I have a friend whom I have known and respected for over the past 30 years. He has been a highly successful entrepreneur, engaging in a number of businesses over his lifetime. His most recent work was assisting businesses...
I have a friend whom I have known and respected for over the past 30 years. He has been a highly successful entrepreneur, engaging in a number of businesses over his lifetime. His most recent work was assisting businesses with sales liquidations. Over time he has also survived some significant health challenges.
Now, over the past year he has returned to the company he helped to found over 50 years ago – but this time serving as a greeter for incoming customers. Unfortunately, over the past few months he has been dogged by short-term memory issues. Specifically, he frequently would forget the route home after work, particularly after dark. His wife now drives him to and from work.
As my readers may remember, I was connected with the retail music business for a number of years, having founded their music department back in the 1980s. And, like my friend, I now help out as a greeter part time at this business, along with processing music sales.
Yesterday, I arrived at my usual time for the late afternoon work shift to find my friend already there. He told me first that he had been summoned to come in and help due to a busy influx of customers. Then he told me he just decided to come in and help out yesterday.
What to do – am I not needed today? Who was entitled to receive pay for hours worked?
I am sharing this story, because of the compassion and understanding shown by the company staff.
I was instructed to stick around and work the afternoon. I eventually learned how the store owner managed the schedule situation with his long-time business partner. With a light-hearted smile his words were, “Sure, Jim, I won’t charge you for coming in to work today!” (haha)
Usually, I am never around during the time my friend is on duty. But yesterday for the first time, I actually got to watch him in action. As prospective piano buyers entered the sales floor, he took on his well-practiced sales persona honed from many years of experience, qualifying the customer until an official sales person became available.
There was no awkwardness whatsoever between us as we both did what we were comfortable doing. My friend was able to enjoy the special feeling of contributing, thanks to an understanding former business partner. There will inevitably come a time when my friend will no longer be able to make it in. But until then, there is room in this business for him.
No matter our age or station in life, the good feelings generated by being able to contribute never wear out.