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Bad Manners and Brimstone
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#Post#: 54785--------------------------------------------------
Sorry, Can't, COVID And All
By: DaDancingPsych Date: July 21, 2020, 1:34 pm
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What is a polite and professional way to say, "Umm... we are in
the midst of a pandemic, I don't want to take this job because
we have to be up in each other's personal space!"
I'll keep it simple, as there is some backstory, but I don't
think that it really changes the fact that I'm trying to say the
previous sentiment. Anyways, a potential client contacted me
wanting to know if my schedule has changed and if I could take
them on. (I was too swamped last summer and fall.) I do have the
time, but not really the need or desire... with a major
component being that I would need to be closer to this person
(her spouse and kids, too) then the recommended six feet. I
would basically need to hug them for an hour each week. ::) It
seems like when I react with caution that everyone's response is
"Don't worry, I won't give you the virus." When I want to scream
"I am more worried that I will give YOU the virus." (I don't
think I have or have had it, but could very well be
asymptomatic.) This has all become such a political issue in the
United States that I feel like I need to tread carefully.
Thoughts?
#Post#: 54786--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sorry, Can't, COVID And All
By: lowspark Date: July 21, 2020, 1:46 pm
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Unfortunately, my schedule is such that it still does not permit
me to accept this job.
Or, more simply,
I'm still not available at this time.
If you're trying to avoid conflict/argument/political clash, I
don't think you have to say why, or even mention covid.
You're unable to take the job, and that's that.
#Post#: 54789--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sorry, Can't, COVID And All
By: Jem Date: July 21, 2020, 2:16 pm
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I agree with lowspark. Don't mention COVID at all. Just
pleasantly decline the job.
#Post#: 54790--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sorry, Can't, COVID And All
By: Hmmm Date: July 21, 2020, 2:23 pm
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I agree. I don't think there is any reason to share why you
don't want more clients.
I'd go with a fully honest statement. "Hi, thank you so much for
contacting me. Unfortunately, I am still not able to accept any
additional clients at this time. Things may change next quarter.
Would it be ok to reach out to you in September (or whenever you
thinks appropriate) to see if you still have an interest?"
#Post#: 54797--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sorry, Can't, COVID And All
By: mime Date: July 21, 2020, 2:44 pm
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I agree with lowspark. You'll avoid trouble if you don't open
that door. Frame your answer as a temporary situation with no
details.
I'm personally not as anxious as many people around me when it
comes to the virus. I take reasonable precautions because they
make sense, and extra precautions to ease the minds of others.
As long as people don't yell at me (lookin' at you, SIL) or call
me an idiot (... ahem, coworker who I otherwise adore...) we're
good. I'd totally understand if someone turned me down for their
peace of mind in this time, even if I was more comfortable with
the situation. I don't think in our current culture, though,
that you can count on others to respect a different-from-theirs
point of view. And that kind of sucks.
#Post#: 54798--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sorry, Can't, COVID And All
By: Winterlight Date: July 21, 2020, 4:53 pm
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I agree that sticking to telling them you are unable to take
them on now is the safest response. You don't want to have to
debate this, especially with someone you do potentially want as
a client down the line. There's no point.
#Post#: 54812--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sorry, Can't, COVID And All
By: NFPwife Date: July 21, 2020, 9:13 pm
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[quote author=Winterlight link=topic=1787.msg54798#msg54798
date=1595368428]
I agree that sticking to telling them you are unable to take
them on now is the safest response. You don't want to have to
debate this, especially with someone you do potentially want as
a client down the line. There's no point.
[/quote]
Agree! We're in the same area I think and, given this climate,
I'd stick with "Sorry, I can't take on new clients right now.
I'd love to work with you, can I get your contact information
and update you when I'm taking new clients?"
#Post#: 54825--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sorry, Can't, COVID And All
By: DaDancingPsych Date: July 22, 2020, 11:29 am
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Thanks everyone! I'm not sure why I was over thinking this one.
[quote author=PVZFan link=topic=1787.msg54812#msg54812
date=1595384029]
[quote author=Winterlight link=topic=1787.msg54798#msg54798
date=1595368428]
I agree that sticking to telling them you are unable to take
them on now is the safest response. You don't want to have to
debate this, especially with someone you do potentially want as
a client down the line. There's no point.
[/quote]
Agree! We're in the same area I think and, given this climate,
I'd stick with "Sorry, I can't take on new clients right now.
I'd love to work with you, can I get your contact information
and update you when I'm taking new clients?"
[/quote]
Yes, from what we've put together, I do believe that we are
neighbors! ;D It's one of the reasons I appreciate your
advice. It is typically great thoughts and you have an
understanding of the culture.
Thanks everyone!
#Post#: 54863--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sorry, Can't, COVID And All
By: Luci Date: July 22, 2020, 8:52 pm
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It’s just like an invitation. One does not have to give a reason
or JADE.
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