Today's burning question comes from Redditor Nerdikki, who asked the online community the following question: "What is a genuine 'We don't want you to know this one, simple trick" from your profession?"
It turns out there are quite a few, and people are more than willing to share them if you ask nicely enough.
"A pepperoni with added pepperoni..."
Worked for pizza hut for 2 years.
Pepperoni pizza was $5. Double pepperoni was $8. A pepperoni with added pepperoni was $7, which was the exact same thing as a double pepperoni. Only one customer I served had figured that out.
"It is very common..."
Auto Parts: It is very common for the exact same part that was made to the same specifications, by the same people, in the same factory, at the same time, to be put in two different boxes and sold at two different prices. You think with the more expensive brand that you're paying for higher quality, but very often it is just the [NAME BRAND] part in box with a [VALUE BRAND] label on it. The tricky part is knowing when that is the case and when it is not.
"If debt collectors are calling you..."
If debt collectors are calling you, tell them you want proof of the debt and you want all future communication in writing, no phone calls.
If it's a legit debt you will still owe the money, but they will contact you by mail and stop calling you. If they keep calling you after you tell them to stop, they might be breaking state or federal law, or both, and you should report them to the FTC and your state attorney general.
If they can't demonstrate that the debt is legit, and they're smart, they'll stop trying to collect it.
"Nanny here."
Nanny here. The one secret that results in sleep trained babies and well behaved children: consistency. If you need a child to change their way of doing things, then you must not give up on it or them. (Well, in 99.99999% of cases)
"We don't have this book?"
Interlibrary loan. We don't have this book? I bet SOME library around the world does. They'll ship it to us and you can have it. free of charge.
"Bakeries often throw..."
Giphy
Bakeries often throw all their baked goods away at the end of the day. If you come in to my shop and you nicely ask if you can take some stuff home, I'll happily give it to you rather than throw away perfectly good food.
"I work in tourism."
I work in tourism. "Packages" that bundle tours and hotels and flights into one price for a "great deal" are usually more expensive than just booking the individual components separately.
"If you dropped..."
If you dropped your consumer electronic and its not obvious but also not working, dont tell the tech support you dropped it, just say it just happened.
Everyone of us rather RMA it for you, but once you say its your fault you tied our hands. You might need to perform troubleshooting you know to be fruitless, but just do it or make a reasonable impression that you did so we can move along to your rma.
"Not my industry but..."
Not my industry but about 40% of Americans have taxes simple enough that the government has all the information needed to determine what they owe. The government could recalculate your taxes, send it to you and then have you confirm or correct it. But they don't do that because the tax prep industry lobbies hard against it. Anything that makes taxes easier hurts them.
"I used to teach..."
I used to teach programming.
Are you trying to learn to code, and getting stuck? You do not need special coaching or mentoring. You do not need a boot camp. Most probably, you need to try something and be okay with it failing.
Fire up Python, type some random bullshit in, press enter, and get an error message.
Notice that your computer has not exploded.
Notice that things are okay.
No, you do not yet have a $300k job at Google. That's fine.
Most of the way that people fail to learn to code is not that they can't understand GraphQL, or MapReduce, or Deep Learning, or the Paxos consensus algorithm, or quicksort. It's that they get scared and confused.
The best mentor is not one who you're paying a bunch of money to explain your code to you. The best mentor is one who helps you get comfortable trying things, failing, and trying more things.
Real programmers spend a lot of time staring at weird error messages.
"You can fit..."
You can fit nearly any fancy new lock you see at the shop yourself. They're not particularly complicated to fit and usually come with very good instructions if not a YouTube video. Half my job as a locksmith was fitting deadbolts. Seriously, it's not that hard.
Also a hint, locks don't stop a determined intruder, get a security system. Again, do it yourself. Security companies charge a fortune for their systems that are usually no better than the ones in the shop. The only advantage to a security company is that they will monitor your alarms, but really, if you rig it up to call you then you are your own security company.
"Your Android phone..."
Giphy
Your Android phone keeps its 4G antenna on, even if you're connected to WiFi. This is to keep an active network connection so that, when you leave your WiFi, the 4G connection is already active and you keep browsing seamlessly. Problem is, keeping the antenna on drains battery.
Go to Phone Settings - About Phone - Software Information. Tap on the Build Number 7-8 times, until Developer Mode is unlocked. Go to the newly unlocked Developer Options below About Phone, and deselect Mobile Data Always Active. You've just increased your battery life.
"Accountant here..."
Accountant here. If you're reconciling a bank account and the balance in your ledger doesn't match what it's supposed to, multiply the difference by 9 and divide the difference by 9. If either one of these results is a whole number, you've got a transposition error somewhere.
"We rotate beer..."
We rotate beer in the cooler so the ones in front are about a week from expiration. If the cooler empties we will fill from displays before we take the freshest beer from the back warehouse to rebuild said displays
"If you are on certain programs..."
If you are on certain programs, you are ineligible if you have a car. If that car has been up on blocks for six months because you don't have the money to repair it, you still have a car and do not qualify.
Insurance is evil.
"If you're using..."
If you're using an Android phone and it "gets a virus" because you're "seeing popups" or whatever, 99 times out of 100 it's because you downloaded some crappy application. Delete it. No more popups.
Also you can get a perfectly good new smartphone for a little over $200 these days if you don't care about bells and whistles. The $1000 phones are $1000 because they come with all sorts of features most people don't use.
"I'm a real estate agent..."
I'm a real estate agent in WA. Don't buy houses in February. That's the hardest time to buy a house and often the most expensive. But, you should buy in the winter because sellers just want money in most cases.
"If a computer..."
If a computer, radio, etc isn't working, the majority of tech support is turning it off and back on again, checking the physical connections, downloading the newest version of what's not working, and looking for patches. There's very little hardware/software reworking, unless it's a very unique, very expensive system.
"If someone is registered..."
If someone is registered with a professional monitoring body who is responsible for the checking of someone's qualifications prior to registration, and that person loses their degree/higher qualification certificates, you can accept the proof of their registration with the professional body as verification of their qualification certificate.
EG if a doctor is registered with the general medical council and has lost their degree certificate (it happens) you can accept their GMC certificate of registration or GMC proof of entry as proof that the doctor's qualifications have been validated.
Might be boring to some but it's helpful to me!
"If you read a news article..."
If you read a news article with no named sources, 99% of the time its bullshit. The article needs a "voice" and tone so, journos with no integrity simply invent one. Your A list celebs who won't go anywhere without security and who live in gated estates are not blabbing their love life secrets to "a pal" who immediately runs to the media to let a trash tabloid know everything. The journo simply needs to fill space and paint a picture.
The exception is when the source actually asks to be anonymous. Usually this will be stated somewhere in the article that they didn't wish to be named/names have been changed. Or if the story is about something/someone extremely sensitive or dangerous.
"A pal close to her" is not out here blabbing about Jennifer Aniston. The publication is simply lying to you. Stop buying into media manipulation.
DQ: What's your company secret?
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When we're intoxicated, or even the slightest bit tipsy from having a little too much to drink, our immediate perspective on things is hazy.
But there's nothing like a bit of alarming news or a jarring incident to snap us out of the fog and focus on the moment.
Sometimes alcohol isn't always to blame for our impairment.
It can be a state of mind, like a perpetual numbness from being complacent in life, and all it takes is one shocking moment to rattle us back to our senses.
Curious to hear from strangers online about this type of scenario, Redditor Known_Challenge_7150 asked:
"What’s one thing that sobered you up real quick?"
These individuals were witness to shocking events that sobered them up right quick.
Bleeding Out
"Got out of a taxi and found a naked man profusely bleeding from his head crawling up the driveway in my condo. Called him an ambulance completely forgot I was absolutely wasted until 45 minutes later when I'd helped him translate and in to an amublance and stepped in my front door."
"Later a few days later learned he'd slipped in the tub and literally crawled out for help. Poor dude. He was fine but I genuinely thought he was going to die there."
– DongLaiCha
Tragic News
"At a bachelor party and we got a phone call that the groom’s father had suddenly passed."
– accountnameredacted
Bottom Of The Barrel
"I went to visit my parents back in July. I was homeless and deep into fentanyl addiction so I lost a lot of weight. My folks could see it. They knew something was up. Anyway, I spent the night and I was getting ready to leave in the morning and I looked at myself in the mirror for a good long time. I finally had enough and told them everything. They took me to detox, from there I went to rehab. Graduated in August and been living with them ever since then. I have 160 days clean and sober."
– Crotch-Monster
A reality check can be enough for some people to snap out of it.
Like Father, Like Son
"Was driving a drunk friend home, he had been on a bender again and was smart enough to call me for a lift rather than try and drive. As I helped in to his house his mother came down the stairs and said 'your as drunk as your father' and went back upstairs. I haven't seen him drunk since then, he still drinks but the thought of turning into his dad scared him out of hard drinking."
– psycospaz
Busted
"Flashing blue lights."
– FiddleOfGold
"This sobered me up just thinking about it."
– redmaple_syrup
Losing Sight
"Woke up to no sight in one eye. I had cataract surgery so just thought one of the lenses had slipped and it was an easy fix. Eye doc says nope, you had a stroke. I loved soy sauce, teriyaki sauce and salty food, which caused high blood pressure, which caused retina damage. Over six months was able to get most of my eyesight back with medication, and all back within a year. Trying to navigate life with one eye was very sobering. Started taking HBP much more seriously."
– MissHibernia
Quitting The Bottle
"Looked up someone I went to highschool with who was an awesome guy. Found out he had been dead for 3 years from alcoholism, at age 33. I made an overnight change. I hadn't started drinking that night yet, 10 months ago. Haven't touched it again since."
– omgtater
These disturbing moments were enough for Redditors to immediately come to their senses.
Unplanned House Guests
"Me and a buddy Woke up in someone’s living room, realized neither one of us knew the people, they were just nice and let 2 drunk guys sleep on their living room floor. We didn’t even say goodbye."
– Oneinsevenbillion75
Serious Health Warning
"Elevated liver enzymes."
"And the knowledge that this sh** was gonna kill me and I just couldn't orphan my family over it."
"So I opted for recovery, instead."
"Clean and sober since June 5, 2009."
– Far_Meal8674
The Joyride
"Grew up in a rural area. The little town hosted dances at the hockey arena, everyone (adults and kids) went and they overserved everyone, regardless of age. I was maybe 16 or 17 and was absolutely sh*tfaced, and jumped in the back of someone's truck with about 8 other people to go back to someone's cottage for after dance drinking. The driver (still don't know who it was) started racing one of his buddies and we whipped around small dirt roads, flying around blind corners on the wrong side of the road, going god knows how fast. It was basically a disaster waiting to happen. It was crazy scary and I was sober and thankful to be alive when we finally arrived."
– foxfood9116
The human psyche is a fascinating thing, isn't it?
How we can automatically focus on something urgent at a crucial time, even after getting buzzed from drinking too much alcohol.
But as we're in the thick of the holidays, it's a good reminder to drink responsibly and stay off the roads if you drive to your celebratory destination.
Cheers. Stay safe. And happy holidays.
We've all complained or vented about something in our lives which, in the grand scheme of things, wasn't exactly a problem, or is very easily solved.
Then there are those who complain about things that others almost hope will happen to them at some point in their lives.
These are known as "first world problems", as they are problems that pretty much only the world's one percent faces.
From having to fly business class instead of first class, or being served Roederer instead of Dom Pérignon, these complaints are often met with amusement, bewilderment, or even anger.
Redditor jennimackenzie was curious to hear the most absurd "first world problems" anyone ever complained about, leading them to ask:
"What’s the most ridiculous 'first world problem' you’ve seen people get worked up over?"
"Tale As Old As Time..."
"I once knew a mom who was legitimately devastated, to the point of tears/grief, because a doctor predicted her 8 year old daughter's final height to be around 5'2","
"Which wasn't tall enough to get cast as Belle at Disney World."
"That was the child's (and her mother's) only dream in life, apparently."
"Didn't appreciate my suggestion that she could be Minnie or Mickey."
"Lol!"
"Only a face character would do!"- TravelLovingMom
"Must Be Funny, In A Rich Man's World..."
"My boss from about a decade ago was this insanely rich dude who always went to the bank to get fresh and crisp currency."
"He'd call the bank in advance to make sure they had some on hand."
"I think he was a germaphobe."
"He had a trash can that he'd throw $1 and $5 bills in that he thought was 'dirty' and regularly just donated it vs spending it."
"I asked him why he did this and he said it was too much trouble and asked if I wanted it."
"I said f*ck yeah dumped it into my bag and when I got home it was close to $400 in singles and fives.
"Another time, he wanted to upgrade all the computers in his studio, so we went to a store and bought 10 PCs."
"They all had $150 mail in rebates and he wasn't bothered to go through the trouble of mailing them in."
"3 weeks later I received $1500 after spending a whole afternoon filling out all those goddamn forms."- azninvasion2000
Money Burn GIF by nog
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Who Wore It Better?
"When I was about 19 years old, I was at my boyfriends family BBQ."
"I was wearing this pretty floral sundress."
"His cousins girlfriend showed up in the same dress and she was SO mad that she went and changed."
"I will never understand being upset when someone is wearing the same thing as you.'
"Did you really think that your shirt you bought off the rack is going to be unique to you?"
"No."- mertsey627
Seeing Red! Or Blue In This Case...
"The blue of the balloons wasn't quite the same as the bridesmaid's sashes."
"Years ago my wife and I attended a wedding."
"It was very low key."
"The dinner was in the dining hall at the university where the couple met, cinder block walls and all."
"It was a Baptist wedding - no booze and very serious."
"The dark blue balloons attempting to liven up the hall were a slightly darker shade of blue than the sashes on the bridesmaid's dresses."
"The bride lost here sh*t and absolutely raved for nearly an hour."
"I can't remember how they finally managed to talk her down."- mechant_papa
south park wedding GIF
Giphy
See You In Court!
"Rich neighbors who end up in expensive court battles because they disagree about where a tree can be planted or whether the color of a fence fits in with the street’s 'amenity'."
'These disputes get really heated and rack up huge lawyers’ bills."
"The most pathetic part is after the judgement when they are arguing about who should pay the other party’s costs."
"Lots of affidavits filed citing the 'emotional distress' they had to endure, or painting themselves as brave warriors who were forced to take a stand to fight for 'justice'."
"Also lots of pompous litigants insisting that the judge refer to them by their 'Dr' title."
"An absolutely insane dumpster fire of entitled rich people problems."- ElectrocRaisin
It's Always People With Money Who Don't Want To Pay!
"I work in a public library."
"People will get so so mad if they have to be put on a wait list for a book."
"A popular book that just came out."
"Ok our services are not only free but so are the books."
"You’re welcome, a**holes."- Switchbladekitten
A Warm Butt Is A Happy Butt!
"My own."
"We have a bidet toilet seat (Fabulous! Everyone should have one!) and not only does it wash your bum and blow dry it, but the seat's heated!"
"It's shocking how much a heated toilet seat makes the whole process more agreeable."
"Except: We had a power outage and I went to use the toilet and the seat was cold!"
"Unacceptable!"
"This shall not stand!"
"I was really upset because it didn't feel good."
"Then I stopped and thought: This is the most first-world problem anyone's ever had."
"I was really pissed because my heiny was tepid."
"I got over it."- DeathGrover
homer simpson episode 23 GIF
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Holy Matrimony!
"Weddings are a gold mine for this question."
"People get so hyped up over their 'most important day of their life'."
"They'll destroy friendships, go into debt, and have crazy expectations."
"It's not always the couple who go crazy, either."
"Sometimes, it's the parents or another family member who feels entitled to control the wedding."
"It's just a party."
"Be considerate of guests, have plenty of food and drinks, and enjoy it."- magicrowantree
When Fast Food Isn't Fast Enough...
"Having to pull off to the side to wait for a drive-thru order to be brought out to you because your food isn't ready and there's a line building up behind you."- demanbmore
In Case You Don't Think Customer Service Employees Are Undervalued...
"I was working the return desk at a Target next to a military base so I have so many stories."
"One of my favorites was a lady who had her baby shower before revealing the gender and was livid that she had received floral newborn diapers when she’s having a boy."
"It was a huge box of super expensive, all organic diapers, that we didn’t carry and therefore could not return."
"I cannot accurately express her fury and disgust."
"How dare either suggest her boy could wear feminine diapers."
"I suggested she donate them if she didn’t want to use them and she instead threw away the entire box."
"When she left we pulled it out and threw it in our donate bin."
"There have also been multiple times where mom’s order massive toys and when we bring them out to the car they get furious that they aren’t wrapped."
"We don’t offer wrapping services."
"Here’s the thing, if you don’t want your kids to see the toys you got them for Christmas or their bit to day DON'T BRING THE CHILD WHEN YOU PICK IT UP."
'I’ve had multiple women scream and curse me out that I had ruined their kids Christmas by bringing the toys they ordered out to the car like they requested."- clever-mermaid-mae
Customer Service Waiting GIF by Juno Calypso
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Happiest Place On Earth!
"I used to work for Disney."
"That in itself should tell you everything."
"However for fun I'll give you two specific stories one form our tech department and one from my wife who worked bookings."
"I specifically worked for their call center to help with technical issues with magic band and the website."
"Suddenly got worse huh?"
"A right of passage call everyone has at least one story of is the 'Dome call'."
"Basically there is a subset of Disney Guest (TM) that believes if it rains at Walt Disney world there is someone that will push a button to encapsulate the whole of Disney property in a dome to keep out the rain."
"I'm not kidding."
"If this button is not pushed they call our tech department to angrily ask why."
"My wife worked booking."
"Pretty much everything including Bibbidi Bobbidi boutique and Pirate's league."
"These two things did roughly the same thing difference being price and theme."
"BBB was expensive did more and was focused on princesses, pirates league did a bit less and focused on mermaids and pirates."
"Lady called up my wife, and got pissed about BBB being booked up (It goes FAAAAST)."
"Karen: 'Im going to give the phone to my daughter and I want you to tell her how you are ruining her vacation by not letting her do BBB'."
"Wife proceeds to explain how pirate's league is so much cooler and how she can be a mermaid or pirate and basically gets the kid to start demanding to their parents about how they want to be a mermaid instead of a princess."- trollsong
Disney World GIF
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The horror!
Being booked into a junior suite at Disney World instead of an executive suite!
It's almost as bad as having no money for groceries, or no food to feed you children...
Said absolutely no one.