Another time I shifted the conversation onto what colour underwear the caller was wearing.
You would be surprised to learn how welcome such conversations are. A ray of light in an otherwise mind numbing day.
It's easy to forget that the caller is a human being too - one who hates his job. Nobody I know likes this job. People do it because they see no other choices left. No matter how annoying these calls are for you - it's still worse for the poor sod who has to call people 6 to 8 hours a day, always telling the same, always talking about the same bullshit.
Behind the scenes there is often a lot pressure going on. If you don't deliver the numbers, any day could be your last at that place.
I just need enough to tide me over until I need more. -- Bill Hoest