No Business like… oh what was it again?

Well today ended a chapter in companies I have worked for - the previous chapter in this saga ended when I sent a email like I did yesterday to this client, we then agreed it was probably a good idea for me to leave, which at the time I really had mixed feelings, but now I have had more freetime, more jobs, more stuff to keep me busy - same thing this time, and welcomed with a message towards the end which said:

“As far as doing future business with you, I’m sure you can understand that at this point I would not exactly feel comfortable with that, but that seems to be your intent.”

Well in the last few months they had “one more thing” for me to do, I did it, and in doing that I recieved the same treatment I got while working there, always “This is your fault, fix it” even about a week ago I got an email about something that had been how it was for over 3 years was somehow my fault - and I needed to drop everything and work on it - so I did what I did at the end of the previous chapter, and stood my ground on a issue, could I of done “one more nice thing” sure I suppose, but with folks like this, one more thing leads into a lot more, so it was stand my ground now, or be lost in endless freebies, even a recent quote which I cut the prices as low as I could go, and they came back “How about…” and shaved off $100 from the job, even after me saying “Hey, best deal I can give you”.
I have dealt with this 2 times now in dealing with Christian “Ministries” - I don’t say that to mark all Christians, as I do business with many other Christians ministries/business owners, etc. and no problems, just so far 2 groups have really stuck it to me, using every ounce of freebie I’d offer, then when I say no, or am too tired to continue, say “Well brother… its time” - sad stuff, gives Christians another stumbling block with people who look at Christians already in a poor light.

A lot has changed in me since I originally started with this company, and from talking to employees I worked with in the past there, and even currently, its just common place stuff, heck in both instances I talked with people who had similar experiences like mine, but for me I think I came to realize it even more when I started to branch out from sitting in front of a terminal 24/7 and focusing a bit on having a life away from the screen - and instead of screen names used to identify people, I looked at faces and said “Oh hey!” over a pizza, drinks at Sonic, etc.

But life goes on I suppose, there is one check still supposedly enroute to me, and I think I am going to tear it up, and wish them well (it’s for software purchase) - but it’s sad stuff, and life must move forward - its sad but this will probably continue, but I do pray it does not, and instead of just offering a blessing, thrust it upon them even if they say “No it’s no problem” - it’s one of those things I try to live by, Bless Others - I mean God Blesses me, who am I not to share that blessing, if only every one followed that the world would be a happier place - one could say I am not living that by saying “No” to this client, but honestly a ministry which simply uses up Christians and spits them out, thats not a good thing.

Anywhoo - back to my light Friday, first mellow day this week, and I am going to use it to clean and file some paperwork. Have a Good Friday Folks & A Great Weekend!