thoughts on paying rent, and getting with the times.

Okay so, part of my job is being a debt collector. Fun, I know. Ideally, people approach the desk (or at least call) to let the staff know that they intend to stay another day and to make payment arrangements. Most days, this is my life.

Easy peasy.

Other days, it's like pulling teeth. Fucking stay (and pay money), or GTFO. Reeeeeally not that hard. Today I had two minor incidents that flustered me but not to any serious degree:

Firstly, I had an older guy, late 50s to early 60s, paid for his first night on his own but had his sister pay with a debit card over the phone for the subsequent two nights. I broke policy by allowing this phone transaction but he wouldn't/couldn't leave and I needed payment. Today I let him know that I wouldn't allow another phone payment, it took him two hours to come up with enough money to stay another night. On one hand, I feel sorry for the guy. The later years in life are supposed to be about plush retirements and enjoying life sans restrictions, and instead he's having to scramble to put fifty dollars together. But then there's the other hand, he's living in hotel room in a constant grubby state, curtains closed 24/7, unbathed, disheveled... get a job you fucking slob.

Secondly, I had a stranger walk in from off the street to inquire about rates. He was looking for a place to stay for a month. ONE MONTH. This is actually pretty regular for us to see in this area with the constant state of construction projects, but this guy in particular is a local resident. He told me he and his wife currently rent an apartment in town and he's looking for a cheaper option so he can leave his $575 per month digs. What I cannot figure out is why he would think that leaving a dirt cheap two bedroom apartment to go to a FULL SERVICE hotel would be cheaper. For god's sake you dumb fuck, we're not going to change your sheets and take out your trash.

Get with the times gentlemen. We're in a recession, everyone is getting pinched. You cannot reasonably ask for more and pay less in this economy, nor is it appropriate to leave your financial crises to be solved by the people staffing the businesses you visit.

Your business has no value if you cannot pay.