September is the month when most retail merchants begin the process of hiring seasonal employees to work through the upcoming holidays. Taking a seasonal job is a terrific way for stay-at-home parents, retirees, students and others to earn some much-needed extra cash. For many, it is a second job.
Although the crippling pandemic is behind us, and the economy appears to be on the upswing, this holiday season should be much more pleasant for all concerned. I say “should” because we still have to get through the elections which have become contentious in so many ways. Differences of opinion have torn many families and friends apart. As a result, the “mean and nasty” often comes out when dealing with strangers, especially those working in retail businesses, restaurants and just about any place that serves the public.
It wasn’t too long ago that I worked for a couple of years as a leasing consultant at a manufactured home community. All residents were required to pay monthly lot rent due on the first of each month. There was a five-day grace period; if people came into the office with their rent check on Day 6, I was required to only accept the check if it included the $40 late fee. While most of the residents were nice about it and even apologetic for being late, there were a couple who were downright mean.
One lady was so outraged that I couldn’t accept her late rent check, she stormed out of the office. An hour later, she returned with her check wrapped around four rolls of quarters – the $40 late fee. She stood a few feet from my desk and whipped the bundle at my head! I quickly ducked and just missed getting hurt. In case you’re wondering, four rolls of quarters are equivalent in weight to a hammer or carton of milk. Fortunately, incidents like that were rare. But it seems today that unpleasant encounters like this are becoming more commonplace.
This year, let’s all give ourselves the gift of patience and understanding so that those charged with serving our needs aren’t made to feel unworthy of our respect.
I have heard crazy stories from people who work in retail. For example, some customers are outraged with the cashier when their credit card is declined. They unjustly yell at clerks because they believe the prices are too high, or when they have to wait in line for any length of time. Restaurant waitstaff are also the targets of diners who are unhappy for a variety of reasons that are out of the server’s control.
The reason some customers act this way is likely because they feel those employed to wait on them are somehow inferior, and deserve their wrath. Others may just be having a rough day. And still others blame everyone but themselves for their problems. Whatever the reason, it is no excuse for treating employees who deal directly with customers badly.
This year, let’s all give ourselves the gift of patience and understanding so that those charged with serving our needs aren’t made to feel unworthy of our respect.
