Time Management

Cited my previous post about Time Management, a single mother's time does a contraint to an extend. Whilst I take things positively, there are time negativity took place, I do have my shortcoming.

Juggling between child care and career already taking a toll on my time & energy, not to forget running errands/house related matter. Remember I shared about priotization? I tried to make other things efficient possible include making inquiries to call centre. Here is the story.

Since New policy imposed by JMB members, all pedestrian required to get an access card to walk in/out property compound. To ensure complete the application within a trip, I made a phone call to management office.

" What do I need to provide to apply an access card?"

" Fill up the form, 50 dollar deposit and a passport size photo." He said.

"Is that all?" I need a confirmation. The management office open at 9am, to process a card I need to call late to work which I felt reluctant to if unnecessary. In this case, I would make once.

"Yes" He said.

" Are you sure is that all? " I double confirm again and he said yes.

I happily walk into management office with the require items. Then he asked for my Identification Card (ID), obviously he needs to prove that this application is approved by property Owner, however I left my wallet at home, he suggested to resubmit. I felt bit unhappy as he didn't mention over the phone, nevertheless ID is something I should brought with me at all time, so I told him will fax over even though I didn't have confident that he could handle the fax document, God know if he able to match against which application? well).

Anyways, I didn't make it to faxing over as I would rather ensure he stapple my copy of ID into my application (see I'm such a paranoid). I drop by the management office again at 9.15am, the office was closed, obviously staff were late. Look I really feel reluctant to come to office late for unnecessary errand, in this case I compromised the second time.

The follow days, I dropped by office during a day off, only to find out the ID he requested was meant to be the applicant's not the owner (one unit eligible for 3 access cards).

He starts getting on my nerves.

I questioned him that he was obviously asking my ID when I submitted the application form for my sister and I did tell him I left my ID at home which he didn't say a thing.  But he denied. Two big mistakes he did was " Denied" and "No Apology", I got so upset and thrown tandrum at the young officer.

For so many years, I always able to keep my cool towards ignorant, inexperience, dilatory process or indolent service I encounter. What's the point of getting frustrations which good for nothing? So I always kept cool and smile away when come to things are out of my way. But ever since I embark on a single mother journey, my patient threshold has gone thinner that I can't condone those who incurred time unecessarily.

Perhaps this is single mother time constraints syndrome, juggling too many things: Child+Career+Condo+Car+Cash Single Handedly. Thus, I don't welcome unnecessary chores.

Time off. I would rather call late to take care of my child

Reminders. It's an add-on burden to have Follow UP on things which is undone

A junior once told me this:

"These people are usually fresh graduate and they can't be well verse with every processes and products offers within their finger tips". This is something everyone aware of, but how many of us could apply when you're in the situation?

Yes, I shouldn't even expect them to be resourceful, God know they can't handle critical situation acutely, they may even intimidated to seek help from senior. They are fresh graduate afterall. On another hand, think again, if they are capable/resourceful they won't be sitting in office answering inquiries.

Generally, my inquiries was to help in my next course of action which usually has to be processed during business hour, as such making such inquiries amidst the busy working day is stressful. Needless to say when they unable to provide the right answer i.e. "walk into bank to apply credit card" (does it make sense to you? when there are so many communication tools namely F.A.X or E.M.A.I.L?)

Well, when they start off with something is obviously a wrong answer, then you're doomed. Your requested to seek assistance from someone senior or a team leader are usually went to engage mode and the call back might not happened, when it happened it might be at your inconveniences! Imagine if this credit card application is important where you need to pay off something online urgently, dealing with call centre like this is truly a disaster.

I can always call again, but not to forget, many a time, the waiting line can be too long to hold on. So calling to call centre is something I always try to avoid. On the other hand, I develop following counter measures:

a. Never embark on things last minutes. Always buffer time in necessary errands/chores.

b. Give the benefit of doubt. Junior remains junior, they can't be tactful as we 're

c. Have a Kit Kat. I think that might help :) 

Disclaimer: This post is created based on personal experience and perception. It doesn't imply specifically  to anyone who provide services over counter/call centre. It's at your discreation to construe the content and the author should carry no responsibility in next endeavour. However it would be great if you drop a message here for positive lights you've learnt or resulted from this entry. lol