Those of you that know me and thus know my story, are aware of my past incarnation as a BookSeller. Bookshops were my thang and I thought I would always be working in the bookselling industry in one form or another. Often I look back with the romanticised eye of one who has been out of the retail game for a while. I wistfully recall the "good old days " and wonder why I ever let myself become another public servant, button pushing drone when I could be surrounded by great works of literature and having interesting and educational conversations with the intelligent, reading public.

By some form of kismet, or strange twist of fate, somehow a phone call was transferred to me that was a client who was having trouble getting in touch with my employing institution's Bookshop. The conversation that ensued, which is reproduced for you below, reminded me in a stark and blinding way how grateful I am to no longer be in the retail game - even though I am so obviously all about service.

Frantic Caller : I have been ringing and ringing the book shop and I can’t get through. I have emailed and emailed and they won't respond. I have one simple question and I can get noone to answer me.!
Me : You should check the contact details you have because I find that very hard to believe, perhaps I can help you.
Frantic Caller : I have just moved to Adelaide and I want to know if there is anywhere here I can buy my books,(increasing in panicked volume)Where will I find the books I need in Adelaide?? "
Me : a long explanation of the online and telephone ordering processes in the 20th Century.
Frantic Caller : You don't understand I am in ADELAIDE!
Me : We don’t have an Adelaide branch of our bookshop
Frantic Caller : will any Adelaide bookshops sell my books?
Me : I am not privy to the stock ordering habits of the South Australian bookselling community, or any selling community for that matter"
Frantic Caller : well where are the bookshops in Adelaide?
Me ; I recommend you refer to the Yellow Pages. I hope that was helpful, goodbye.

And I hung up.

Not the most hilarious anecdote , I know - but it really resonated with me. It's nice to know that I may well have made the right career choice after all.