Sunday, September 11, 2005

Bye Bye Fun

The novelty has worn off. Can't be said anymore simply than that. Peaked at 13 days. This affliction is known as the two week stare. The time when you have eaten out more than you care to and everything begins to run together and you can't tell homes and insured apart. You just silently look into the distance with no real thoughts in you mind. I think the real straw that broke the camel's back was the "no end in sight" undertones I receive from the coordinators when I interject the X amount of days till I go home quips. But, alas, I must make the best of it, bury my head, and force through the work. The work, itself, has increased dramatically and is no longer the easy walk in the park I have was settling in to. No, now it involves 3 hours of windshield time and tens of thousands of more dollars. I have already issued around 75 checks since I have been here. To quote and old business professor of mine, "that's a chunk of change."

Yet, I am definitely the youngest person here. Youngest by age (as I usually am at any corporate gathering) and youngest by experience. This is the small fish in the large pond surrounded by bigger fish, nastier predators, and out numbered by the worms two dozen to one senario that has become cliche. This in itself makes things more challenging. I am dealing with adjusters who have been doing this for 15 years, actually I think the next person who has been working with the company for the least amount of time has six years under his belt. My year and a half is but a mere drop in the bucket for these people. This is good because of the experience they can pass along, but I can't help but think they look down upon me for being a neophyte. I don't know why, they are all very nice, with the cockiness developed by years in this business. Maybe it is my lack of confidence that brings me to this conclusion. This lack of confidence could be a result of the magnitude of time consuming claims and devastation I am seeing and hearing about. I know this is unlike what I have done before any other storm, then again, it could just be lack of sleep. Whose to know, but at least I have this blog to vent my thoughts and direct me in the line of acceptance. Tomorrow I am going to wake up and catch that second wind until it brings me home.

4 comments:

BrianH said...

hang in there, brother. don't let the other "older" adjusters intimidate you. they're just trying to act like they know everything. they might, but you know just as much as they do. a year and half experience is just as good as five years. you know the policies, you know how to write estimates, you know how to console the insureds, which you probably do quite well with your beaming personality. and if you're dealing with contractors/roofers, screw 'em. they're trying to make money of these people and you're trying to help them.

as far as your work load goes; take it easy and pace yourself. work a handful of files and take a 30min. break. you need to turn it off and step away for a little bit.

take it easy. catrina says kisses!!! and so do i, pumpkin.

bh

mjh said...

As a friend of mine said, "Say with confidence and conviction and all will believe whether it's true or not"..... you know a little BS goes a long way.

Granny said...

Oh, David, sure wish we could lighten your load... but you are very capable....just put on teflon skin, do your best, keep your eyes on the mountain, hang in there, blog some more.... sleep well. Call yo mama and yo granny for loving assurances!
(Keep eye on mountain refers to an Indian story on how to travel long distances)

Drew Sutton said...

"I neophyte, David McCormick wish to...." oh wait wrong story. Sorry!!!

I really like what your granny said..."Keep your eyes on the mountains." That sounds like peaceful advice.

take care bro
later
-drew