Corporations Are Straight Messy Boots
I love being a small business it’s easier to turn around a small car versus a 18 Wheeler on a side street.
Today was one of those days that really tested my patience. It's the kind of day where you feel like you're pushed to the brink over something as mundane as a cell phone bill dispute with AT&T. It's not just about the bill; it's about the principle, the sheer lack of accountability that seems rampant. It feels like we're living in a post-COVID era where the notion of integrity has been shredded to bits, leaving those of us with old school values feeling like the odd one out.
The encounter got me thinking about the bigger picture, about integrity, accountability, and the kind of world we find ourselves in today. Scammers seem to be lurking in every corner, preying on the unsuspecting, including the elderly, with unrelenting phone calls. It's a stark reminder of how low some will stoop for a quick buck, dwelling in their deceit without a second thought about the impact of their actions.
Beyond the personal aggravation, this experience made me reflect deeply on my aspirations and ideals, particularly in the realm of business. The ordeal reinforced my resolve to steer clear of becoming a faceless conglomerate. There's a certain charm and authenticity in small enterprises that large corporations seem to lack. When you walk into a 'mom and pop' shop, you're not just a customer; you're valued, a sentiment that's becoming increasingly rare in the corporate world.
This journey through customer service hell has only strengthened my conviction in valuing simplicity and sincerity over convoluted corporate structures. It's led me to a decision: I'm going minimalist. Prepaid plans, and straightforward dealings — that's my new mantra. Why? After countless lies and a wild goose chase, it was the honesty of one employee who admitted she couldn't fix my issue that made me see the light. Authenticity and transparency, it turns out, are more precious than we realize.
So, as I drove to work, doing my best to shake off the frustration, I found myself pondering about resilience, about how we handle the curveballs life throws our way. For me, today's venting session has been therapeutic, a chance to articulate my vexations and navigate through them. Now, I turn to you, dear Substack reader. How do you deal with your frustrations? Is it through journaling, music, a long walk, or a heart-to-heart with a friend? Share your strategies. Let's navigate this messy,life together.
I agree it can be so frustrating trying to sort out issues with these bug companies - when you are on hold for so long and they move you from person to person where you gave to explain the situation over and over, and even then you can't get a logical answer!
Things I do to help with resilience are; journalling - when I can feel those emotions swirling around, writing through them helps me make sense of them, slowing down to get back some energy and taking any non essentials off my to do list. Oh and a nap, I feel like a nap makes everything better! X
I loved this line "Authenticity and transparency, it turns out, are more precious than we realize." This is so true. I work in the employee benefits space, and Authenticity and Transparency are craved by employers and consumers. It's why I changed the direction of my business to address those values fr my community, and to lead by example. It's unfortunate that jumbo employers don't value customer care any longer, but often they don't even value their employees. I know that most people in those service roles are taken for granted, and can be mistreated or overlooked. It's a miserable way to treat a human.
How I deal with frustration? Yoga even a 20 minute restorative class on the peloton app is medicine, Breathing, and walking, putting my bare feet on the earth and using something lavender scented maybe a candle or lotion.
But the best thing I can do to let it all go is to remember that everyone is doing their best, and to picture them as a 2 year old and remember that someone marveled at them.
The biggest test for me is in traffic.