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Are people bad at their jobs or are the jobs just bad?

(annehelen.substack.com)
287 points moonka | 3 comments | 02 Apr 25 21:54 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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bcoates ◴[03 Apr 25 01:12 UTC] No.43563637[source]▶
This is a nit, but grocery bagging (one of the article's examples) is a no-win situation. I worked it as a summer job a while back--It’s the most bikeshed job in existence because (nearly) everyone understands it, but they all have their own theory of bagging.

To this day I remember a client whose entire purchase was a loaf of bread, a package of fresh raw chicken, and a bottle of liquid drain cleaner. Paper bags, of course. I don't remember how I arranged them but I remember being yelled at.

replies(1): >>43563814 #
1. throwaway422432 ◴[03 Apr 25 01:45 UTC] No.43563814[source]▶
This is actually a good lesson in communication.

Question 1, are you fine with the chicken in with the bread? Question 2, would you like the drain cleaner left separate rather than with the food items.

They either don't care or would suggest leaving the bread or chicken separate, same for the drain cleaner.

The worst grief you'll get is why they can't have 3 bags.

replies(2): >>43565448 #>>43572535 #
2. imp0cat ◴[03 Apr 25 06:16 UTC] No.43565448[source]▶
This is obviously a three-bag situation, who would want to have these items packed any other way?
3. ◴[03 Apr 25 17:02 UTC] No.43572535[source]▶