This past month I’ve been spending a little extra time in babysitting several files that will be closing soon, and what I’ve noticed as before, is that most sellers who live out of State really don’t get it when moving through a normal real estate transaction. Again today, I found myself having turned into a human vending machine. What really irked me this afternoon was having earlier scheduled a time for a worker to arrive at one of my listings and remove some discarded items. While on the phone I told the worker to make sure he gave himself enough leeway so to be on time. Well, I arrived about a minute early and couldn’t see his truck coming so I called him. His answer was, “I’ll be right there.” Again I waited until another half hour passed and still no worker. I called again and said, “Are you coming?” To my chagrin he said, “I’ll be there in ten minutes.” In an irritated tone I said, “Where are you?” He said, “Coming back from being out of town.” To think how dis-respectful people are when making another needlessly wait. The job took him about 10 minutes, but the time I wasted was well over an hour. The footnote of this story is my telling him at the time of scheduling, “If you get held up or think you’re going to be late, please give me a call on my cell phone.” What wonderful listeners we have amongst us.
Between desk work and showings I got a call from a dear friend whom I speak with on occasion. We had a good visit about family members who feel left out of the loop with their aging relatives either because they’re too busy with their children and grand babies, or they live too far away to make regular visits. We both agreed in the way they conduct themselves around those who’re more the caregivers. They become wrongfully judgmental and punitive. Many simply don’t “get it” when looking at the whole picture of long term relationships that are built on foundations of trust and commitment. The others riddled with guilt find every minuscule reason why those who’re closer aren’t doing things right, and in the end, find trumped up reasons to chide. I’ve heard enough stories about attempted law suits against nursing homes, hospitals and attorneys by distant relatives of decedents claiming there was willful neglect on someone else’s part. Yes, it’s usually all smoke and mirrors behind the real reason which is almost always guilt. Should have, could have, and would have are the beginning lines of someone’s own failings. We went on to talk about all the wrong reasons people choose professions. Most of the time it has to do with long term salaries, notoriety, becoming what a parent believes is best, and lastly, the job security of a certain profession. I said to her, “What ever happened to calling?” Back in my school years calling was often mentioned and encouraged. I’ve found far too many people in professions for the wrong reasons. Some years ago I asked a client why she wanted to become a nurse since I personally didn’t feel she’d be a good fit. Her tearful answer was, “Because I want to take care of my mother when she’s old.” At the time, that answer wasn’t worthy of me saying any more.
When someone chooses a profession on the basis of it being a good fit and knowing they’ll work to be their best and do their best for others in a good way, I’d say they answered a calling.
