Doing the Minimum

This season is tax season. I worked for three employers last year...two full time and one part time. I need w-2's in order to file my taxes.

I received a call from the part time employer about two weeks ago, asking me to come by and pick up my w-2. They also told me that if it was more convenient, they would mail it to me. I picked it up. I like those guys and enjoy seeing them from time to time.

I went by the first full time employer yesterday to pick up the w-2. They told me it had been mailed, and if I did not receive it they would call the accountant and get me another one. The
w-2 arrived today. I am sorry that opportunity didn't work out, because I like those people.

I have not received my w-2 from the other employer, so I called them. I spoke with their administrative assistant. She told me that she and one of the owners talked about me last week. They did not know where to mail my w-2, but thought that eventually I would want the form, and I would call them. They had my telephone number, surely had some address from the paperwork I filled out when hired, but did not use either of those. They decided they would wait for me to call. I'm glad I did not wait any longer and called today.

I could tell you the name of this firm, but you know who they are. They are the grocery store, the hardware store, or the box store. They see that you need help and walk the other way to avoid any extra work. They are anyone that knows what needs to be done, and doesn't do it. Sometimes it's me, and I suspect sometimes it's you.

Soon, there will be an opportunity to help someone. You will see it and so will I. What will we do? Will we wait to be asked, or will we see the need and offer a hand? I know what I will do, or at least what I should do...