Replies

1. 
   Phill_Giles | Oct 19, 2000 04:14am | #1

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   I spent a long time in a corporate environment; and, if the door's not closed, then it's open. There's a certain degree of pecking order and protocol involved of course; but, at a peer-to-peer or lower, this would be considered acceptable. It's just as acceptable to politely say "hi" and tell them you're working against a deadline and can't take a break at that moment.

1. 
   splintergroupie_ | Oct 19, 2000 04:30am | #2

   *You could hand them a broom and say you're glad that you finally got the clean-up help you were promised.

1. 
   David_Thomas | Oct 19, 2000 10:01am | #3

   *White collar workers aren't paid for what they produce as directly as the trades are. It is common practice to shoot the breeze around the water cooler or in each other's office. Whereas BS'ing at the non-union construction site is more obviously reducing the revenue.The inconsistency I notice is that the field tech goes out in all weather, works physically hard, and at some risk to himself in order to earn 1/4 of what I do, sitting in a comfortable office, talking to other people about interesting new ideas and projects. The only rationale I can see is that while I can do the tech's job (and occasionally do), he can't do mine. Or that my added-value ideas might save hundreds of technician hours or $1,000's in expenses. But it ain't "equal pay for equal work", he's got the tougher job but the small paycheck. -David

1. 
   John_Sprung | Oct 20, 2000 09:00pm | #4

   *Two suggestions:1. Keep the door closed.2. Keep handy some sort of tool that makes lots of noise, and commence to use it when you hear approaching footsteps. :-)-- J.S.

1. 
   Crusty_ | Oct 21, 2000 07:16am | #5

   *DC, maybe they are just interested in what you do, or perhaps envious that you have a job where you work with your hands and actually produce something. Why don't you get some business cards from your boss -- or some of your own if you moonlight -- and take advantage of the opportunity to solicit referrals.Their conversation with someone they know might go something like, "I met the most interesting man in our building the other night. He does really wonderful work and was so nice and pleasant. You should give him a call about that new ________ you're planning to build."

2. 
   D_Cass | Oct 21, 2000 07:17am | #6

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   I have noticed that there is a certain level of inconsistency regarding work space boundaries.

   I am a carpenter with a medium-sized commercial outfit. In the evening hours I have been installing new handrails in some office buildings. On more than one occasion one of the tenants has wandered into whatever vacant suite I am using as a workshop and will want to visit.

   Why is this acceptable in their minds? I am quite sure that if I were to wander uninvited into any of the offices I would be as unwelcome as a turd in a punch bowl.

   Comments? Similar experiences or other inconsistencies you may have noticed?