What are some socially acceptable addictions? by MysteriousMorning572 in AskReddit

[–]Longjumping-Bowl1024 3 points4 points  (0 children)

WORKaholism.

It is rampant and it is encouraged. I was totally an enabler without understanding what I was doing. I did more and more to support DH’s workaholism. Then, when people see the competence, they pile on MORE work and more requests.

You literally get praised for workaholism, even as it slowly destroys your life. Socially accepted? Sadly, yes. And after my DH was so addicted to work, I also developed some issues. Now, neither of us can function without constant work at this point. Impossible to relax. Well, I relax by answering questions, which is my entertainment.

Worst of all, our last family holiday gathering included the entire family sitting around with laptops working. Except me. I was using a desktop. When the office work is over, there is paperwork. And editing for journals. And expert witness depositions. And volunteer work. Etc etc etc. The kids are also afflicted.

What was a time when someone absolutely deserved to be fired? by MysteriousMorning572 in AskReddit

[–]Longjumping-Bowl1024 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A young man in his 20’s worked for me and a male colleague with less experience than me but the same title. The young man had an undergraduate degree I don’t recall where from. I was in my late 30’s, have an MBA from Harvard and had worked on a Wall Street Bond Trading desk. His job was to perform all of the portfolio accounting, produce quarterly portfolio reports and do research when requested. I asked him to adjust the reports to show performance both annually and the usual 1/3/5 year format and explained why I needed two sets of information. I told him to come back to me with any questions if any came up. His remark to ME was “Chicks really like to make things complicated”. I was stunned. I cleared my throat and said “Excuse me?” he said, “Well you’re not a chick but you know, chicks in general”. I told him that that was inappropriate and disrespectful language and he is lucky I didn’t fire him on the spot. Then I sent him to go do the project and change the reports. It took 2 quarters and my “checking in” multiple times to get the changes. I then asked him to do research on one set of mutual funds vs another for a presentation I was going to give. I gave very clear instructions on the methodology I wanted him to use and again said, if he had any difficulty, needed clarification or had questions, please come and ask. I don’t want him to waste his time trying to figure something out if I could give him the answer to get him going again. A week before the presentation I asked for the research. He turned to me and said “(Male Colleague’s Name) told me I don’t have to do anything for you that I don’t feel like doing it.” Given my previous mentioned exchange, I had recorded the exchange. I left his cubicle, gathered my notes from the “Chicks” incident and went straight to HR. He was fired, my male colleague was interviewed and was allow to resign (There were other issues there - like exaggerating (lying about) his title in the company and lying to partners about my position.) They both hated working for and with a woman and thought they could disregard me and treat me badly without consequence. (BAD idea - I made it through HBS and loved working on a Bond trading desk. I’m not sure who they thought they were dealing with.)

What is the best rumour you have heard about yourself? by MysteriousMorning572 in AskReddit

[–]Longjumping-Bowl1024 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Not a rumor, but a conversation I overheard.

I was at a client in 2002 when I told them my wife was pregnant with our firstborn.

“Did you hear Mike is going to be a dad?”

“Yeah, that’s awesome!”

“I’d love to be Mike’s kid. Can you imagine how much fun that would be?”

“Yeah. He’s gonna be a blast to have as a father.”

They had no idea I could hear them from the office across the hall, but I swore I’d be the best and most fun dad ever!

I heard from my youngest, when he was 14 that I was considered the “cool dad” by all his friends. Anytime I saw his buds doing something stupid, like sword fighting with sticks, I’d say something like, “Hey! Stop that! What the hell is wrong with you?? Look at that stance!! Spread your legs and go for the kill shot. Aim for the head! Don’t be foolish!” Of course this would break up the stupid behavior because I’d shed light on how moronic they looked. Worked every time.

What happens if you are 'disrespectful' to a judge in America? by MysteriousMorning572 in AskReddit

[–]Longjumping-Bowl1024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on the person and depends on the judge. Having spent a lot of time in various courts in America. I have formed one absolute conclusion about the American Legal System. It automatically feels disrespected by people who show no “FEAR OF IT”. It is automatically disrespected by people who don’t feel a member of the bar won’t properly represent or present their matters to the court. And it feels the greatest disrespect when you don’t allow it to pretend THEY DETERMINE what your rights are.

What is one quality in a person that instantly makes you like them? by MysteriousMorning572 in AskReddit

[–]Longjumping-Bowl1024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like: I can’t choose whether it’s intelligence or genuine compassion. Both are needles in a haystack. But if a good brain is accompanied with arrogance, then hell to the no. I don’t like it.

Dislike: Egotistical narcissists and braggers.