That means I’m constantly on the phone these days with everyone from the IRS to attorneys to CPAs.
I can’t even tell you how much time I’ve wasted stuck in this never-never land lately.
Here’s how automated phone lines could make life easier for their callers.
So many times, I listen carefully to all of the options and none of them fit my situation.
I usually just start yelling “AGENT!”
or “REPRESENTATIVE!”
Sometimes I try “OPERATOR” because I’m old like that.
I’m pretty sure I’ve tried yelling “PERSON!”
or “HUMAN!”
I try pressing zero a lot, and sometimes that works to get me a real live person.
I’m listening carefully anyway.
I don’t care if the menu options have changed.
Companies are vastly overestimating how many people have memorized their phone options.
I assure you, I do realize that in 2022, any company has a website.
I have almost certainly visited said website.
I am calling because there is literally no way that website can help me.
It’s no fun.
Even though the IRS always tells me it’ll be an hour-plus, at least that’s something.
It gave me an option!
Freedom from endless yacht rock or bland classical music!
I felt like I’d just busted out of the Bastille.
This gives me my day back, and allows me to cross one thing off my list temporarily.
Ball’s in their court now!
Of course, companies that promise this, need to actually follow up and call me back.
That helps me make a decision about when to call back.
Give me your email address
We’ve already established that your website can rarely help me.
But you know what might?
Of course, only do this if you’re paying someone to actually read and respond to emails.
I know I’ll be stuck calling giant organizations for the foreseeable future.
There’s no way around it in 2022.
Automated phone menus are much-hated, but also probably necessary.
But can’t someone dig into these universal problems and make these systems better?
I just want to speak to a human.
