:

1. Not only do we want to learn what your favourite song is - but we want you to explain why it's your favourite.
2. Who are the worst three public faces in the world today?
3. What's the worst job you've ever had?
4. Would money change you?
5. How do you personally judge or compare a persons intelligence? (i.e. comparing IQ test scores, educational background or grades, creativity, street smarts/common sense, personal accomplishments, open mindedness , forward thinking, the way they raise their kids, how likeminded they are to you, potential, etc?)

1. Otis Redding - Sitting on the Dock of the Bay. It's just perfect, the singing and arrangement is so good and so mellow that its just pure dopamine.
2. Kim Kardashian, Putin, any ambulance chaser on a billboard
3. Selling life insurance out of college. Dumbest move ever, what 50+ year old was going to listen to a 22 year old about life planning?
4. I'd like to think not. Short of moving onto a big lot of land in the middle of nowhere
5. Couple ways. Genuinely listening to others and being able to learn from those you opposing viewpoints. And being able to explain complex things/ideas to anyone and have them get it.

 

[RoccoF14]

1. If I Needed You by Townes Van Zandt, but I'll take the Emmylou Harris' version too. Just a simple, beautiful love song.
2. Putin, Kim Jong Un, anybody who abuses a child.
3. I've never had a job I didn't enjoy.
4. No
5. That's a complicated question. Personally, I judge a person's intelligence by how effectively they communicate. Convey your point in a clear and succinct manner.

 

[Ladyfan]

1. What day of the week is this? OK, I'll narrow it to 3, errr 4. Heroes, David Bowie. More than any other song, this one gets me every time. Every. Single. Time. Complete Control, The Clash. The best punk song ever. Tangled Up In Blue, Bob Dylan. Lyrically perfect. Structurally perfect. The Boxer, Simon & Garfunkel. Could be autobiographical, that how close it is to me.
2. Not touching this with a 10 foot pole.
3. Roofing.
4. No.
5. How full of shit they are. I've found people who are compensating for lack of intelligence/knowledge are quick to bullshit both themselves and others. I've got nothing against people who don't know things, we all have areas of expertise and areas of gaps. I can't stand the phonies who spend more time trying to bullshit that they are experts than the time it would take to gain more expertise in the first place.

I love Tangled Up In Blue and The Boxer!

 

[Kate08]

1. Not only do we want to learn what your favourite song is - but we want you to explain why it's your favourite.

This is a really tough one. I love a lot of songs, bands, and artists. I'd have to say Everlong by the Foo Fighters. I love that it can be a chill song (I walked down the aisle to the acoustic version at our wedding) or a song that belongs on a running playlist that makes you want to run through a wall.

2. Who are the worst three public faces in the world today?

Not touching this one seriously given politics implications, so I'll go with the 3 NHL players whose faces I've hated the most: (1) Mike Ribiero, (2) Brendan Gallagher, (3) Ryan Kessler. Punchable faces. All of them.

3. What's the worst job you've ever had?

My last job was miserable. Health care during a pandemic, small, family run business stuck in the 70s. I learned a ton and wouldn't be where I am without it, but dear Lord did that job suck my soul out of my body.

4. Would money change you?

Not having to worry about money or consider money when making decisions would be a huge stress relief, but I'm sure would introduce a lot of new stressers that I know nothing about now.

5. How do you personally judge or compare a persons intelligence? (i.e. comparing IQ test scores, educational background or grades, creativity, street smarts/common sense, personal accomplishments, open mindedness , forward thinking, the way they raise their kids, how likeminded they are to you, potential, etc?)

Some of the "smartest" people I know are also the dumbest, based on the traditional definition of smart (good in school, etc). As I've gotten older I've realized that, to me, the true signs of intelligence are:

(1) not being afraid to ask questions. I think it shows a ton of intelligence and confidence to be vulnerable and admit/be open to the idea that you don't know everything. It's the number one thing I teach when coaching employees - if you don't have an answer, the best thing you can do is say so, promise to get back to the asker, and follow through.

(2) being open to new viewpoints and ideas. People who are extremely set in their ways and not open to alternative viewpoints aren't intellectually curious, in my opinion. You can believe what you believe, but be open.

(3) being able to admit you were wrong, or changing your mind on something. This one is pretty self-explanatory, I think.

(4) surviving, regardless of what hand you were dealt, and being a good person while doing it.

 

[Gee Wally]

NeelyDan's Friday Five:

1. Not only do we want to learn what your favourite song is - but we want you to explain why it's your favourite.

way too hard. Cats in The Cradle, Lean on Me, In the Living Years, Me and Bobbi McGee, Taxi

2. Who are the worst three public faces in the world today?

45, Putin, MTG

3. What's the worst job you've ever had?

EMT for Armstrong Ambulance. My dad worked there too on the side. Hed bring ambulance home at nights. I did ‘runs’ with him. Great company but I couldn’t bear the illnesses, deaths and grief.


4. Would money change you?

only in regard as to what I could do for my extended family.

5. How do you personally judge or compare a persons intelligence? (i.e. comparing IQ test scores, educational background or grades, creativity, street smarts/common sense, personal accomplishments, open mindedness , forward thinking, the way they raise their kids, how likeminded they are to you, potential, etc?)

also hard. Do they listen more than they speak. How do they treat animals, handicapped, elderly. Being able to sincerely say Im sorry.

 

[caz16]

NeelyDan's Friday Five:

1. Not only do we want to learn what your favourite song is - but we want you to explain why it's your favourite.
2. Who are the worst three public faces in the world today?
3. What's the worst job you've ever had?
4. Would money change you?
5. How do you personally judge or compare a persons intelligence? (i.e. comparing IQ test scores, educational background or grades, creativity, street smarts/common sense, personal accomplishments, open mindedness , forward thinking, the way they raise their kids, how likeminded they are to you, potential, etc?)

1. That is a tough question, so many that I love. I'll go with Harvest Moon by Neil Young. When my youngest was born, this song was number one and I would be up at 1 am, rocking her back to sleep and this song always came on MuchMusic. It still brings back such warm and fuzzy memories.

2. Trump, Musk, Putin

3. McDonald's

4. It would change me in some ways, I would love to give it out and that would be satisfying so I think I would be very contented.

5. To me a person's intelligence is how they treat others including animals and the planet. If they don't have the intelligence to respect the universe, no degree or IQ can help that. Give me someone who is kind and gentle over someone who is clueless with the highest education possible.

 

[NeelyDan]

NeelyDan's Friday Five:

1. Not only do we want to learn what your favourite song is - but we want you to explain why it's your favourite.

way too hard. Cats in The Cradle, Lean on Me, In the Living Years, Me and Bobbi McGee, Taxi

2. Who are the worst three public faces in the world today?

45, Putin, MTG

3. What's the worst job you've ever had?

EMT for Armstrong Ambulance. My dad worked there too on the side. Hed bring ambulance home at nights. I did ‘runs’ with him. Great company but I couldn’t bear the illnesses, deaths and grief.


4. Would money change you?

only in regard as to what I could do for my extended family.

5. How do you personally judge or compare a persons intelligence? (i.e. comparing IQ test scores, educational background or grades, creativity, street smarts/common sense, personal accomplishments, open mindedness , forward thinking, the way they raise their kids, how likeminded they are to you, potential, etc?)

also hard. Do they listen more than they speak. How do they treat animals, handicapped, elderly. Being able to sincerely say Im sorry.

In the living years is such an incredible song

 

[Gee Wally]

In the living years is such an incredible song

it hits home with me. Especially two lines.

’every generation blames the one before’ - I feel true.

‘ I wasnt there that morning when my father passed away’. - my dad died of bone cancer. At home with hospice. My sisters and I took turns staying there 24 hours with my mom.
I left only to go home, 50 miles away, to get clean clothes. He passed while I was gone. Ive never stopped regretting that.

 

[NeelyDan]

Loving the wide array of answers to the intelligence question

it hits home with me. Especially two lines.

’every generation blames the one before’ - I feel true.

‘ I wasnt there that morning when my father passed away’. - my dad died of bone cancer. At home with hospice. My sisters and I took turns staying there 24 hours with my mom.
I left only to go home, 50 miles away, to get clean clothes. He passed while I was gone. Ive never stopped regretting that.

I knew the second line you quoted would be meaningful

That’s awful and I’m so sorry you and your family had to endure that

 

[Alicat]

1. Not only do we want to learn what your favourite song is - but we want you to explain why it's your favourite.

Favorite song.. I'll have to go with Eye of the Tiger. It was my favorite when I was really young. I really love the beat and the message of the song always gives me confidence when I am facing something really hard.

2. Who are the worst three public faces in the world today?

There are more than 3 and some of them on my list already appear in other answers.

3. What's the worst job you've ever had?

Working for one of the local hospitals. My boss had no business managing anyone. Passive aggressive, mixed messages about projects, refused to get me the tools I needed to be successful. It really scarred me especially when it comes to getting called into a meeting randomly and around performance reviews. I got so lucky to land where I did after. With the exception of a 14 month break, I've been with the company since I left the toxic job.

4. Would money change you?

I would be able to do things like travel and give back to organizations that have made an impact in my life. I would also be able to give my niece opportunities she may otherwise not have.

5. How do you personally judge or compare a persons intelligence? (i.e. comparing IQ test scores, educational background or grades, creativity, street smarts/common sense, personal accomplishments, open mindedness , forward thinking, the way they raise their kids, how likeminded they are to you, potential, etc?)

If they ask questions. You cannot learn if you don't ask questions. To me, no question is stupid. How they treat others especially those who have an opposing viewpoint. If they are open minded and are willing to change their views/mind as the world evolves. Like others have said, seeing how a person has made the most of the hand they were dealt. How they've handled it shows their true character.

 

[Alicat]

In the living years is such an incredible song

I can't listen to it or I will just start bawling. Same with Cats in the Cradle.

 

[TD Charlie]

@NeelyDan 's Friday Five:



1. Not only do we want to learn what your favourite song is - but we want you to explain why it's your favourite.
Probably Dreams by Van Hagar. Hard not to watch the Blue Angels video cut of this one and not get hyped. It looks and sounds like childhood.

2. Who are the worst three public faces in the world today?
I haven't met everyone yet, so it's unfair of me to truly judge. Hard to ignore the usual suspects that will likely be named anyway.

3. What's the worst job you've ever had?
Tough to say because everything had a big list of pros/cons. I worked at walmart in high school so you would assume that would be pretty bad, and it was. It was also a ton of fun and I got to spend a lot of time outside alone and with friends. So I'll say the worst was my 5 years working in Boston for a group of hospitals that shall not be named. The job was fine, the team was fine, the management/leadership group...dreadful. Then the manner in which I was about to be laid off was laughably bad as well. Got called in, at the end of the day midweek, was told "Believe me, nobody is more upset about this than me (meaning the manager herself)." Couldn't give me a timeline, only that it was likely within the next 6 months, couldn't give me any info on a package, it was basically "Hey, I'm really upset about this, more than you are, but you're gonna lose your job suddenly at some point in the next 6 months." and then the woman took a 10 day vacation! The very next f***ing day lol. Every Wednesday she would call in a couple more people to break the news, instead of handling it all at once. Nah, made everybody sweat. Oh, they also called people that weren't being let go, at home a week before the bad news started to tell them they were safe but don't tell anybody. It was a mess.


4. Would money change you?
I think I've said before that money doesn't change people, it just enhances their best/worst qualities. If you were a greedy prick before, you'll be an even greedier prick with money. It might not happen right away, but water finds its level.

5. How do you personally judge or compare a persons intelligence? (i.e. comparing IQ test scores, educational background or grades, creativity, street smarts/common sense, personal accomplishments, open mindedness , forward thinking, the way they raise their kids, how likeminded they are to you, potential, etc?)
I scored 730 on the GMAT, which means nothing but it's fun to brag about.

 

[Bruinaura]

I switched cell service from Verizon to Comcast on January 13. Yesterday Verizon auto deducted my full normal payment.

Went into the Verizon store to question it. Guy couldn't even pull up my full account but said it looked to him like they had set my cancel date to be February 3.

"I can't fix it here, but here's the direct number to customer support and they should be able to refund you."

I went into their store to talk to a live person who is employed by Verizon. Why can't they take care of these issues in the store? I don't want to waste time going through phone menus and explaining myself three times.

UGH.

 

[Bruinaura]

So I call Verizon. Get the automated menu of course.

"Please enter your phone number"

*enters phone number*

""We don't recognize that number. Would you like to become a Verizon customer?"



So you don't recognize my number but you're still happy to auto deduct my money.

Currently on hold to hopefully speak to a human....

 

[TD Charlie]

So I call Verizon. Get the automated menu of course.

"Please enter your phone number"

*enters phone number*

""We don't recognize that number. Would you like to become a Verizon customer?"



So you don't recognize my number but you're still happy to auto deduct my money.

Currently on hold to hopefully speak to a human....

Just keep pressing 0 on every prompt. Or say YES to the do you wanna be a customer prompt. They’ll put an English speaking rep on to get a sale

 

[Bruinaura]

Just keep pressing 0 on every prompt. Or say YES to the do you wanna be a customer prompt. They’ll put an English speaking rep on to get a sale

Finally got someone. I don't think English was his first language.

I explained the situation and he says "so you have a question about your final bill?"

Yes..............

So he looks it up. *long pause*

"Ohhhhhhhhhh, this is interesting!!! I've never seen this before?"

What? Do tell.

"Your last bill should have only been $6!!!"

You don't say....

But he had to refund the full amount of the wrong deduction they made, and then I'll get a "final final" bill for $6. That I have to go into the store to pay. Because just deducting the $6 from my refund would be too hard, I guess.