Brandon's Blog

9/1/2009

A Tragedy of Errors

Brandon (to himself): Hmm, I haven’t been paid yet, and it’s a day after payday.  Maybe I should inquire into this matter.

Brandon (writing an e-mail): I have not been paid.  What’s up?

HR enters with great fanfare

HR: I am the Ghost of HR Help Desk!  What’s the problem?  You’ve been paid.  Can I close the ticket?

Brandon (puzzled): Umm… I don’t have the money.

HR: Well, you’ve been paid.  Call your bank.  Can I close the ticket?

Brandon: How do you know?

HR: It says right here on my screen!  Can I close the ticket?

Brandon: But -

Exit HR, who closes the ticket with a casual snap of the fingers

Brandon: Sigh.

Time passes

Brandon: Maybe I should ask someone in local -

A voice booms from above, startling Brandon

Voice: I am the Ghost of HR Local!  This is out of scope!  (Doppler effect signals retreat)  Contact … the … Help … Desk!

Brandon: Who needs money, anyway?

(Brandon feels a tug on his pant hem; a small, well-dressed, self-aware grasshopper)

Grasshopper: (squeaking) I am the Ghost of HR Europe!  I am out of scope as well, but I just found out you didn’t get paid.  We’re doing a post mortem to resolve the issue within a few days!

Brandon: Thanks, little guy!  You’re always hopping in when I need something.  Can I contact you with any other queries?  Heck, I’ve even talked to you in person and know your first name.

Grasshopper: Technically no, but yeah.


The moral to this story is not in final analysis critical in any way.  It just says that knowing people, having a relationship, and knowing roles is the important part.  Screw the system.