The difference between irresponsibility and circumstances

so you look just like your mother now? LOL!!!!

You're absolutely right! If you don't let loose and laugh a little bit you will snap!

As far as features go, yeah I look like my mom, but as far as stature and coloring go it's completely different. She has dark hair, dark skin, and she's short and stocky. I'm pale, blonde, and at 5'7" I tower over all the other females in my family. The man I'm married to is Scandinavian, he has white-blonde hair, and a blushed, round face. I keep calling him Bam-bam because of his resemblance to the Flintstones baby.

Ari

I only saw a glimpse of Coca-Cola, are you thinking about chosing a career with them. Coca-Cola has actually violated their Vendor Code of Conduct, and we are no longer doing business with them.

Shirley

I remember when I was 16 or so, I would do what you mentioned...run into the store and buy food for them. Usually it was a fast, but healthy, meal. I guess it really depends on where I'm at, and how traffic is. I feel guilty sometimes, but sometimes I can only help so much.

Regards-
Mike

Mikey,
Don't knock what you did! All it takes is a split second to enrich the life of an unfortunate. What you did spoke volumes to these individuals. No need to feel guilty! You can only help so much? What exactly is your idea of helping more than "so much"? Mikey, reaching out to them is a wonderful thing and they are grateful for it. They're realistic, they know perfectly well that you can't reach into your pants pocket and pull out enough money for them to buy a house with. Give yourself a pat on the back!

I also said sour grapes to Coca Cola, they never contacted me. American Income Life has! I have my first interview Wednesday afternoon!

How did they violate the VCC? Did they fill up the Pepsi machine with cokes? :lol:

Ari

Well good luck on the interview. Insurance is a BIG, BIG, BIG, business to get into.

Mike

Ari

It was reported that Coca-Cola is/was doing improper waste disposal in India, and unethical labor pratices in Columbia. The University (where I work/attend school) gave them plenty of time to defend these allegations, and if response was not received, then the contract would be cancelled.

Pepsi still has a contract with us, but now we're getting Faygo.

Mike

Mikey,

Pollution and employee mistreatment are major sins in my book.
I'm looking forward to my meeting at American Income Life, this could be a new beginning for me.
Mikey, I just have to say that your little credo at the end of all your posts really communicates the very subject I've just been talking about. Us as a whole human race banding together and taking care of each other. It's really the only way to ensure the survival of humanity.

Ari, good luck on the interview

Mikey, way to stay human and idealistic. Keep the faith (faith in the power of humanity to remember what it means to be human and humane.

Thanks JJ! I think the reason behind my feeble credit card and payday loan collection abilities is the fact that I cen see the people behind the numbers.

I can still tell the difference between irresponsibility and circumstances. Today I talked to a lady who I didn't even know was old until she said so. She went right back to work a week after having a hysterectomy, had five figure debts to credit cards and hospitals, and her hours got cut after the operation, and her husband only earns commission which right now is in the famine end of the spectrum. She told me they were looking at bankruptcy, and I said alright. Took her attorney's name and number, and wished her well. That's some resolve she's got! Going right back to work a week after major surgery! I had a similar procedure when I was 15 and it was too much for me to even get up and walk!

on the other hand, talked to a couple of senior citizens who didn't bother to tie up their financial loose ends before retiring! I didn't cut them any slack because that's a stupid thing to do!

Hello friends,

It's true that some people out there are so stuck in a situation that simply paying the bills becomes a delusion of grandeur. When it's the government that has a hand in our destruction, it's time to question authority!

I talked to a sweet old gentlman who could be anyone's grandfather today who owed a little over a grand to Walmart. He said he knew he owed the debt and once he found a job he would step up to the plate. THe poor old fella was living on a really stingy disability handout from the state that only covered his rent, medicine, and a little food. That's it.

What happened to him was, and this really gets my goat! He owned and operated his own successful trucking business, enjoyed excellent credit and lived moderately well. Then surprise, there is a new and stupid state law passed prohibiting anyone who is insulin diabetic from operating on commercial licenses. It all went downhill from there. He couldn't find anyone willing to cover enough of the driving to keep the business running, and he went under. What money he got from selling the business went to paying off business loans. Add insult to injury, one of my former colleagues was the first to call him and he was rude and condescending to him!

I'm still searching for an out because I can't do this anymore. Especially to good people like this man whose undoing was the work of the government.

Question authority, always.

That is so very sad, but I can see both sides of the insulin dependent driver with a commercial license. I am pretty confident that that particular law was passed as the result of a tragic accident where an insulin dependant truck driver was at fault. Someone who is having difficulty regulating their blood sugar can easily be mistaken for a drunk driver - poor co-ordination, slurred speach, just the classic drunk signals. (former cop - lol)

That makes sense, but one bad apple doesn't spoil the whole bunch. This man had his livelihood taken away and he's destitute now because of it. It's a tragedy.

I know what you mean, but I am guessing that the family of the victims really pushed for legislation to make the law happen. And I am sure, when you only hear one side (pro-legislation) and their particular story, it would be pretty easy to agree with them.

I have a great deal of sympathy for for the gentleman who lost his livelyhood.

So do I, I feel deeply for my debtors. The honest ones anyway. Got a verbal kick in the shorts from management today for not meeting goal, being too conversational with debtors, and basically treating credit card debtors the same way I treated student loan debtors...like people for crying out loud. They want me to be demanding and not listen to whatever is going on with them. I'm not an abrasive person, I just don't possess that personality trait. When I confront people I walk softly because I can't stand to draw tears.
Whatever debt the honest people have, they eventually will pay, but not by blatantly disregarding their basic needs! No collector should commit almost a hate crime for the sake of a debt, that's like selling your soul for a doughnut.

I'm not sure that a compassionate nature and the collection industry go hand in hand.

I know you are looking for another job in a different industry - good luck!

You've got a point.

In fact, I went to an interview at American Income Life today. It is a job selling affordable health and/or life insurance. The bonus pay structure is really sexy, and as part of my pitch I can advise people to buy life insurance and disability insurance as a means to avoid the bill collector! How about that!

Ari

Is this a professional sales position that you applied for American Income Life? Insurance is an extremely lucrative profession, but I do know sales can be quit difficult at times. I hope they at least provide leads, and you're not "cold" selling.

Best of luck-
Mike

It is a sales position, and if only my husband would be more supportive of my taking a commission only job I would be right on top of it. When it comes to commission only he's one of the biggest naysayers I know. But the personnel manager showed us recent sales figures, and a chart of how much can be earned if minimal effort is put in and its over $46K!
The schedule would also work for me, 12-9 Tuesday through Friday and a few late morning to early afternoon hours on Saturday. No more having to drag my grouchy ass out of bed at 6:00, I can sleep then do a little workout in the morning, still have enough time for school, etc etc. I really want to do it, but the personnel guy said it's not worth doing if my husband isn't going to be supportive. I still have my iron in various fires, soon I'll be out of the collection dregs.

What question you should be asking a debt collector who is taking you to court for a debt that he has bought from a company

Don't ask them anything. Just bring documentation, if you have been making small payments bring the cancelled checks or the money order receipts, if you've recorded conversations where a collector was breaking the law, bring that.
This is a debt that has been charged off by the original creditor and then sold to third party collections, and now you're being litigated? Why did you let it go this far?

Ari,

I don't know how you do it! You are such a sweet girl working in what seems to be such a cut-throat industry. I hope you find another line of work soon, considering that you have FEELINGS and all...good luck finding a new job, you know we are all rooting for ya :)

~Mary

Mary,

The truth is, I barely do it. I was doing quite well with student loans since I felt a sense of purpose there. Here with credit cards and payday loans I'm in the manager's office every Friday getting chewed out for every reason imaginable that leads to my not reaching my preset goal. I dread having to drag myself to that office and plant my tuccus into that uncomfortable chair. I feel like I'm chained to that desk. It's dreadful. The only people who come to the phone are either decent people who are just broke, or degenerates hurling vulgarities in my general direction. The rest of the time I feel like a broken record leaving the same old-hat message on answering machines.
I have an interviwew coming up Wednesday evening. If I get it, it looks like my Marketing eduation and my year at Home Depot are opening a door. I'm also buying lots of yoga dvd's so I can stay in shape physically and mentally.
Everybody, your support of me mean worlds to me! You're my best friends!

Good luck with the new interview! Life is just too short to have a job you hate!

Ari,

Yoga is one of my favorite things in the entire world. I never believed in being "centered" and all that nonsense, until I went to my first yoga class out of boredom. Now it has become a major part of my life! Keep taking care of yourself like that and you will definitely end up in the right direction.

I will be thinking of you and your new job interview~!!

~Mary

I know what you mean! I love it too! I get more out of yoga than I ever did with weightlifting. The first dvds I bought are a Denise Austin yoga and a Susan Deason pilates. They are absolutely wonderful, and it??s such a treat to do it at home rather than have to drive to a class.
Right now, my husband and I are in Jacksonville preparing for out adjustment of status interview with the USCIS. It mean two days off from work, and a nice little roadtrip, just the two of us, to wrap up the whole green-card thing. Wish us luck on that too! Not that we need it, it??s all on the up-and-up!

Isn't a lot of debt a matter of an emotional decision made regarding finances, without regard for the ability to pay back what was borrowed?

Excellent Ari, good luck with that as well!

~Mary

Quote:

Ari, thank you for your comments. I have had nothing but harrassing phone calls from HouseHold Finance.. I tried working with them with a dmp but they refused, said they did not have work with me. I have always had GREAT credit, my husband started getting socked with 65% of his pay for past child support. We can hardly survive, I have cut out all the necessities worked with other creditors and am now in the process of working with HUD to hold onto our home. I tried working with Household, they were getting 260.00 a month, only 40.00 short of my monthly payment, they have been ruthless, all I'm trying to do is avoid bankruptcy, pay my bills, get my credit back in line. I have wrote letters to the Attorney General, Consumer Affairs, whoever will listen about Household. Everyone one else has been wonderful, I had a rep who was the most obnoxious person to walk this earth, she told me I was irresponsible I said how could that be when I called them! PS: I have 4 Cats... Hence the name Babs3Catz, the 4th cat was a surprise but I couldn't toss her into the cold. When I went to HUD they even took into consideration my animals if you can believe that one! Any help you can give me Ari would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks, Beth aka Babs3Catz....

Hi Beth, I'm glad you like reading my posts. I'm a realistic person and I'm fully conscious of reality around me. No matter what demand I'm told to make, I know you can't reach into you pants pocket and pull out a balance in full. As for the harassment and threats, it's all hot air trust me. It is true that collectors have bonus money to shoot for on top of their minimum wage and that's why they all get a wild hair across their ass when you ask for a little leeway so you can live. I would accept $260, I wouldn't say no to that! Heck, with four adorable cats I'd probably cut you a break at $200 even because cats just make me melt! Hats off to you for taking on a fourth, you my dear have a heart of gold!
Anyways, keep the attorney general, the better business bureau, and consumer affair nice and close you do need a support system. As long as you are paying as much as you are paying they can't legally sue you for garnishment of wages, keep that in mind. Also, you don't have to take that crap from that jackass at Household, don't be afraid of them, go right ahead and stand up to them. You are doing your part and paying monthly, go ahead and lay on a guilt trip about how they want bonus money to piss away on frivolties on the backs of people like you who are struggling. Also, think it through if you're considering sending them a cease and desist, it might just fan the flames as this can get your account moved then the whole farce starts over again. Get call blocking or something like that, think about changing your phone number to an unlisted one as well.
Keep me posted on everything. I want to know what some of these creeps say to you, if it' really bad just send it to my pm. I'd like to know what kind of account this is so I can better advise you. Also, I'd like to know more about your cats!
Thanks, Ari

It is so great to have you here Ari, have I ever told you that? :)

~Mary

Oh thank you Mary, it's certainly a pleasure to be here! Got any cats?

I do have one cat named Griffin, he's a fat little loveball! When you say his name, he says hi back :) He's hilarious!! Also loves to cuddle when I sleep...he's the best!! :)

~Mary

Aaaw! Reminds me of my little Pinky, a grape-shaped calico who always has something to say! She once let me use her as a pillow, I woke up with her under my head!
I hope all you cat-people have pet insurance! It's inexpensive and worth it if kitty gets sick or hurt!

I have pet insurance of sorts lol... I work for a vet and get a very nice discount!

I have definitely considered getting pet insurance for Griffin, but honestly, I don't really know where to start looking! I guess the internet is the best place to start....do they have turtle insurance too? I love my turtle almost as much as my cat :))))

~Mary :)

I'm sure they do. Look online, they also have brochures at your vet's office.

check out the akc site... I am pretty sure it has links

I envy you! It must be heaven to see animals all day! I was once in a class with a woman who works as a "feline counselor", pairing prospective cat adopters with the appropriate cat, whether they want a lap-cat or a puppy-cat. That's an enviable job!

I will definitely check out the pet insurance...thanks guys! :)

~Mary

Hi Ari,

This is mom (not a collector, just an insurance agent) I still love to read what you write.

Love, Mom

Dude, Ari, your MOM is here too! I love this forum! Talk about being like a family!! :lol: Awesome!!

~Mary :D

Thanks mamasita! And welcome to the forums! Feel free to pop in whenever you feel like and offer any advice or consolation to the forum members. They're wonderful people and it would be an absolute miracle if the collection industry would realize that. Then again, if they did we wouldn't be having this conversation. Every storm cloud has a silver lining!

That is right Mary! I was just on the phone with her talking about this wonderful forum, and how it is my baby, my pet project, and a wonderful support system for us all!

That is so cool that you are close to your mom, I am the same way with my mom! As a matter of fact, if she actually had a bit of debt, she would probably be here chatting with us right now! :) I am still trying to talk her into joining, since she does have a couple questions on credit reports and such....I'm sure she'll be here soon :)

~Mary

My mother also concurs with my husband, future boss, and the forum members that working crap collections and terrorizing people who are down and out doesn't pay. She has no debts, but when I describe certain cases, anonymously of course, she understands that there is no reward to reap from people who have lost it all. To do so is predatory. Maybe the bonus check is an enticing incentive, but they're not important to me if they're not earned with dignity and honor. I refuse to be a charlatan, and my entire family respects that.

That is great Ari, much more than we can say for many others in that profession!

~Mary

What really caught me off-guard is the difference between collecting student loans and third-party collections. With student loans, the environment was very studious, upbeat, and professional. My manager encouraged us to use the fdcpa as a means to establish trust, build rapport, and build almost a business relationship with the debtors. My transition to third-party collections was culture shock. Unprofessional, negative, and harsh. Very little adherence to the FDCPA, and no rapport just demands. I would gladly go back to student loans, I loved it. But from here on out I won't touch third party with a mile long pole.

How odd that in the same company, things could be so different! Such a shame....

~Mary