Today was my first day in which I actually started calling people as part of my regular duties at work.
I’m not a good public speaker under most circumstances so of course I was nervous. The fact that I would be calling financial advisors to let them know their client’s check had bounced, that their client had bought themselves into a debit which needed to be covered immediately, etc didn’t help. I saw my job as being a harbinger, a bearer of bad news and luck.
The very first financial advisor I ever called sensed that I was scared of offending him. My voice must have given me away. Either way, he asked why I was being so meek. I decided to be honest and to forgo being professional by admitting that this was my first call.
The man then proceeded to reassure me and claimed that the fact that I make phone calls to let financial reps know of issues which need to be resolved is a good thing. A godsend, he said, since that means I don’t have to guess at which positions to sell to cover outstanding debits and can let the reps and their clients decide such matters instead. He then added that reps who get upset at me making such phone calls don’t understand and that I should continue doing good work (and trust me, I’ve heard many a horror story about short-tempered reps who are outraged over any sort of slight inconvenience and take it out on us processors who merely act as the messagers).
I almost cried right then and there, with my mentor sitting right next to me. In fact, I’m crying now as I write this post. Hearing that what I’m doing is important and holds value, that I am by extension contributing to society by being useful – it’s been a long, long while since I’ve heard that. Maybe not in words since some of my readers are very supportive of what I write and I am eternally grateful for their kindness. But it’s been too long since I’ve heard an actual voice personally reassure me. I think I really needed this.
And so I just wanted to share this with you all, too.
Maybe sometimes you feel like what you’re doing is pointless or that no one cares about what you’re writing and saying. Well, I’m here to say that’s wrong. What you want to express has worth. YOU have worth. Don’t be afraid and don’t let fear hold you back. Be open, be honest. Just write how you truly feel and people will eventually notice. You’re doing great, okay? We’d be missing out if you kept things to yourself.
Anyways, felt like this should come out. It’s really not that moving or sentimental in words, unfortunately. But hopefully it at least slightly brightened your Monday.
Here’s to a wonderful rest of the week.
The Lily Garden 
Awww remy I’m happy to hear this. It’s rare to hear anything like this work related but I’m glad your job is going well and your being appreciated.
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Thanks, Lita!
Sometimes miracles happen, yeah?
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It’s great that that dude was your first call nii-san!
Inspiring things sometimes happen in day to day lives and it definitely did brighten up a Wednesday. (Not Monday though)
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Wahaha, thanks, Auri. Some people are really nice after all!
Oof, guess I was a bit careless with the wording, huh? Well, I’m glad I helped brighten up your Wednesday, then!
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Awww I feel happy for you! 🙂 sometimes people forget that there is a human, with feelings, on the other end of the line just trying the best they can so it’s really nice when you get somebody who picks up that’s as nice as this. 😊
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Aww, thanks, Keiko! Yeah, we sometimes forget about how we’re interacting with people whether it be on the phone or in a blog. I was very fortunate!
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I’m glad your first call recipient took that approach. My old job involved caking representatives to declare that money was owed, and some of them were far from nice. It does all contribute though. Keep pushing forward and going what you can. That’s all anyone can really ask of you.
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I’m very glad, too. And yikes, that sounds like a rough gig.
Will do. Thank you!
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That’s such a great post. Always need to read inspirational things.
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Right? We all need to run into a person like that every so often.
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Meanwhile, I sat through meetings to scope out requirements, shook hands with our clients and then went to work building proof-of-concepts. As far as being a useful member of society goes, despite my severe outlook on the world, I’m very blasé with what I consider useful. If you’re doing something for someone, that’s all there is to it. Whether it’s answering phones, cleaning buildings, sewing someone together or looking after people’s data, that’s doing something for someone and worth praising. I just don’t like the folks who think they can post to Twitter or Tumblr and think that’s something.
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Sounds like a much more productive Monday than mine!
Mmm I appreciate your definition of usefulness. Can’t say this whole e-activism movement means all that much.
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It’s nice to know there is still nice and understanding human being on Earth.
Sometimes people forgot that not everyone is at ease with what there are doing, so having some reassuring words always feel good.
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Right? I’m so thankful and grateful. Reassuring words are always so wonderful!
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