[geeks] observations and rants.

[s at avoidant.org]

Amy wrote:

Dave wrote:
> >   Nowhere is it written in stone that the world should be ruled by
> > suits.  We ALLOW them to do this sort of shit.  Why doesn't anyone
> > ever say "no"?


I used to be able to say "no", and did so with a frequency that would
amaze you. I had one job, while I was still in college, as a docket
clerk for a major big-time corporate law firm in L.A. (Think "attorneys
for Coca-Cola"). Part of my job was to insert the updated pages in the
reference binders in the library. I screwed it up good one day, and got
called into the senior partner's office. He asked what happened, and I
made a legitimate attempt to explain. He cut me off with "There are only
three answers I want to hear from you; 'yes sir, no sir, and I don't
know sir.'"

Would you like to guess what my reply was? If you guess something
beginning with the sixth letter of the alphabet, you'd be right, sir.


> cause they make sure to only hire those that will say 'yes' under
> pressure.


I have to say, my inability to say "no" at this point is entirely
pragmatic. I've got a wife and kids, and a mortgage I won't be able to
afford without a job, even temporarily. Saying "no" as a matter of
principle is completely out at this point. 

I *need* the next paycheck, even if it's not enough.


---sambo