Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Sometimes Holland is frustrating

But then we remember the cheese and koek, with Becel, in the morning. Then we are happy.

I have a computer, under warranty, with Dell. In the States, it would have been one phone call and the problem would be repaired the next business day. Here, I have already made five phone calls, sent multiple emails, waited six days, and have no appointment to show for my effort. I'm being told, "If your problem is still unresolved, please call customer technical support." When customer technical support is callled, one is transferred twice until a voicemail message is reached. The clear message: we don't really care about you or your computer. The difference in job security really shows -- it's very difficult to fire anyone here.

While it can be frustrating, there is a positive flip side. Things take a lot longer, but the pace of life is much slower and more rewarding. I think that people are more relaxed and overall maintain a much better work/life balance.

2 comments:

Mark and Cassie said...

Quite whining and get to work!

I haven't looked at your blog in a while. I've been looking at your are site, but not the blog. I love the pictures form Berlin! The portrait of you make cackle. Looks like you guys are having great fun.

Look forward to seeing you in two weeks.

HagenInDenHaag said...

you've got it, boss! see you on Jan 31, and Feb. 1!