The US Northeast in having an old fashioned Nor'easter snowstorm tonight. I kind of enjoy the challenge of driving in to work when there's big snows, hurricanes, etc. and I find it interesting how families react to the extra effort. For example, the house I am at tonight, I'm only here because I know I can count on the dad to voluntarily put on some boots and help me shovel my car out in the morning. Last time he wouldn't even let me touch the snow! They thank me every time I leave, whatever the weather, and I get very enthusiastic "thank you's" for coming when there's bad weather.
Then there's the family who didn't ice their sidewalks, left new snow on top of it all, and didn't turn on the porch light for me. Practically pitch black. I nearly fell several times. And forget about a "how are the roads?" or "Thank you for coming".
Then there's the mom who yelled at me when I came through the door after driving through Hurricane Sandy, telling her I should have stayed home and it wasn't safe. No thank you at all. (It was only the third time I worked w that client, so I didn't know her well.) I must also add that she did not call the office to call off my shift, either, if she was so concerned for my safety. Feeling quite indignant, I did not go back to her.
My Thursday client's dad already told me (in anticipation of this Nor'easter) not to try too hard to get in if the snow is still bad. He said safety is the first concern, and he was really nice about it. This makes me just want to help out this family more! ;D To me, genuine concern and thank-you's are the key to making me bend over backwards for people.
