BumbleBeeDave
12-23-2008, 09:21 AM
This last week I've been feeling pretty frustrated with my job search. I know the economy sucks big time right now and not much is usually happening as far as hiring at the end of the year anyway. But it's nevertheless frustrating to look at the task list, know I'm doing everything right as the experts list it, and still nothing is coming together yet.
In that context, after finishing my bagel at Bruegger's this morning I walked over to the bank and was in line right behind an older man--maybe 60--who was berating the uncomfortable young woman teller because she asked him to show some ID to make a withdrawal. Of course it was because she was new and didn't know him, but he was really giving her a hard time. "I resent that! I've banked here for 20 years! . . . yadda, yadda, yadda . . . "
I spoke up and suggested that if she didn't know him, it is what it is and she doesn't know him. He turned around, so angry, and proceeded to tell me it was none of my business. I suggested to him that she's just doing her job. He reiterated that it was none of my GD business, his voice rising as the manager looked over from his desk to see what the hubbub was about. I told this guy I was sorry he felt that way, and he glared at me, then turned around, picked up his money and turned to leave. I wished him a Merry Christmas and he barked at me, telling me I have a smart mouth before stalking out the door. The guy in line behind me met my gaze, looked toward the door, then rolled his eyes as we both turned around to take our turns.
As I walked out of the bank, I really wondered why this man was so angry. What in his life could make him so filled with bile that he would lash out over something like this simple act of the teller asking him for ID because there's no reasonable way she could be expected to already know him? Is he also out of work? Broke? Frustrated and feeling helpless about a world that seems out of our control lately?
But it also made me think about how good I do have it despite not having job search things go perfectly. Here at Christmas I have a healthy, smart, happy daughter. A wonderful girlfriend who is so supportive--she's the best thing that's ever happened to me. A roof over my head that doesn't leak, warm clothes, and money in the bank so I don't have to worry about losing my home or paying the heating bill . . . and friends like the ones I've made on this forum who are always sitting at that warm, dry online table in the Serotta tavern, willing to offer encouragement, help, or just shoot the breeze whenever I need it.
I hope that guy gets a handle on whatever is bothering him. Otherwise it's going to eat him up inside. I know because I used to be like that, angry at something or the other--or myself--most all the time. I think whatever Maker there is I've learned my lesson before getting as old and bitter as he seems to be. It's nice to be here at the holidays and able to look at the glass as way more than half full.
I hope you and yours will have a happy holiday season no matter how you celebrate it. I hope you get to be with your family and/or your friends and be able to look around and give thanks that things are not nearly as bad as they may seem at first glance at the news.
BBD :fight:
In that context, after finishing my bagel at Bruegger's this morning I walked over to the bank and was in line right behind an older man--maybe 60--who was berating the uncomfortable young woman teller because she asked him to show some ID to make a withdrawal. Of course it was because she was new and didn't know him, but he was really giving her a hard time. "I resent that! I've banked here for 20 years! . . . yadda, yadda, yadda . . . "
I spoke up and suggested that if she didn't know him, it is what it is and she doesn't know him. He turned around, so angry, and proceeded to tell me it was none of my business. I suggested to him that she's just doing her job. He reiterated that it was none of my GD business, his voice rising as the manager looked over from his desk to see what the hubbub was about. I told this guy I was sorry he felt that way, and he glared at me, then turned around, picked up his money and turned to leave. I wished him a Merry Christmas and he barked at me, telling me I have a smart mouth before stalking out the door. The guy in line behind me met my gaze, looked toward the door, then rolled his eyes as we both turned around to take our turns.
As I walked out of the bank, I really wondered why this man was so angry. What in his life could make him so filled with bile that he would lash out over something like this simple act of the teller asking him for ID because there's no reasonable way she could be expected to already know him? Is he also out of work? Broke? Frustrated and feeling helpless about a world that seems out of our control lately?
But it also made me think about how good I do have it despite not having job search things go perfectly. Here at Christmas I have a healthy, smart, happy daughter. A wonderful girlfriend who is so supportive--she's the best thing that's ever happened to me. A roof over my head that doesn't leak, warm clothes, and money in the bank so I don't have to worry about losing my home or paying the heating bill . . . and friends like the ones I've made on this forum who are always sitting at that warm, dry online table in the Serotta tavern, willing to offer encouragement, help, or just shoot the breeze whenever I need it.
I hope that guy gets a handle on whatever is bothering him. Otherwise it's going to eat him up inside. I know because I used to be like that, angry at something or the other--or myself--most all the time. I think whatever Maker there is I've learned my lesson before getting as old and bitter as he seems to be. It's nice to be here at the holidays and able to look at the glass as way more than half full.
I hope you and yours will have a happy holiday season no matter how you celebrate it. I hope you get to be with your family and/or your friends and be able to look around and give thanks that things are not nearly as bad as they may seem at first glance at the news.
BBD :fight: