Even though my heart wasn't in it this morning at 6:15 when I left this morning, I had a relatively good day at a reverse sting operation I worked today. (those who really know me, know I'm not overly fond of my job) A property management company let us use an empty house for the sole purpose of having unlicensed "contractors" arrive and give us bids for work they're not licensed to do. My team of three investigators call and pre-schedule them, trying not to overlap their visits. But, it's unavoidable and sometimes have two bids being worked up simultaneously. Greed and our role-playing as potential money targets allows them to continue. Only one today even had a basic business license. One legitimately licensed guy even arrived and boasted/recommended that we not obtain the necessary permits. He said it would save him time and me money. I'm looking forward to our conversation next week as he violated two state laws, not heinous ones, but he is cheating the system. Not until my last unlicensed painting contractor, (found on craiglist), did I self-evaluate what I was doing. He had arrived in a new truck and boasted how good he is. He carried no official forms. For a color chart for me to select my paint choice, he looked down and pointed to a few splotches of paint on his cargo shorts from the week's jobs. I had to laugh at that one. As I was writing the criminal citation he asked me how I could enjoy my job, "Why are you *%$#$*@ with guys just trying to make a living." "Why not go after Pedro and Jose?" I stopped writing, put down my pen, smiled and said, "I do enjoy it today." I reminded him he doesn't even have a business license, he's not special and above everyone else, I do enjoy my job when I recover money for homeowners who'd been victims of fraud and poor workmanship by guys like him and he's in no position to judge what I do. I didn't care what he thought of me or my job. I didn't loose my temper or take it personal like I would have when I was younger. (RM: no pool-guys, the neighborhood was not pool conducive.) So, I suppose the picture above would fit my mood; some days anyway. Just picture it an older man in lieu of the woman. . . .
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Some days are like that
Even though my heart wasn't in it this morning at 6:15 when I left this morning, I had a relatively good day at a reverse sting operation I worked today. (those who really know me, know I'm not overly fond of my job) A property management company let us use an empty house for the sole purpose of having unlicensed "contractors" arrive and give us bids for work they're not licensed to do. My team of three investigators call and pre-schedule them, trying not to overlap their visits. But, it's unavoidable and sometimes have two bids being worked up simultaneously. Greed and our role-playing as potential money targets allows them to continue. Only one today even had a basic business license. One legitimately licensed guy even arrived and boasted/recommended that we not obtain the necessary permits. He said it would save him time and me money. I'm looking forward to our conversation next week as he violated two state laws, not heinous ones, but he is cheating the system. Not until my last unlicensed painting contractor, (found on craiglist), did I self-evaluate what I was doing. He had arrived in a new truck and boasted how good he is. He carried no official forms. For a color chart for me to select my paint choice, he looked down and pointed to a few splotches of paint on his cargo shorts from the week's jobs. I had to laugh at that one. As I was writing the criminal citation he asked me how I could enjoy my job, "Why are you *%$#$*@ with guys just trying to make a living." "Why not go after Pedro and Jose?" I stopped writing, put down my pen, smiled and said, "I do enjoy it today." I reminded him he doesn't even have a business license, he's not special and above everyone else, I do enjoy my job when I recover money for homeowners who'd been victims of fraud and poor workmanship by guys like him and he's in no position to judge what I do. I didn't care what he thought of me or my job. I didn't loose my temper or take it personal like I would have when I was younger. (RM: no pool-guys, the neighborhood was not pool conducive.) So, I suppose the picture above would fit my mood; some days anyway. Just picture it an older man in lieu of the woman. . . .
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5 comments:
You are amazing person at any job you do, in this case you stick up for the little guys. To those guys that think they are the "excepetion" to any rules, you are there to prove them wrong.
I know you have a soft spot for the unlicensed guys who really aren't out there ripping people off, but you have an obligation to do what you do. I love the lady at the top--we all feel that way sometimes.
I really love your work stories even if you dont always enjoy your work. Good Job!
I like how the painter showed you the paint colors on his pants! Wow!
First...I like the sign. Funny lady. The shorts thing is cracking me up, what a fine professional :0)
But I think your job is great. You are helping out people who have been cheated and everyone hates being cheated. Hopefully lessons are learned on all sides. Oh yah- Just as a side note. Everytime we watch Cops in LV we look for you :)
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