Times are tough. No one will dispute that. When I see someone struggling I feel the need to reach out and give help. I have had times in my life that others have lifted me up with a little boost. If one lives long enough, I suppose we all find ourselves in that position.
That being said, I admit that I am selective about it. I had a young man approach me yesterday. He pulled into the park in a big van and approached me with a proposition to "work for free". He did not make a good presentation. He was dressed in a nylon running suit and his hair was half shaved and multi-colored. Not clean shaven and his teeth were bad. He told me that he had lost his job and that he had tried to stay at the state park and "work for free", but they sent him to me (note to self: need to have a chat with park ranger).
I told him that I already had some work campers and could not afford more. He assured me that it would not cost me anything since he would be working "for free". I informed the young man that he would not be working "for free" and told him to stop saying that. He would be working for his stay. His terminology was starting to annoy me.
He told me that he would be sleeping in his van and that he had food, so I wouldn't need to feed him, so his labor would be free to me. Really? What about electricity and supplies? He assured me that he promised not to plug anything in. But, will you use the toilet and the shower? Will you turn the light on when using the restroom? Will you use toilet tissue and paper towels and hand soap? He looked at me blankly. I sent him on his way.
I really did not have anything for him to do. But, more than that, I could not afford to have him in my park. Imagine arriving here and paying to camp or park your RV and encountering this individual. He looked like a drug user with his bad teeth and attire, not to mention the bizarre hair. He could have been a very nice person with bad discolored teeth from some childhood medication faux pas. He may have been a very productive individual in spite of the fact that he did not project this image. I can't afford to have folks not want to be here. I need the business.
I know, you can't always judge a book by the cover. But .... if you want to sell that book, shouldn't you make every effort to make that cover appealing?
13 comments:
i hear you on this...it would def affect your livelihood and the obligation you have to those that are already there...smart move..
Yep, the young man needed the new attitude. Your karma is definitely safe. You know he rolled down the road muttering about you. Do have a talk with that park ranger who also needs to learn how to handle situations.
I can tell from this post that you did struggle with the decision a bit - but even if he was clean cut and presentable, you already have people in place to do what he was asking.
The economy is hard on everyone, no doubt, but you don't have to say "yes" everytime.
I seriously doubt the park ranger told him to head over to see you - sounds like an excuse for being there.
Please don't feel bad, you made the right decision.
Yes I wouldn't like to see someone like that working at a park I stayed in... sorry to say but first impressions say a lot! I would definately go talk to the ranger and other staff members at the state park!
Donna
especially in this day and age, your "book cover" has to be above reproach. too many people competing for what little there is out there.
Yep.
You talked to him more than I would have. I would have sent him on his way right after he said "work for free". You don't know what else he could have brought to your park in terms of trouble.
He doesn't sound very pleasent and can see why you sent him on his way. I hope he realizes some day that appearance is important.
I agree completely just the sound of him makes me think of him in a shady way, the thing is that some young people do not seem to get it that the way they look affects the way we think of them......
I don't understand this culture anymore, no one of a certain age, takes pride in their appearance. Yesterday at the lab a young woman came in to take a drug test for her new employer. She was well spoken, clean and quite attractive but the fact that her 'assets' were falling out of here teeny, tiny tank top made me wonder if I would hire her. Well, we know a woman wouldn't but seriously...in my opinion and my husband agreed because he knows what's good for him, she would be too much of a distraction. Holy, moly batman.
Good for you, I think you made the correct decision. It makes you wonder why they expect you to accept them, when they look so unacceptable!
I think you made the right decision. AND you thought it through and were sincere in COMING to that decision.
So true!
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