Excuse Me, Do You Work Here?

While working as a receptionist at my local welfare office, I have experienced more situations and conversations than ANYONE would find believable.

These stories are all 100% true.

I’d like to give you a brief glimpse into one of my favorites.

A Favorite Work Story

Now I’d like you to know, so that you can picture this perfectly in your mind, that receptionists are always behind windows, separated from the clients. There is NEVER any physical contact between the clerks and the clients, EVER.

Now, keeping that fresh in your mind, I called over the loudspeaker for the next person in line to come to my window. A woman (sans about 40% of her teeth) approached my window and said, “Excuse me, do you work here?”

Okay, let’s review the obvious:

1. I had CALLED the next person to my window.
2. I was, indeed, behind the safety glass which separated us from the clients.
3. It was pretty much established that I DID work for the county because of these reasons, not to mention that I had dealt with this particular woman at least a dozen times before.
4. Just because you’re behind the glass doesn’t mean I can’t smell your body odor, cat piss smell, bad breath and so many more smells that I can’t even TRY to name.
5. Maybe if the clients would refrain from drugs and booze, they would remember where they are and why they are there. I would much prefer that they did not even show up for appointments, etc., because my taxes are freakin’ outrageous!!! GET A JOB!!!!

In my opinion, this just goes to show you that even IF you are conducting a social-psychological experiment (or are just plain crazy for working for the welfare department), get a business degree when you’re in college. TRUST me.

You will thank me later.

You’re welcome.