I Learn - Even from the TSA
On a recent trip to Upstate New York, the best available flight tossed me through JFK in New York City as a layover. I was fearful having to take a puddle-jumper, even though for just a short time, to Albany. Despite weather conditions leaving me in JFK for more than six hours, it was the TSA supervisor at the city’s airport security that really got the best of me.
Making life simple, I only packed carry-ons and followed the strict 3-1-1 rule (that’s 3 oz containers, in a 1-quart bag, and one per passenger). However, I have a sun allergy and must have with me a prescription ointment, as well as a cream, which is ideally over-the-counter. I researched the TSA guidelines and found that the cream, though non-prescription, was allowed, despite the size of the tube.
My perception of the rules were accurate (in fact, they clearly allowed me to carry what I needed) and I met no obstacle in Florida’s airport. At JFK, however, I was met with great hostility. The supervisor told me she didn’t care - that I could not carry through the necessary item. When I pointed out the actual guidelines, she told me they were wrong. I was quite taken aback, because these were the same guidelines the TSA employees refer to when determining what can be let through screening. I was polite, but a bit adamant about my need to carry the item through, and was met with further hostility and rudeness. It was a no-go.
For a moment I thought that perhaps JFK sets also its own guidelines, but this notion was nixed when two other TSA employees said that even they were upset about the situation because what I had packed was allowable, and apologized for their supervisor taking her personal issues out on me, a passenger.
Once I’ve recuperated from my trip I’ll be writing a letter to the TSA, I can’t help but recall that attitudes like this are a specific reason why there are other airports I avoid, and local stores and restaurants I refuse to patronize. And its not so much about the disgruntled employees as it is realizing that I don’t much like the idea of supporting a business whereas owners or workers simply hate their jobs.
Though sometimes in spite, many times in years past I’ve given notice on jobs that paid well, but just didn’t bring me any satisfaction. I’m sure those close to me thought I was crazy to pass up a steady paycheck, but the ultimate misery I experienced not even wanting to get out of bed in the morning, in my mind, just wasn’t worth the sole benefit of the ability to buy things I didn’t even need. It’s jobs like those, actually, that led me in the direction to start my own business and run it on my terms.
Not that every waking moment at work finds me in a perfectly good mood, I’ve come to learn that allowing personal issues (depression or angst) to become apparent in my work or to clients makes my business substandard. I’ve nearly mastered “counting to ten”, as well as when to wrap up a phone call because if I continue, my frustration my reflect as a rudeness to a customer who is not deserving. Sometimes it’s best to take a few moments to myself before picking up the phone again, and I’m confident that this practice has helped the business grow.
Through years of hard work, but moreso knowing what makes me happy, I’ve found a place where getting up in the morning is a simple task. I’ve forged many friendships with clients, customers, my employees and many colleagues. I really wouldn’t have it any other way. And I realize that the success of business is everyone’s goal, but it has to be a result of contentment and passion to be a personal success–which is, of course, the only success worthy of our time.
I wanted to sit down and write this blog yesterday. But, you see, my frustration would have shined through too clearly. Despite the attitude of that supervisor, and the 13 hours it took to travel just 1500 miles, I had the pleasure of breaking a tooth and taking an emergency visit to a dentist, where I was informed I’m either going to need a root canal, or possibly a tooth pulling–nothing scares me more, not even flying.
