I ask myself: How did this happen? And, when exactly did it happen? I mean, nothing has changed in the Addiverse.... right?
Take, for instance, my latest venture while picking up new my glasses this week. I usually only "work" with one particular lady because she's excellent at what she does, she actually listens and she gets it right the first time. But, this time, a 12-year old was assigned to me. She went and got my glasses, handed to me and then promptly went on to daydream about whatever 12 year olds daydream about. When I scowled and expressed my displeasure about the "sweet spot" in the left eye being off to the left a bit too much, she snapped back into reality and looked at me like I had three heads.
A 12-year old cannot understand what it is like to wear progressive lenses with the "sweet spot" being off just a wee bit. I could tell she had NO idea what I was talking about. This irritated me because the "other" lady would've known immediately what I was talking about. In fact, she has sent my glasses back on two separate occasions not only because she knew what I was talking about but also because she was able to check the lenses and confirm that yes, the lab had missed by a wee bit, making all the difference in the world. My 12 year old's advice,after continued blank stares and no semblance of recognizing issues of the progressive lens was: "Wear them for a week and come back if your eyes don't adjust."
No shit, Sherlock. Thanks for the tip. Perhaps over the week someone will teach you about the sweet spot of the progressive lens.
Her next spewing of wisdom? When she saw I was opening one eye and then the other eye to "test" out the view, she stated, "as long as your eyes work together, that's what matters." I guess that was her way of saying to stop the blinking nonsense, go wear the glasses for the week and take your sweet spot to Fannie Mae.
So, I'm on Day Two of the Progressive Lens Hostage Situation. Since my glasses are crooked, I'll have to go back today or tomorrow and get them adjusted. I will NOT be allowing the 12 year old to help me.
At least I wasn't rude to her. That should qualify me for an Olympic Medal.
As the trainer for a company, I've noticed a disturbing trend of the 12-years olds applying to work with us. Now, I know employees have to be 21 years old to work at the agency, but I think a few youngsters are slipping in. Smart phone in hand, late to arrive (even on the first day), attention of a flea, they plop themselves in the training room and immediately commence to text someone who must be much more important than me.
That's when I have the old person thoughts like: Would I EVER have been late to work on the first day of work? Would I have ever texted any time during the first hours of training (assuming we had had texting back in the day)? Would I plop down and be distracted by everything except the trainer? Would I have shown up without writing utensils?
No. No, I would would have not been late or unarmed or distracted. Day One: I would have been early, I would have been attentive, I would have had a pen and I would have been 21 years old.
For the record, out of the four new people this week, no one was early. One was on time. One was five minutes late. Two were ten or more minutes late. No apology. No explanation. No nothing. It appeared that this time frame was fabulous.
I guess time is elective once you get the job.
It's puzzling. When did newbies decide time is elective in regards to employment? Isn't anyone in the world holding youngsters accountable for actually showing up for work at the assigned time? Is this an across-the-board issue or is it related to the profession of which I belong? Is it like this in school, too? I can't imagine you just saunter into class whenever you dang well please....
Cue music from the 1980's because it's obvious I am from a different time zone.
Sigh. The problem is obvious. No one is 12-years old except 12-years old. The problem is that everyone looks 12-years old to me. Everyone is a 12-year old in comparison to me.
I've had to change just about everything about the way I train. I use a lot of short videos. I talk in snippets. I use lots of bold colors. I expect no one to take notes. I use Google Slides instead of trusty old PowerPoint. I allow people to keep their phones out (it's better than hitting my head on the wall). I spend time explaining use of social media in relation to job function. I waste no time talking about Facebook as NONE of the 12 year olds use that platform. I talk about being on time for the shift. Since no one wears watches, I explain how they should use their phone to tell time.
Yes, I explain how to tell time. I train 12-year olds on why they might need to tell time while working.
I don't mind change; in fact, I welcome it. I'm all about smart phones and snippets and colorful images. I'm good with the fast pace and the new technology. I love social media. I'm one of those people who loves change. That said.....
...I still think you should be on time for work and that you should bring a pen....
....or, a pencil. Or, a stylus with a pen on one end. Or, pink gel marker. Something. Anything.
At least take photos of what I'm presenting and post the photos of me training on your favorite social media. Perhaps you can caption it: Old School Trainer Lady Handing Out Pens.
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