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Other than being polite, I do not engage workers in my house. I also do not stand over their shoulders while they are working. I leave them alone to do their jobs.
Yeah, it has always amazed me how many people on this forum just have random people, tradesmen, passersby on the sidewalk, fellow grocery shoppers, etc. just come up to them and start talking politics.
I'd call bull**** on them all except you know how everything you see on the internet is true.
People speak out their politics all the time, don’t know what bubble you are in. Several times just standing in line to pay people have started political conversations with me out of the blue. The last beautician I went to, having scissors in hand, couldn’t wait to start in on politics. Of course opposite to mine but she didn’t know that because I hadn’t brought it up. Just launched into a tirade of how my candidates were evil horrible dunces. I did reply, but never went back. My hair didn’t turn out well either! I do wonder if it was because of my reply. A few of my friends go to her and wonder why I haven’t been back. I told them I’m not going to go sit in a chair and pay someone to listen to their politics.
Other than being polite, I do not engage workers in my house. I also do not stand over their shoulders while they are working. I leave them alone to do their jobs.
Yeah, I'll check in with them to see if they'd like a bottle of water or cup of coffee or anything to make their job a bit easier (another extension cord as an example) but I usually just make my self scarce but available if something comes up (flipping a breaker, turning off the water, etc.).
People speak out their politics all the time, don’t know what bubble you are in. The last beautician I went to, having scissors in hand, couldn’t wait to start in on politics. Of course opposite to mine but she didn’t know that because I hadn’t brought it up. Just launched into a tirade of how my candidates were evil horrible dunces. I did reply, but never went back. My hair didn’t turn out well either! I do wonder if it was because of my reply. A few of my friends go to her and wonder why I haven’t been back. I told them I’m not going to go sit in a chair and pay someone to listen to their politics.
The bubble of having been an elected official for over twenty years. So yes, people would indeed stop me on the street to talk about local issues.
But just random people, tradesmen, fellow shoppers, even my barber (who, as a business owner, would ask me questions sometmes) like seems to be the standard here just has never happened. Ever.
I totally agree and the tradesman should feel free comment on the matter that he was hired to deal with.
I could care less about his or hers own take on sex, politics, the environment, etc.
If they want to save the whales or are advocates for or against immigration, fine, however keep that to yourself or have those discussions with others who are willing participants. Factual info regarding the work at hand is appropriate, sharing your personal beliefs is not and I would politely make that very evident.
Me: This is looking good. I'm so glad to be getting this done. I had to put it off, of course, because of everything (eluding to the shutdown).
Him: Oh yeah (agreeing). *insert rant about everything that happened and his opinions on who was at fault, including insulting words about certain demographics*
I stayed silent as he ranted, as I was not only a bit shocked at this, but I was trying to keep things professional. Once he stopped ranting, I basically said 'well I'll let you get back to it'.
I think I would have added - "I'm not interested in discussing this."
When I used to go south for the winter, I was always amazed at how many people would assume you had the same political/religious/whatever views as them. Talk about living in a bubble.
So yesterday I had a guy in who was installing some cabinets for us. This was a project I would have had done months ago if not for the shutdown.
He seemed to be good at the work. I've no complaints about that. But as they day went on and we got a bit more talkative he made his political views known.
They were in total opposition to mine.
Mind you, I didn't bring up politics but just said how happy I was to be getting this job done since I had to put it off. He said some pretty insulting things, thinking I was of the same mind. I kept my mouth shut about my opinions.
Well, any chance of me ever calling him back to do any work at my house went out the window right then and there.
Pro tip: Be professional, people.
But your problem is you've opened the can of worms. When dealing with contractors, respect their work don't mix business with politics or pleasure. Most people these days make the mistake of choosing sides in public and voicing their displeasure of our political system. In other countries people can openly debate which politician is right or wrong without much scrutiny except Americans.
I would appreciate the comments from the tradesman.
If I disagreed with his/her politics it would lead me to write a crappy Yelp review and tell my neighbors not to hire.
I would appreciate the comments from the tradesman.
If I disagreed with his/her politics it would lead me to write a crappy Yelp review and tell my neighbors not to hire.
Akin to the "cancel culture" bunch, eh?
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