Teachers, Accountants, Plumbers, Nurses, Secretaries, Postal Workers...

[princesspumpkin]

Dentists, computer programmers, dance teachers, cashiers, sports coaches, and let's not forget, SAHP (stay at home parents). We tend to talk about our experiences (good and bad) with the clientele that we service. What one piece of advice would you give to them. Something that you think should be common knowledge, but that people don't know. Something that might make your job a little bit easier. Feel free to add other professions to the list. I'll start.

Me, I'm a maternity nurse.

To my patients, it would be wise to read up on information about what happens to you and the baby after delivery. Lots of people research pregnancy and delivery, but don't spend a lot of time learning about the time period immediately following the birth. It may relieve some of the anxiety if you were a little familiar with some of the "normal" things that happen to you and the baby in the hospital. That's all.

I'd really like to hear from teachers (and dentists).

P.S. Please see post #23 for more info

 

[EdiePA]

I now work in a hospital, but when I worked in retail .....

Don't dump your 10 prescription bottles on the counter and then stand there and stare at me while I don't fill them right away. Someone else just might have come in or called in before you. And don't huff when it takes more than 10 minutes to fill your 10 prescriptions. I want them to be right -- and a minute per Rx isn't enough.

Also, know your insurance. Large portions of my day were spent with a phone hanging off my shoulder -- trying to find out why your company rejected your prescription billing.

I wanted to help, I wanted to talk to the patients about their meds -- there just weren't enough hours in the day.

Edie

 

[susy]

I am a teacher. I would want the public to know that there is no possible way you could know the amount and depth of the work we do. I have a degree in psychology (which included tons of research, field experience, individual work in the field, labs, etc), but IT WAS NOTHING (zip, zilch, zero, nada) in comparison to the rigorous program of education I've been through and continous unbelievable work load. I love every minute of it, but my job is on my mind 24/7 and most of my time away from the classroom is spent doing "school related" work. I also have a husband and child. Teachers DO NOT have summers "off". I've spent an enormous amount of time on work this summer (just completed a 40 hour workshop this week). Last week my MIL asked what I've been doing all summer. "Nothing?" she added. I should invite her over to see my livingroom!!!

 

[susy]

just an example: got to bed at 1:30, but got up at 6:30 to write a 3 page lesson I was dreaming about.

 

[Chattyaholic]

I'm a waitress - please go to McDonalds if you're not willing to tip.

If I have greeted you with a smile, explained things on the menu, got your drinks (and several free refills), brought you extra napkins, brought your food out promptly and got the order correct, removed your dirty plates, brought you extras like horseradish, mustard when you forgot to ask for it on your burger, etc. and asked if you would like dessert, and gave you your bill with another smile and a "thanks for stopping in"...please don't forget to tip!

I make $3.25 per hour, way below minimum wage. My WAGE comes from TIPS from customers.

I'm sorry if you don't think that is right and not leaving a tip will make a statement. Tipping is the norm in the United States.

I pay 8% tax on the register total from my shift, if you don't tip I get the "privilege" of not only serving you for free, but PAYING a portion of your meal as well.

Please, if you can afford to go out to eat at a sit-down restaurant, don't forget to TIP!!

Thank you!

 

[kimmar067]

I am a teacher. I would want the public to know that there is no possible way you could know the amount and depth of the work we do. I have a degree in psychology (which included tons of research, field experience, individual work in the field, labs, etc), but IT WAS NOTHING (zip, zilch, zero, nada) in comparison to the rigorous program of education I've been through and continous unbelievable work load. I love every minute of it, but my job is on my mind 24/7 and most of my time away from the classroom is spent doing "school related" work. I also have a husband and child. Teachers DO NOT have summers "off". I've spent an enormous amount of time on work this summer (just completed a 40 hour workshop this week). Last week my MIL asked what I've been doing all summer. "Nothing?" she added. I should invite her over to see my livingroom!!!

....ah feeeeel yer payne......I too am a teacher - as of yesterday, my 'summer' officially BEGAN - I sent in my final portfolio binder to my college, as I have just completed my Master's Degree....BTW ~ I have a DH and THREE DS's (or, mebbe I should RE-phrase that - FOUR DS's! ) a cat, a dog, 15 fish in a large fish pond, and I am the treasurer for our local pee-wee football program in our community, so WHERE'S the 'summers off' part???

 

[kimmar067]

just an example: got to bed at 1:30, but got up at 6:30 to write a 3 page lesson I was dreaming about.

...WHEW! I thought that I was crazy and that I was the only one who did stuff like THIS.....!

 

[luvpoohbear]

But on my way to being a "real" teacher!

I would like to say that every parent should be required to spend one day in a classroom (with the kids! )

It is so easy for us as parents to criticize the work of the teachers and think how "easy" their job is, but until you walk a mile in their shoes, nothing should be taken for granted.

If you have more than one child, then you know that they are all different (physically, mentally, personality, etc.) and you know that you must deal with each child in a different way. Imagine being in a room for 7-8 hours a day with at least 20 of those "different" children and only 1 of you.

Just as a sub, I know that teaching is very rewarding in and of itself, however it could be so much more so if the parents understood the hard work and dedication that it takes.

Please take time to understand your child's teacher and give her/him a pat on the back once in a while instead of always pointing out the negative things.

 

[kimmar067]

But on my way to being a "real" teacher!

I would like to say that every parent should be required to spend one day in a classroom (with the kids! )

It is so easy for us as parents to criticize the work of the teachers and think how "easy" their job is, but until you walk a mile in their shoes, nothing should be taken for granted.

If you have more than one child, then you know that they are all different (physically, mentally, personality, etc.) and you know that you must deal with each child in a different way. Imagine being in a room for 7-8 hours a day with at least 20 of those "different" children and only 1 of you.

Just as a sub, I know that teaching is very rewarding in and of itself, however it could be so much more so if the parents understood the hard work and dedication that it takes.

Please take time to understand your child's teacher and give her/him a pat on the back once in a while instead of always pointing out the negative things.

....W-T-G!

 

[msteddom]

I'm teaching summer school, so my summer begins on Aug. 17 and ends on Aug. 29. So I will be at Disney World for that precious week! The upside is that the extra money is allowing me two trips to the World this year!

Melissa

 

[Miller1412]

I'm a teacher and I want everyone to remember...

...DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS!

Don't assume that my classroom policies, needs or rules are silly, crazy, frivolous or don't need to be respected. If you have a question about why I have a policy, talk to me about it. Don't assume it's for everyone else but you. I'm a reasonable person, and I'll hear you out if you have a difference of opinion, but I don't make policies for the fun of it, there's a method behind the madness!

I hate reading these boards and seeing how many parents take the attitude that the teacher's policies are stupid, therefore I will do what I want.

Also...yes you are the taxpayer, and yes, my salary comes from your taxes, but that does not mean I am an indentured servant and my personal business is your business. I'm in it for my love of the kids, not my love of servitude to parents.

 

[FroggyinArk]

ok not a teacher.

carpenter/ home repair specialist..

please do not ask the teanager with the runny nose and lip piercing at home depot howw to do a repair on your house, and follow the advice given,,,

do not go into these places and say i'm replacing my door what all do i need to get it done..

do not go out and buy a bunch of materials start the project, and then call in a pro. you know your limits. you wouldnt start to rebuild the motor in your car, or change out your own transmision based on what a guy at autozone said,, dont do that to your house either. i looked at a job yesterday that the customer "started" based on the a dvice of a home depot employee.. that will now cost her several hundred dollars to get torn out trashed and re done. had she caled us first.. she would have not had a huge hole in her walls, a bathrom vanity that will not fit in her bathroom, or had to purchase all new hardware for her kitchen cabinet doors, ( which have expensive hidden hinges on them, that after she took them off, have about half the parts together because she took out the adjustment screws not the mounting screws, and did not keep the screws...)

the same goes for painting,, do not take some random advice, then start to re paint your house,, and get upset when the pro you call in to finish it has to start all over. because you left out a step and he cant finish it with out stripping it back anddoing it right in order to stand behind his work.

 

[msteddom]

I'm a teacher and I want everyone to remember...

...DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS!

Don't assume that my classroom policies, needs or rules are silly, crazy, frivolous or don't need to be respected. If you have a question about why I have a policy, talk to me about it. Don't assume it's for everyone else but you. I'm a reasonable person, and I'll hear you out if you have a difference of opinion, but I don't make policies for the fun of it, there's a method behind the madness!

I hate reading these boards and seeing how many parents take the attitude that the teacher's policies are stupid, therefore I will do what I want.

Also...yes you are the taxpayer, and yes, my salary comes from your taxes, but that does not mean I am an indentured servant and my personal business is your business. I'm in it for my love of the kids, not my love of servitude to parents.

Amen! I couldn't have said it any better myself!

Melissa

 

[teacherforhi]

Also...yes you are the taxpayer, and yes, my salary comes from your taxes, but that does not mean I am an indentured servant and my personal business is your business. I'm in it for my love of the kids, not my love of servitude to parents.

I believe some parents are under the assumption that we must not pay taxes, either. You do not "pay my salary". The state of North Carolina pays my salary. You pay taxes--just as I do, my parents do, and every other person in the state does. My salary just happens to come from those taxes.

Funny story about this. I'm actually paid through federal funds. One time when a parent tried to pull the "I pay your salary" line, I asked them if they thought that someone in California should get a say in my classroom policies as well, considering that all the country's taxpayers contribute to my salary.

 

[Kteacher]

Froggy- you got that right!!! My DH is a drywall contractor he gets jobs all the time where the homeowner tries to save money by hanging the sheetrock themselves, even though they've never done it before, then they want him to make the walls look perfect ( if you're going to try to hang sheetrock yourself, at least invest in a level )

as a teacher who works a p/t second job in retail, do not assume that when you come in shopping with your child that is or has been one of my students that I will " not mind " babysitting him/her while you shop- yes I have been asked to do this more than once, believe it or not, and what's worse is the parents couldn't understand why I wouldn't watch their kids while they shopped

 

[minnieandmickey]

School Secretary here:

Please have your child prepared before they come to school and don't get upset when I won't let them call home for lunch money or homework. And don't bring them fast food for lunch and expect it to be delivered to them right away, realize that those fries will be soggy and the soda is going home because we cannot give those to students anymore. Also, realize just because your child doesn't act that way at home doesn't mean they don't act that way at school. And no we don't have a school nurse to take care of your child. Why, well unfortunately the government cuts the budget every year so we don't have one, haven't had one for years. And since I am not a nurse the law states I can give them a bandaid, and an ice pack nothing more. And if your kid is sick come and pick them up, believe it or not you are still responsible for your child even while they are at school, we are a SCHOOL not a daycare facility!

(whoo that was so nice to get out, but I could go on and on)

 

[Snowysmom]

I work in a library and as part of my job, I spend some time on the circulation desk. Please don't put your library card in your mouth while putting your items to check out on the desk and then hand the card to me soaking wet. It is just plain gross. The same thing goes for sneezing or coughing on your card before handing it to me. I run to the sink so many times during my shift!

 

[PattnFmly]

I am a secretary in a hospital and I support 15 physicians. My gripe / eye opener is for them. And it is ... I AM A PROFESSIONAL TOO! Maybe I didn't have all the schooling you did, and maybe I don't make the money you do, but I did go to college and got a degree. I do my job professionally, neatly, completely and take great pride in the product I put forth. Don't assume that I want to take your gucky lab coats to the cleaners, give you my postage stamps (because you didn't have time to go to the post office) or pick up your lunch. None of those things are in my job description and I cringe when asked to do them, because if I don't do them, you will give me a bad review and I will not get a raise. Treat me like a professional member of the team because that's what I am.

Thanks for listening.

 

[Cool-Beans]

As a nurse, I'd say that people should quit worrying about ME! THEY are the sick ones. If I had a nickel for everytime I heard, "...but I didn't want to to bother you..." I could build my own flippin hospital.

If you are really sick and you need something the nurses WANT to help you! Most of them do, anyway. The vast majority. USE THE BUTTON!

 

[Deebo]

I'm a College Professor.

While many of my students are great, a few of these young adults need to understand that simply paying tuition is not an automatic entitlement to an 'A' in their courses. You have to actually show up, do the work, and study to pass the course, and you have to distinguish yourself to earn an 'A' or 'B'. Go figure.