The Phone Man from Hong Kong

The AT&T technician came to my house today. Formerly an accountant and auditor, he changed his profession for two reasons: working as an auditor required extensive hours away from home. When he started a family, being with his son became a priority.

Further, he developed carpal tunnel syndrome and although his employer provided him generously with ergonomic equipment and training, he saw he could not continue in this work without becoming more debilitated.

So he joined AT&T and now visits clients’ offices and homes checking their connectivity and the efficiency of their machinery.

“I really enjoy my work,” he said. I believed him.

He was fascinated by my Asian artefacts and my Chinese language library.

“I am an American Chinese, but I don’t speak Mandarin.”

He was curious about the places I had lived and worked in my life.

He told me how he used to travel as an accountant and auditor. He went to Hong Kong and Japan frequently.

He misses travel now. But being with his son and having healthy arms and wrists is so much more important.