They are indicators of how well I am doing at work. For example during my phases of extraordinary motivation at work I receive emails with questions or statements that end with only 1 question mark or 1 exclamation mark. Since these highly motivated phases in my life are rare, if not extinct, I will provide you with some fabricated examples of such emails-
Boss: ‘Hey, just wanted to send you an email to tell you…..Great Work!’
Or
Boss:‘Hey, was simply wondering if you were aware of how great of a job you did on this project?’
It has been years since I have received emails such as the one’s above- And actually, to be honest, I would feel quite uncomfortable if I ever happened to receive one. I would probably break into hives and begin contemplating various conspiracy theories that involve my boss, my coworkers and some kind of scheme that entails me getting fired. So for 3 years now I receive emails that let me know exactly what a mediocre job I’m doing and let me know that things in the universe are exactly as they should be and that nothing has gone astray yet. Real emails that I usually receive look more like the ones below:
Boss: “Can you contact this customer and let him know when he will be receiving his bill so we can get paid already???”
Boss: “HAVE YOU CONTACTED THE CUSTOMER YET????”
Boss: “THE CUSTOMER HAS TOLD ME YOU HAVE NOT CONTACTED HIM YET!!!!!!!!”
So yes, these are the kinds of emails I usually receive within 10 minute intervals and although I have grown accustomed to reading them without breaking a sweat, to this day I still do not know what the etiquette rules are in regards with replying to them. Do I use only one exclamation or question mark or can I use several of them or several of them combined with caps so I can have the same effect? Could I even perhaps begin replying to them using no words and just a question mark and exclamation mark or would this further infuriate my boss and worsen the unfortunate nervous condition I suspect he has developed because of me. Could I dare begin replying to them in a manner such as this for example:
Boss: “Can you contact this customer and let him know when he will be receiving his bill so we can get paid already???”
Norma: Perhaps!!!
Or
Boss: “HAVE YOU CONTACTED THE CUSTOMER YET????”
Norma: “NO, NOT REALLY!!!!”
Or
Boss: “THE CUSTOMER HAS TOLD ME YOU HAVE NOT CONTACTED HIM YET!!!!!!!!”
Norma: HE IS TELLING YOU THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!HOW MANY MORE EMAILS SHOULD I BE EXPECTING FROM YOU???????? MANY??????????????????????????????????THIS IS A LOT OF FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
