“Remoted – Hybrid” – Day 653 (Wednesday)

Downtown Lowell alley.

The workday saw more than the usual amount of frustration for a normal day, and exactly the usual amount of frustration for a dreaded monthly review task day. The review thing is so dreadful that three of us rotate the chore. I’m quite certain if one of us had to do it every month they would quit. Or maybe it’s just me. 

The process involves two different software programs and a cumbersome process to send files and case notes to a vendor according to a timeline that is derailed monthly by the vendor. 

If you receive a bank statement with a graphic on the top of the first page wishing you happy holidays or suggesting you sign up for e-statements, please know that it’s entirely possible that one or more people at your financial institution may have had to walk through hell in a gasoline pantsuit to make it happen. 

The issue at hand today was the January graphic. If you’ve looked at a calendar, you are no doubt aware that January is practically here. Its icy breath can be felt on the back of the neck. The file was sent to the vendor on December 7 in preparation for their loading and testing, and our proof review process. On the 14^th, an apology was received, noting that the first step on the other end hadn’t been requested yet, despite being there for a full week. On the 21^st, a status update was requested through the case management system with no response. On the 28^th, as panic began to set in, another status was requested. 

Today, with anxiety reaching a fever pitch, there was another check-in through the software system and an email with the “please pay attention to me” exclamation point for urgency. The email noted the absence of time left for changes or adjustments to the graphic if needed, which wouldn't be known until we see the proofs.

Finally, notice was received that proofs were ready for review and approval which requires accessing both quirky systems. There are 60 test accounts to review. Two review files were received. One file contained one sample for something not even on the checklist. The other file held 20 test accounts. I wrote back to say the proof files were missing 40 accounts, and no, the test files could not yet be approved.

It was so frustrating that a walk was needed to clear the head before a gasket was blown. The toy store was visited where it was discovered that paint by number sets still exist and now I want one. The shelves of model car kits reminded me of building them with my brother when we were kids and I had to leave before I got all teary-eyed in the store. 

Downtown Lowell mural.

A visit to the bookstore yielded a copy of the January book and a spot for the upcoming “Boozy Book Club” meeting in a few weeks at a local restaurant. A nearby mural was admired, (it has a rooster!) along with a painted fence in the alley next to the building with the mural. 

By the time I returned to my desk, I felt better, as in, no longer ready to punch a wall while screaming the name of the vendor partner. Soon after, the remaining documents for the monthly proofing process arrived and the task was completed. The best part is, it won’t be my problem for a couple months now.