Is it just me...
...or is it still considered rude/inconsiderate for someone to call at, I don't know, say after 11:00pm, wanting to discuss/get a work question answered?
Never mind that they're asking for the secretary, mind you - not the boss - so it's not that the secretary is going to give them the answer, but how acceptable is it for someone to not even be the least bit apologetic about it, when the person answering the phone (who was awoken) says that "it's kind of late, I think she's sleeping - we do have long work days and get up at 6:00, so we tend to get to bed at a reasonable hour".
Never mind that they're asking for the secretary, mind you - not the boss - so it's not that the secretary is going to give them the answer, but how acceptable is it for someone to not even be the least bit apologetic about it, when the person answering the phone (who was awoken) says that "it's kind of late, I think she's sleeping - we do have long work days and get up at 6:00, so we tend to get to bed at a reasonable hour".
At this point this is an experience that has only hit me here in this field (alas), so maybe I'm sounding really odd, but I think sometimes people feel that it's their right to require the services of us secretaries basically 24/7. - And I'm wondering what the reasoning is with that?
I'm not complaining, really, I realize that I'm here to serve, and if I can make life easier for anyone through putting in a bit more work I'll do it, but I'm just wondering whether those particular people put themselves in our shoes at any point and ask themselves if perhaps we're human too and do things like JJT, dishes, go witnessing, sleep, have our Word time & PnP time, take care of the kids, or take rest days, etc. - 'Cause we do!
I already have fellow home members telling me off for working so many hours as it is - someone (who was asking a work question too) asked me if I ever do anything but work as they always seem to find me at my computer or I seem to always get back to them soon enough to where I couldn't be far away from it. - So I think people are aware that we work, but why, do you think, do some people come across so demanding?
I know when it's a situation you're going through personally it's all there is to your "view", and it can seem as if there's nothing else that matters. Hey, I actually have a tendency to get overwhelmed by people's situations to where I too want to do something - but I have had to come to the realization that really, I have to trust the Lord that I'm not able to do it all lickety split and solve the problems. - And that I'm not super-human, the Lord's gotta do what I can't do!
Still though, wouldn't it be nice if we had a special answering service that asked you some basic questions like:
I don't know, maybe this is uncalled for, but I've actually been moved to tears several times over some people's comments or calls, and though I've taken them to the Lord because I know that in the end whatever can better my professionalism is good, I still question whether it's weird that I feel a bit of a reminder of consideration might be needed.
After all, in the end, love is the most important thing. Right?
I'm not complaining, really, I realize that I'm here to serve, and if I can make life easier for anyone through putting in a bit more work I'll do it, but I'm just wondering whether those particular people put themselves in our shoes at any point and ask themselves if perhaps we're human too and do things like JJT, dishes, go witnessing, sleep, have our Word time & PnP time, take care of the kids, or take rest days, etc. - 'Cause we do!
I already have fellow home members telling me off for working so many hours as it is - someone (who was asking a work question too) asked me if I ever do anything but work as they always seem to find me at my computer or I seem to always get back to them soon enough to where I couldn't be far away from it. - So I think people are aware that we work, but why, do you think, do some people come across so demanding?
I know when it's a situation you're going through personally it's all there is to your "view", and it can seem as if there's nothing else that matters. Hey, I actually have a tendency to get overwhelmed by people's situations to where I too want to do something - but I have had to come to the realization that really, I have to trust the Lord that I'm not able to do it all lickety split and solve the problems. - And that I'm not super-human, the Lord's gotta do what I can't do!
Still though, wouldn't it be nice if we had a special answering service that asked you some basic questions like:
- Do you realize what time it is?
- Are you sure you want to discuss this over the phone or chat when the secretary will tell you to write a message?
- Don't forget to be nice to them and not tell them off
I don't know, maybe this is uncalled for, but I've actually been moved to tears several times over some people's comments or calls, and though I've taken them to the Lord because I know that in the end whatever can better my professionalism is good, I still question whether it's weird that I feel a bit of a reminder of consideration might be needed.
After all, in the end, love is the most important thing. Right?
posted by CurlyCel @ 8:49 PM
12 comments
12 Comments:
Just a suggestion - get an answering machine with the message " Sorry, you have called outside our office hours which are xxxx to yyyy. If it's a real emergency please ring our mobile number xxxxxxxxx and our night duty member will call you back asap. Have a nice day! Missing yawll ready!"
Something like that?
I'm guessing you're talking about non Family ringing you up,in your blog?
Pete
lol......poor you! Thank you so much for all you do, we would have a lot more problems without you! SMACK!
Take heart! I hope the right people read this, as a blog has a certain limited circle of readers. GBY for all your love, sacrifice and hard hard work. It's sad that we have the Lord and act like we don't when we have no consideration for the human needs of others. Great message you wrote there.
Lots of love,
An FGA
Oh yeh, it is rude. In fact I would just hit the busy signal on the phone or put on mute. If it's that important they can call 911!
It is quite rude. I usually just let my mobile go to voice mail after work hours, and then deal with it the next day. You need that time to unwind and relax. =D
Pete, it's Family people I was talking about - alas...
But TX guys - it's good to know I'm not that weird. ;)
I know just how you feel!!
IMHO its VERY "unprofessional" (not to mention rude) to demand support/work past working hours, if the person has "forgotten" (or whatever sad excuse ppl can come up with) to have to ask at late hours for help, then its their fault, therefore their problem. I've skipped way to many dinners, activities for such behaviour & whilst doing it out of love I realized that ultimately I am not helping anyone.
- Myself: because I am not having a balanced life.
- The ones around: as often it affects otehrs too.
-The person asking: as he/she is not learning to organize their days/time properly (not to mention their etiquette)
I have learned to be available only at the right times, it has helped me a lot. ;) The "emergencies" are VERY rare!! They can't be the norm.
So, no you are not wierd..
Wow, long comment, sorry Cel...
With Family people Cel, just remind them that they should be practising prophecy and ask The Lord rather than bothering you. God always answers but they need to keep practising to hone their skills with His gift.
Strange to say this I know, but even I can hear Him now, though I don't do it nearly enough. Didn't Dad suggest we ask The Lord about everything before we do it?
Pete
That's right, Jamez - all very good points actually! Gotta try to find a way to actually stick to them, as I'm partially to blame for being so helpful and available to help answer questions (which isn't wrong within reason), so some people take it for granted. Sigh!
And Pete, they know the prophecy side of life, what they're usually asking me is work related things that are actually in my court to help sort out - or some random question that though they could practice prophecy, their channels would have to be quite advanced to figure out. ;) So I don't think I could use that one...but TX for the idea.
Cel, Cel, always busy, always giving!
I love you! Thanks for all you do!
I agree Maria, thank you dear Cel for explaining, giving and loving everyone.
GBY!
Pete
I agree with the idea of getting an office line separate from the home line. Also just ask your home members to not pass work calls after hours. People can be told sweetly that you're not available, can0t they? Lack of planning on their part does not constitute an emergency on yours.
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