Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.
Dismiss

Dead end jobs

5 views
Skip to first unread message

Wry Bread

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 4:30:35 AM6/17/02
to
Okay. Everybody knows them. Fast food. Retail. Service. Joel's posts of
late bring up an interesting point. Most people that take them just take
them for temporary money and don't intend to do it for a career. However,
jobs like this often involve dealing with the public, and often are great
ways to meet people, either customers, or co-workers. Most peoploe have
worked several of these type of jobs and often maintain contact with people
when they move on afterward.

I have never had one. I didn't work during high school or college, and
after graduation, went right into a male dominated, office job with little
public interaction.

So, what do you think the impact/importance of these jobs is on social
development?


MidgetsScareMe

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 5:45:43 AM6/17/02
to
> So, what do you think the impact/importance of these jobs is on social
> development?

If you are afraid of flying, the only way to overcome it is to get in a
plane and fly. If you are afraid of people, what better way of overcoming
that fear than to get a job dealing with the public. Not only that, but you
get paid too! Therapy that pays. Sounds good to me.

Personally, I'd never work in fast food. Mostly because I don't look good in
paper hats.

Adrian Boliston

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 6:39:44 AM6/17/02
to
"Wry Bread" <wryb...@nwlink.REMOVEcom> wrote in message
news:ugr7rfs...@corp.supernews.com...

> So, what do you think the impact/importance of these jobs is on social
> development?

I guess they teach you patience more than anything else. I once got a job
in electrical retail dealing with customers and it was about as interesting
as watching paint dry! The first week was ok but it got VERY boring after
that!


eof

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 7:48:15 AM6/17/02
to
In article <ugr7rfs...@corp.supernews.com>, "Wry Bread"
<wryb...@nwlink.REMOVEcom> wrote:

> Okay. Everybody knows them. Fast food. Retail. Service. Joel's
> posts of late bring up an interesting point. Most people that take
> them just take them for temporary money and don't intend to do it
> for a career. However, jobs like this often involve dealing with
> the public, and often are great ways to meet people, either
> customers, or co-workers. Most peoploe have worked several of
> these type of jobs and often maintain contact with people when they
> move on afterward.

> So, what do you think the impact/importance of these jobs is on
> social development?

i worked in retail (grocery store), i found it a little easier to talk
to people when they needed information from you, like where the canned
hams were and such. But there was never any real connection or
smalltalk opportunities with customers. The employees, otoh, were a
different story. The people I worked closely with... we had alot of
fun and used to play touch football in the (lighted) parking lot after
the store closed... so yes, I think in that respect it can be a good
thing.

eof

Joel

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 8:54:22 AM6/17/02
to
"Wry Bread" <wryb...@nwlink.REMOVEcom> wrote in message
news:ugr7rfs...@corp.supernews.com...
> So, what do you think the impact/importance of these jobs is on social
> development?

Great place to play catch-up. I can now recognize at least most signals
a girl sends out. Dunno if they're exaggerated by the fact I'm wearing
dayglow orange or not, but I can definitely read them now.

--
Joel

If you want a look into my life, check out:
http://moleculor.blogspot.com/ -- 06/14/02 11:55 PM


Trance909

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 9:41:42 AM6/17/02
to
>I have never had one. I didn't work during high school or college, and
>after graduation, went right into a male dominated, office job with little
>public interaction.
>So, what do you think the impact/importance of these jobs is on social
>development?

I never had one either. All I know is that office jobs are absolutely worthless
in this regard. You go. You sit at your desk. The hours drag by. There are no
women your age nearby, and if there was one, she'd be married. It's also a poor
environment for being social. Whatever personality you had going into the job,
every hour you labor at the computer, you can feel it slowly being sucked away.
It makes you a shell of a person.

All I know is when I sit on my ass for 8 hours a day at a job, I am exhausted.
Utterly EXHAUSTED. That's unbelivable, and a true indication that something
isn't right. I can jump on a bike for 8 hours straight and still not be as
exhausted as that.


Lisa

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 8:58:32 AM6/17/02
to
"Joel" <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:2_kP8.655$Fv1....@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net...

> "Wry Bread" <wryb...@nwlink.REMOVEcom> wrote in message
> news:ugr7rfs...@corp.supernews.com...
> > So, what do you think the impact/importance of these jobs is on social
> > development?
>
> Great place to play catch-up. I can now recognize at least most signals
> a girl sends out. Dunno if they're exaggerated by the fact I'm wearing
> dayglow orange or not, but I can definitely read them now.

Ooooo...dayglo oraaaaange. Sexy!


bec...@starmail.com

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 10:41:49 AM6/17/02
to
Wry Bread <wryb...@nwlink.removecom> wrote:
> Okay. Everybody knows them. Fast food. Retail. Service. Joel's posts of
> late bring up an interesting point. Most people that take them just take
> them for temporary money and don't intend to do it for a career. However,
> jobs like this often involve dealing with the public, and often are great
> ways to meet people, either customers, or co-workers. Most peoploe have
> worked several of these type of jobs and often maintain contact with people
> when they move on afterward.

I see people making friends at my pointless job and stuff, but I don't get
much out of it. I already knew a couple of people there when I started
and I kinda tagged along with them when they did social stuff with work
people, but really I'm pretty non-existent there. People who started long
after me think they've worked there longer, and get more recognition from
the managers.
Maybe if I put a bit of effort in I might see some benefits, but it
doesn't seem worth it to me really. I guess I've pretty much mastered the
nod-and-smile conversational style with customers at least :)

Beckie :)


--
Don't worry. You won't say anything stupid. It'll be fine.
-Neil Gaiman

William Parker

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 11:05:59 AM6/17/02
to
bec...@starmail.com wrote in news:aeksfd$gab$1...@bunyip.cc.uq.edu.au:

mmm-hmm:)

Joel

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 11:53:25 AM6/17/02
to
<bec...@starmail.com> wrote in message

BECKIE! *glomp* *liiiiiiiiiiiiick!*

news:aeksfd$gab$1...@bunyip.cc.uq.edu.au...


> I see people making friends at my pointless job and stuff, but I don't
get
> much out of it. I already knew a couple of people there when I
started
> and I kinda tagged along with them when they did social stuff with
work
> people, but really I'm pretty non-existent there. People who started
long
> after me think they've worked there longer, and get more recognition
from
> the managers.
> Maybe if I put a bit of effort in I might see some benefits, but it
> doesn't seem worth it to me really. I guess I've pretty much mastered
the
> nod-and-smile conversational style with customers at least :)

*nod* That's the point. Not to make friends with co-workers, though
that's a good idea... the point is to get the non-n-smile-verbal-greet
with the customers. You'll get no response from a few rude ones, a
polite response from most, and occasionally you'll get the very obvious
(after hearing the polite version hundreds of times) "Oooo... You're
cute!" type response.

You have to be sure to do things VERBALLY though. You can't just do a
non-n-greet. That doesn't work, and it doesn't get them to respond.

Here's how you do it. You look at them, smile, and say one single word
in greeting. It can be "Hi" or "Hello", but I prefer "Mornin'" "Evenin'"
or "Afternoon". Usually I pick the one that actually applies to the time
of day.

The verbal greeting is an absolute necessity.

Hiya Beckie!

Lovetosaydada

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 2:57:58 PM6/17/02
to

<bec...@starmail.com> wrote in message
news:aeksfd$gab$1...@bunyip.cc.uq.edu.au...

The point I made following up to Joel's post, is it CAN be good. Like you
seem to show, I mean....aren't School and College/Uni even better places to
make friends and be social? If we fuck up there, I can't imagine a job
making too much difference. I've worked ages at my job, and new people are
further up the social ladder than I am...


--


Stuart

Wry Bread

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 5:11:17 PM6/17/02
to

Adrian Boliston <adr...@boliston.com> wrote in message
news:aekebn$7k0kl$1...@ID-111900.news.dfncis.de...

Well, that's because all your customers were electricians. I meant the
general public, mainly.


Wry Bread

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 5:16:34 PM6/17/02
to

Joel <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:2_kP8.655$Fv1....@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net...
> "Wry Bread" <wryb...@nwlink.REMOVEcom> wrote in message
> news:ugr7rfs...@corp.supernews.com...
> > So, what do you think the impact/importance of these jobs is on social
> > development?
>
> Great place to play catch-up. I can now recognize at least most signals
> a girl sends out. Dunno if they're exaggerated by the fact I'm wearing
> dayglow orange or not, but I can definitely read them now.

Are you sure they aren't just screwing with you though? After all, you are
kinda a convenient flirting target, and girls always go to stores in flocks,
so they are feeling bolder.


Wry Bread

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 5:21:10 PM6/17/02
to

Trance909 <tran...@aol.com> wrote:

> I never had one either. All I know is that office jobs are absolutely
worthless
> in this regard. You go. You sit at your desk. The hours drag by. There are
no
> women your age nearby, and if there was one, she'd be married. It's also a
poor
> environment for being social. Whatever personality you had going into the
job,
> every hour you labor at the computer, you can feel it slowly being sucked
away.
> It makes you a shell of a person.

That was exactly my old job. Plus, I was surrounded by guys all twice my
age, but toward the end, we got a receptionist near my own age, so I would
go and talk to her during spare moments during lunch break.


Wry Bread

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 5:23:32 PM6/17/02
to

<bec...@starmail.com> wrote:

> I see people making friends at my pointless job and stuff, but I don't get
> much out of it. I already knew a couple of people there when I started
> and I kinda tagged along with them when they did social stuff with work
> people, but really I'm pretty non-existent there. People who started long
> after me think they've worked there longer, and get more recognition from
> the managers.

Do you think they deserve it? Do you think you deserve it? Or do you
really not care?

> Maybe if I put a bit of effort in I might see some benefits, but it
> doesn't seem worth it to me really. I guess I've pretty much mastered the
> nod-and-smile conversational style with customers at least :)

So, do you feel like you're basically just going through the motions
anymore?


Wry Bread

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 5:27:03 PM6/17/02
to

Joel <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Here's how you do it. You look at them, smile, and say one single word
> in greeting. It can be "Hi" or "Hello", but I prefer "Mornin'" "Evenin'"
> or "Afternoon". Usually I pick the one that actually applies to the time
> of day.

The funny thing is, people often mix this up and wish me a happy evening at
3:00 in the afternoon and stuff.


Wry Bread

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 5:29:06 PM6/17/02
to

Joel <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:VBnP8.918$Fv1.1...@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net...

> <bec...@starmail.com> wrote in message
>
> BECKIE! *glomp* *liiiiiiiiiiiiick!*

Hey Joel, not meaning to rain on your new confidence parade, but there's a
fine line between being playful and being annoying, and you crossed it about
3 licks ago.


Kali

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 5:39:22 PM6/17/02
to
"Wry Bread" <wryb...@nwlink.REMOVEcom> wrote in message
news:ugslf12...@corp.supernews.com...

Joel has good reason to be feeling confident. He won't cross the line
for a few more licks.


William Parker

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 6:05:39 PM6/17/02
to
"Wry Bread" <wryb...@nwlink.REMOVEcom> wrote in
news:ugslf12...@corp.supernews.com:

This makes me wonder which side of that line I'm on:)

Joel

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 6:08:00 PM6/17/02
to
"Wry Bread" <wryb...@nwlink.REMOVEcom> wrote in message
news:ugsknpg...@corp.supernews.com...

Even if they are, they're sending out the required signals in ways that
I can use to recognize them later.

meg

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 6:15:59 PM6/17/02
to
wlparker-...@sympatico.ca (William Parker) wrote in
news:Xns9230B813190E8w...@207.35.177.134:

*solemn stare*

You know.

Adrian Boliston

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 6:27:19 PM6/17/02
to
Wry Bread wrote:

> Well, that's because all your customers were electricians. I meant the
> general public, mainly.

I don't think I had that many electricians! Most of what I sold were
incredibly boring things like washing machines, TV's and Stereo's, and
most of the customers were just as boring as the stuff they purchased.

--
_. _|._.o _.._ |_ _ |o __-+- _ ._
(_](_][ |(_][ ) [_)(_)||_) | (_)[ )

http://www.boliston.com/

Wry Bread

unread,
Jun 17, 2002, 6:36:10 PM6/17/02
to

Adrian Boliston <adr...@boliston.com> wrote in message
news:3D0E6247...@boliston.com...

> Wry Bread wrote:
>
> > Well, that's because all your customers were electricians. I meant the
> > general public, mainly.
>
> I don't think I had that many electricians! Most of what I sold were
> incredibly boring things like washing machines, TV's and Stereo's, and
> most of the customers were just as boring as the stuff they purchased.

Maybe you were just a boring salesperson. : P


bec...@starmail.com

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 12:16:29 AM6/18/02
to
Joel <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> <bec...@starmail.com> wrote in message

> BECKIE! *glomp* *liiiiiiiiiiiiick!*

hi to you too :)

>> Maybe if I put a bit of effort in I might see some benefits, but it
>> doesn't seem worth it to me really. I guess I've pretty much mastered
> the
>> nod-and-smile conversational style with customers at least :)

> *nod* That's the point. Not to make friends with co-workers, though
> that's a good idea... the point is to get the non-n-smile-verbal-greet
> with the customers. You'll get no response from a few rude ones, a
> polite response from most, and occasionally you'll get the very obvious
> (after hearing the polite version hundreds of times) "Oooo... You're
> cute!" type response.

> You have to be sure to do things VERBALLY though. You can't just do a
> non-n-greet. That doesn't work, and it doesn't get them to respond.

well, I don't actually want to have a conversation... I just want to come
across as friendly enough without actually exposing my pathetic
conversational skills...

> Here's how you do it. You look at them, smile, and say one single word
> in greeting. It can be "Hi" or "Hello", but I prefer "Mornin'" "Evenin'"
> or "Afternoon". Usually I pick the one that actually applies to the time
> of day.

> The verbal greeting is an absolute necessity.

> Hiya Beckie!

hi joel :) I do do that, I use the nod and smile technique for when
customers actually try to chat about something else

bec...@starmail.com

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 12:43:24 AM6/18/02
to
Wry Bread <wryb...@nwlink.removecom> wrote:

> <bec...@starmail.com> wrote:

>> I see people making friends at my pointless job and stuff, but I don't get
>> much out of it. I already knew a couple of people there when I started
>> and I kinda tagged along with them when they did social stuff with work
>> people, but really I'm pretty non-existent there. People who started long
>> after me think they've worked there longer, and get more recognition from
>> the managers.

> Do you think they deserve it? Do you think you deserve it? Or do you
> really not care?

I want some stupid little badges dammit! :) I don't really care, cause I
don't care about the job, but I think I deserve it more than some of the
people who work there, who only get badges and stuff cause they're friends
with the managers

>> Maybe if I put a bit of effort in I might see some benefits, but it
>> doesn't seem worth it to me really. I guess I've pretty much mastered the
>> nod-and-smile conversational style with customers at least :)

> So, do you feel like you're basically just going through the motions
> anymore?

that's all I ever did. I can go through the motions with barely any
thought at all required now :)

cb

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 1:31:43 AM6/18/02
to
Wry Bread wrote:


My roommate was severely shy until he worked at K-mart as a teen. It
brought out his naturally funny and quick-witted mind (a lot like you,
Wry) cuz he was forced to talk to and deal with people all the time.
He still has interesting behavioral issues since he grew up shy
(doesn't immediately talk to people he doesn't know, isn't extremely
aggressive, etc..), but he is quite possibly the most extroverted
person I know. He's a formerly "shy extrovert".

I know of at least 2 people who have taken 2nd jobs at coffee shops or
other type jobs for the simple reason of meeting people or helping
their shyness. Apparently, it works to an extent. To what, I don't
know. The only public job I had was at a library, and everyone there
was nice and quiet.

cb

cb

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 1:44:01 AM6/18/02
to
Kali wrote:
>"Wry Bread" <wryb...@nwlink.REMOVEcom> wrote in message
>news:ugslf12...@corp.supernews.com...
>>> Joel <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>>> BECKIE! *glomp* *liiiiiiiiiiiiick!*
>> Hey Joel, not meaning to rain on your new confidence parade,
>> but there's a
>> fine line between being playful and being annoying, and you
>> crossed it about 3 licks ago.

>Joel has good reason to be feeling confident. He won't cross the line
>for a few more licks.


Yeah, go Joel! Go get us some chicks.

Although the licking thing is a bit disturbing.

Keep up that confidence, soon enough it'll get to you and change you
for good, for the better. I know, it feels *great* when those things
happen to you. Ah man, I cannot stop thinking of all those hot chicks
from this weekend. It's infectious, that happy feeling that girls
like you. **Especially** when you've spent your *entire* life NOT
getting this AT ALL from girls. It finally happens and you just go
off the deep end.

The licking is still weird. Do you really want to do that to people?
Ah well, whatever floats your boat. Are you sure you don't have an
inner dog in your personality? Glomping is cool, though, especially
if the glomper has big boobs (*flashback* ... yyeeeeeessssss......)

Lisa

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 1:15:15 AM6/18/02
to
"cb" <gilesm...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:BMzP8.114260$pw3.3874@sccrnsc03...

Forgive the intrusion, but, what is glomping?


cb

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 2:31:33 AM6/18/02
to

When you run up and tackle hug someone, like a pounce. You don't
necessarily have to knock them down, though. It's meant to surprise
and show affection. I'd like to know the origin of the word.

cb

Steve Ruelle

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 3:09:11 AM6/18/02
to
"Wry Bread" <wryb...@nwlink.REMOVEcom> wrote in message news:<ugr7rfs...@corp.supernews.com>...

> So, what do you think the impact/importance of these jobs is on social
> development?

Great topic. Speaking from experience, the impact was substantial - I
think 'Midgets' made some great points in her post along that line as
well. I did a variety of customer service type jobs, such as a few
gas stations and a theatre usher, as well as a few summers in a grain
elevator. They were stepping stones, though, and I did find myself
hanging around at the self-serve station a little longer than I had
planned on ... but the social development was great. Not just
interacting with the customers, which built on a whole new set of
skills, but also in making friends with my co-workers and building
relationships. Some of it turned into an exciting cultural exchange,
and I learned a lot about India in the process ... got invited to a
few dinners, participated in gift-giving to couples with a newborn,
and almost planned a trip but that got cancelled due to fear (this
was 2 years ago).

On the other hand, any idiot knows that these service-type jobs pay
very low, and provide little opportunity for advancement within the
job itself. It's a chicken-egg situation. Since most of the people
working these jobs are students, living with parents, semi-retired,
etc. they can afford to be paid rock-bottom wages as there's some
additional income source. But for those unfortunate working-poor
people who do rely on these jobs as their only income source, it's a
very tough life - as experience from meeting such people shows. I
suppose the point is that such a 'minimum wage' is hardly a living
wage at all, but since most people who do these temporary service jobs
rely on other sources of support, the consensus is that paying these
wages is justified.

Steve

Steve Ruelle

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 3:22:47 AM6/18/02
to
tran...@aol.com (Trance909) wrote in message news:<20020617094142...@mb-cj.aol.com>...

> All I know is when I sit on my ass for 8 hours a day at a job, I am exhausted.
> Utterly EXHAUSTED. That's unbelivable, and a true indication that something
> isn't right. I can jump on a bike for 8 hours straight and still not be as
> exhausted as that.

I've had the same experience too - mostly doing temp work in offices a
few summers back. The work itself was very easy, just filing and data
entry. But there were so many distractions and noises in the
environment around me that concentration was tough. After awhile, I
began to adapt to it, but I suspect that subconsciously there was
still a lot of processing the background noise that drained me out.

I've discovered that I can handle short bursts of intense work, no
problem. But I find steady work exhausting and boring at the same
time. For example, I can do about a 3 hour teaching session in the
morning and go flat out, then have a rest. After that, prep some
more, take it easy, have lunch, then do the same later in the
afternoon. Or, on a larger scale, go for about 2 weeks of doing, say
a 60 hour work week, then slow it down the next week with maybe a 30
hour week or something like that.

If there's variety, that's great. But, with office jobs, it's the
same with you. If it's the same steady work day in and day out, same
hours, etc. it can be very draining. I can get used to it, and do a
good job, of course. And in some respects the stability is nice. But
I'd much rather have the variety.

I can jump on a bike and go all day exploring in the HOT SUN, and when
I mean hot, it's like 32 degrees (mid 90's), and about 3 applications
of sunscreen with perhaps 7 or 8 full bottles of water drunk in the
day. After that I am very exhausted, but it's a POSITIVE feeling of
physical fitness, contrast that to mental/psychological exhaustion
that comes from sitting indoors all day and dealing with an overload
of information.

Steve

Lisa

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 4:52:40 AM6/18/02
to
"cb" <gilesm...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:9tAP8.231785$352.17783@sccrnsc02...

Hmmm. Interesting.
All these years I've been doing this and didn't know what it was called.


Adrian Boliston

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 5:53:14 AM6/18/02
to
"Wry Bread" <wryb...@nwlink.REMOVEcom> wrote in message
news:ugspd06...@corp.supernews.com...

> Maybe you were just a boring salesperson. : P

I just got fed up with talking bulls**t all day, which is sort of expected
of most store sales persons.


eof

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 7:40:22 AM6/18/02
to
In article <9tAP8.231785$352.17783@sccrnsc02>, cb
<gilesm...@yahoo.com> wrote:

> >Forgive the intrusion, but, what is glomping?
>
> When you run up and tackle hug someone, like a pounce. You don't
> necessarily have to knock them down, though. It's meant to
> surprise and show affection.

Sounds like a one-way ticket to the slammer for me, if I were to try
that. :)

eof

Joel

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 8:47:25 AM6/18/02
to
<bec...@starmail.com> wrote in message
news:aemc6t$ctv$1...@bunyip.cc.uq.edu.au...

> Joel <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > <bec...@starmail.com> wrote in message
>
> > BECKIE! *glomp* *liiiiiiiiiiiiick!*
>
> hi to you too :)

*griiiiiin*

Aw. Out here, there's practically only one conversation that really goes
on. It goes like this:

Me: Afternoon.
Them: Hi, how are ya?
M: I'm alright, you?
T: I'm <fill in the blank>.
M: Good! *smile*

That's it. My responses never change. Ever.

Joel

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 9:02:52 AM6/18/02
to
"cb" <gilesm...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:9tAP8.231785$352.17783@sccrnsc02...

Anime.

Joel

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 9:09:06 AM6/18/02
to
"cb" <gilesm...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:BMzP8.114260$pw3.3874@sccrnsc03...
> The licking is still weird. Do you really want to do that to people?

Certain parts, and only women. *evil grin*

> Ah well, whatever floats your boat. Are you sure you don't have an
> inner dog in your personality?

Born in the year of the dog, actually.

> Glomping is cool, though, especially
> if the glomper has big boobs (*flashback* ... yyeeeeeessssss......)

LOL. Damn it, I need to go to a con some day.

Lisa

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 8:47:26 AM6/18/02
to
"Joel" <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:xZFP8.2571$uH2....@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net...

Not *even* when you were penciling a message on that girl's tush? Hmmm?


bec...@starmail.com

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 9:53:36 AM6/18/02
to
Joel <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Aw. Out here, there's practically only one conversation that really goes
> on. It goes like this:

> Me: Afternoon.
> Them: Hi, how are ya?
> M: I'm alright, you?
> T: I'm <fill in the blank>.
> M: Good! *smile*

> That's it. My responses never change. Ever.

:) At least their responses are appropriate. I have those conversations
too, although half the time they go

Me: Hi, how are you?
Them: I'll have whatever...

or

Me: Hi, what would you like?
Them: yeah, good thanks

I've given up on the idea that people actually listen :)

Joel

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 10:14:18 AM6/18/02
to
"Lisa" <Lisas...@blerg.com> wrote in message
news:aencv7$lgn$01$1...@news.t-online.com...

> "Joel" <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:xZFP8.2571$uH2....@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net...
> > Aw. Out here, there's practically only one conversation that really
goes
> > on. It goes like this:
> >
> > Me: Afternoon.
> > Them: Hi, how are ya?
> > M: I'm alright, you?
> > T: I'm <fill in the blank>.
> > M: Good! *smile*
> >
> > That's it. My responses never change. Ever.
>
> Not *even* when you were penciling a message on that girl's tush?
Hmmm?

Pen, actually.

And no, that went a bit differently.

M: Evenin'! (From across the parking lot)
T: Hello.... Oh hey! Could you do a favor for us?

Blah.. blah... blah...

Trance909

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 11:22:46 AM6/18/02
to
>That was exactly my old job. Plus, I was surrounded by guys all twice my
>age, but toward the end, we got a receptionist near my own age, so I would
>go and talk to her during spare moments during lunch break.

On occasion, that could conceivably happen. Once at one of my jobs, there was a
somewhat cute young receptionist, but even she was married. Friendly but
married. With a kid too. Other than that, I haven't even seen a marginally
attractive woman at any of my jobs. The women at jobs are never my age, never
single, and never very attractive. In fact, that's an understatement.

Trance909

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 11:35:14 AM6/18/02
to
>After that I am very exhausted, but it's a POSITIVE feeling of
>physical fitness, contrast that to mental/psychological exhaustion
>that comes from sitting indoors all day and dealing with an overload
>of information.

That's probably it. I don' t know what it is about offices though......even
when they aren't very noisy......sometimes the quality of the sheer silence is
exhausting, you know what I mean?

I guess what it boils down to is that sitting in an office for *that long*
seems incredibly unnatural to me.

You know, I also find that a majority of people in offices are very sedentary,
out-of-shape people........where do the active, fitness-oriented people work
and make their living? Maybe everyone is out of shape these days :( I think I
hit on something here, a potential impetus for change. If the majority of
society could somehow be converted to being more concerned about fitness and
generally being active, society would DEMAND far fewer hours in the workplace.
Most of these people get out of breath just walking to their freakin' SUV in
the parking lot, of *course* they don't mind sitting on their asses 8+ hours a
day. They don't have anything better to do! If the majority adopted physical
fitness as a way of life, the workplace would *have* to change drastically.
There is little doubt in my mind of that. Of course, at this point, it would
never happen, as America is too far gone as a sedentary nation. But I have no
doubt this theory would hold true, assuming most Americans *could* be made to
consider physical fitness a high priority in their lives.

At my last job, the secretary would take her car to go 2-3 blocks at lunch.
Utterly sickening to watch. I walked to lunch......EVERY day. Sometimes 6-7
blocks.

cb

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 2:29:12 PM6/18/02
to
Joel wrote:


>>>>Glomping is cool, though, especially
>>>> if the glomper has big boobs (*flashback* ... yyeeeeeessssss......)
>> >
>> >Forgive the intrusion, but, what is glomping?
>>
>> When you run up and tackle hug someone, like a pounce. You don't
>> necessarily have to knock them down, though. It's meant to surprise
>> and show affection. I'd like to know the origin of the word.
>
>Anime.


That's what I thought. The first time I heard the word was at anime
cons. Girls would ask for people to glomp them and dish them out,
even to complete strangers. The most recent one I was at, there were
several girls wearing huge signs that read "GLOMP ME!", one of them
being a former date I had that turned out really badly. She was
kissing on some other guy, so I guess she definitely moved on.

William Parker

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 2:31:55 PM6/18/02
to
cb <gilesm...@yahoo.com> wrote in news:YZKP8.245879$cQ3.10310@sccrnsc01:

> That's what I thought. The first time I heard the word was at anime
> cons. Girls would ask for people to glomp them and dish them out,
> even to complete strangers. The most recent one I was at, there were
> several girls wearing huge signs that read "GLOMP ME!", one of them
> being a former date I had that turned out really badly. She was
> kissing on some other guy, so I guess she definitely moved on.

I make it a goal to glomp on tens of attractive strangers per day.

Lisa

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 2:07:32 PM6/18/02
to
"Joel" <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:_eHP8.2675$uH2...@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net...

> "Lisa" <Lisas...@blerg.com> wrote in message
> news:aencv7$lgn$01$1...@news.t-online.com...
> > "Joel" <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:xZFP8.2571$uH2....@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net...
> > > Aw. Out here, there's practically only one conversation that really
> goes
> > > on. It goes like this:
> > >
> > > Me: Afternoon.
> > > Them: Hi, how are ya?
> > > M: I'm alright, you?
> > > T: I'm <fill in the blank>.
> > > M: Good! *smile*
> > >
> > > That's it. My responses never change. Ever.
> >
> > Not *even* when you were penciling a message on that girl's tush?
> Hmmm?
>
> Pen, actually.
>
> And no, that went a bit differently.
>
> M: Evenin'! (From across the parking lot)
> T: Hello.... Oh hey! Could you do a favor for us?
>
> Blah.. blah... blah...

I sense a strong ability to improvise exuding from your... being, and stuff.
:)


Joel

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 3:35:01 PM6/18/02
to
"Lisa" <Lisas...@blerg.com> wrote in message
news:aenvmu$ulc$04$1...@news.t-online.com...

Yeah. I'm actually an extrovert, except when it comes to dating
situations involving women IRL.

Lisa

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 2:57:03 PM6/18/02
to
"Joel" <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:FXLP8.3120$Fv1.3...@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net...

Ever hang out with women platonically irl with no sexual tension involved?
I prefer the company of men to women, this makes me more sure around the
ones I like.


kitzwise.gamgee

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 4:32:41 PM6/18/02
to
Wry said:

>So, what do you think the impact/importance of these jobs is on social
>development?

Having to go through it keeps you humble later on. You won't treat people like
shit just because you can when you've been there.

My mom is the best example. She's been nothing but upper class her whole life
and never had to have a REAL job, so she's the biggest bitch in the universe to
those of us who actually do a little bit of REAL work. God I hate her.

- kitz -
"Get up and fight, you lopsided bag of hay!" -Lion
"Dont leave me all alone! Don't go where I can't follow!" -Sam
new crap - http://spinning_plates.tripod.com

kitzwise.gamgee

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 4:36:23 PM6/18/02
to
Joel said:

>BECKIE! *glomp* *liiiiiiiiiiiiick!*

Jeez, Joel. How about laying off that a little. That's gross.

Joel

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 7:45:12 PM6/18/02
to
"Lisa" <Lisas...@blerg.com> wrote in message
news:aeo2jq$f7t$01$1...@news.t-online.com...

No. I never have an opportunity to. I get along with women better than
men, but I don't really know or see anyone at all.

Joel

unread,
Jun 18, 2002, 7:57:19 PM6/18/02
to
"kitzwise.gamgee" <kitzn...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20020618163623...@mb-ca.aol.com...

> Joel said:
>
> >BECKIE! *glomp* *liiiiiiiiiiiiick!*
>
> Jeez, Joel. How about laying off that a little. That's gross.

Um, no it isn't.

But I'm not going to tell you why.

Wry Bread

unread,
Jun 19, 2002, 2:07:08 AM6/19/02
to

kitzwise.gamgee <kitzn...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20020618163241...@mb-ca.aol.com...

> Wry said:
>
> >So, what do you think the impact/importance of these jobs is on social
> >development?
>
> Having to go through it keeps you humble later on. You won't treat people
like
> shit just because you can when you've been there.

But I've never had one, and I treat them nicely. But that's because I'm,
uh, nice. : )


Lisa

unread,
Jun 19, 2002, 3:33:18 AM6/19/02
to
"Joel" <mole...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:cCPP8.3573$uH2...@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net...

Hmmmmmm....


Steve Ruelle

unread,
Jun 20, 2002, 12:08:49 AM6/20/02
to
tran...@aol.com (Trance909) wrote in message news:<20020618113514...@mb-ms.aol.com>...

> That's probably it. I don' t know what it is about offices though......even
> when they aren't very noisy......sometimes the quality of the sheer silence is
> exhausting, you know what I mean?

Yes I do - it's a sterile and artificial kind of silence, quite hard
to describe.



> I guess what it boils down to is that sitting in an office for *that long*
> seems incredibly unnatural to me.

You're right - and it's necessary to get up from time to time and take
some breaks. Or work in some sort of 'spurts', i.e. in the morning
work extra hard and do a vast majority of tasks, then slow down and
take it easier in the afternoon. At least, that's the style I prefer.

> You know, I also find that a majority of people in offices are very sedentary,
> out-of-shape people........where do the active, fitness-oriented people work
> and make their living?

Most likely in gyms, fitness centres, or doing aerobics teaching :-)
But there are also many jobs available for outdoor adventure leaders,
or eco-tour guides. Actually, my best friend is involved with a
program leading teenagers on camping trips this summer and getting
paid some sweet cash for it. On the other hand, any office type or
customer service work is quite sedentary and you have to be proactive
if you're going to get any exercise. As the job won't provide it, nor
does it encourage it.

> Maybe everyone is out of shape these days :(

Unfortunately, a lot of people are - myself included. I had a regular
exercise program going in the past, but that stopped as of late, and
now I find myself craving that physical exercise again.

Although some segments of modern society encourage physical fitness
(especially the health, fitness, and wellness communities) and have
succeeded partially in bringing this into the mainstream corporate
environment ... recall several examples of companies that have company
fitness centres and personal trainers ... the norm, sadly, still is
extremely sedentary and the worship of "personal convenience" takes
precedence over health. Especially the examples you cited about those
lazy people who drive their cars a few blocks to go for lunch.

I think I
> hit on something here, a potential impetus for change. If the majority of
> society could somehow be converted to being more concerned about fitness and
> generally being active, society would DEMAND far fewer hours in the workplace.

You're right - and although this has partially succeeded in past, the
society as a whole still hasn't fully accepted the importance of
personal health and fitness. Trouble is, the television, the personal
car, the fast food industry, and many other "personal conveniences"
detract from personal fitness, and people tend to want comfort more
than health. But, if society could somehow see the benefit of being
fit, as you say, then I'm sure work hours would be more balanced.

For example, even a simple jog in the morning for an hour can greatly
increase aerobic circulation and bring enormous benefits in energy
increase and generally feeling more 'vigorous'. Also, of course,
drinking 8 glasses of water a day greatly increases circulation and
helps decrease fat content.

> But I have no
> doubt this theory would hold true, assuming most Americans *could* be made to
> consider physical fitness a high priority in their lives.

Of course, because there are key segments of society that adopt and
promote this attitude - such as the fitness industry, wellness
centres, and others.

Steve

Trance909

unread,
Jun 21, 2002, 7:37:26 PM6/21/02
to
>Yes I do - it's a sterile and artificial kind of silence, quite hard
>to describe.

That's exactly what it is. Sterile and artificial. Man, I feel tired just
thinking about it.

>You're right - and it's necessary to get up from time to time and take
>some breaks. Or work in some sort of 'spurts', i.e. in the morning
>work extra hard and do a vast majority of tasks, then slow down and
>take it easier in the afternoon. At least, that's the style I prefer.

I do - I take more bathroom and water breaks than anyone. My working style is
to simply take everything and finish it as fast as possible. With my jobs, as
I've posted about before, it always gets to the point where I sit around with
nothing to do, and then when something comes in I pounce on it immediately and
finish it quickly. This is kinda why I don't really fit in in office
environments, and why I do better on temp jobs. On a temp job, I usually have a
huge stack of work to be done because the company is behind on
something.......I just finish it and when my job is done I leave. I can't deal
with finishing all my work and having to hang around anyway because "we work
from 8 to 5 here."

>Most likely in gyms, fitness centres, or doing aerobics teaching :-)

I must say that would be cool.

>But there are also many jobs available for outdoor adventure leaders,
>or eco-tour guides. Actually, my best friend is involved with a
>program leading teenagers on camping trips this summer and getting
>paid some sweet cash for it.

I'd love to be able to make a decent living leading rafting or mountain biking
trips. Or ski instructor. Hell, I'd settle for being the lift attendant. Alas,
these jobs seem to be for bum-ish college types who don't mind working for
peanuts. I've been there, I've had my summers spent as a camp counselor. It's
tons of fun, I wish I could go back. Crap, I met more girls doing that in a
tiny little New England "town" than in my "vibrant, sexy" metropolitan area of
several million people. And the kids liked me, though they generally liked the
more loud, outgoing counselors a bit better. I had my fans, though.

>Especially the examples you cited about those
>lazy people who drive their cars a few blocks to go for lunch.

Yup. I wasn't exaggerating, either. True story. This Subway store was actually
slightly *less* than 2 blocks away, and this secretary still always drove over
there. I've seen many similar examples, too.

I still think that if everyone bought into the fitness mentality, this current
paradigm of how we view work in the USA would disintegrate like an angel food
cake in a rainstorm. People simply wouldn't abide by sitting on their asses all
day, all week long, with only 2 weeks of vacation every year. It just wouldn't
fly.


0 new messages