Greg and I are trying to live a more grateful life. (I know - good for us and no, not like the grateful dead). Yesterday I settled something for one of my "pro bono" clients (people I do work for - for free) who was decidedly ungrateful. I could go into all the details about the case - how I never really got the "straight" story and how with each passing month she would provide a little new detail or snippet that would change the negotiations. Needless to say, it made for a difficult working environment - and difficult to make progress. Finally I was able to reduce her monthly payment from $3300 a month to $300 a month - making it possible that she can move out of her mother's apartment - and actually live. When I called my client to inform her of the good news - her response? "Well how long am I going to have to pay that?"Um . . . your welcome.
8 comments:
I think one day she will realize what a big thing it was that you did for her. I know that because I sent her a long letter detailing how much time you spent worrying about this case and thinking of ways you could get the IRS to move faster. You did a great job! Congratulations on successfully negotiating with the IRS when they had no incentive to do anything. You really made a difference in her life, even if she hasn't realized it quite yet.
Also, the Dead rock!!
Oh dear. I know it's not the proper response, but I would want to say, "Well, I don't know how long you'll have to pay that. Let me check."--and then call the IRS and undo all the excellent negotiating work you'd done. I'm thinking that is probably some sort of violation of our Code of Professional Conduct, but I'd want to do it all the same.
Let's face it, that woman is never going to realize what you did for her. She is a woman and nothing is ever enough for them. (At least that is what Ross tells me.)
I am left wondering who is going to pay the other $3000 per month. It had better not be me. By "me" I, of course, mean the tax payer. I'd rather she free-loaded off her mother instead of me.
Argh! Some people just never learn that lesson... sad!
We are trying to teach our own children gratitude... to appreciate the blessings, priviledges and opportunities that they are blessed with. I hope they will grow up understanding how to work hard for what they have and appreciate the sacrifices of others... it is a great theory, but at ages 1, 4 and 7, not always a realistic expectation... any ideas from you and Ross' "more grateful" life?
Oh man--so sorry dude. Try not to kick her in the face or anything. Apparently that's frowned upon.
What a blow. Like Hailey Mills I always try to play the glad game at any opportunity. This is golden. Let's be glad that, 1. That's over and 2. She gave you some blog material.
I do love a good glad game. Poor Greg - lately I have been making him play it while we are out for walks.
Post a Comment