At one of my earlier jobs, there was a partner, “Joe”, that believed that there should be clearly defined job descriptions for everyone for purposes of accountability. There was another partner, “Eddy”, who could care less about job descriptions. “Eddy” was quite a character actually. After he became a partner, “Eddy” decided that he should only work 2 hours of the work day. For the remaining hours, he would socialize with his secretary, “Betty.” I should let you know that Eddy was going through a divorce due to this socializing with “Betty.” Of course, when “Joe” was in the office, “Eddy” would attempt to get some work done. Now, “Joe” normally didn’t come into the office until late in the afternoon maybe once or twice a week. He was one of those attorneys nearing retirement that start pursuing other interests outside law.

Anyway, one morning, “Eddy” decided to lock himself in his office with “Betty” for some socializing. Even though she had a boyfriend, “Betty” was a willing participant and enjoyed the perks of being able to take as many vacation or sick days or long lunches as possible. There were a couple of clients in the sitting area waiting to be seen. Unfortunately, my desk was in plain view of the clients and also positioned close to the partner’s door. The receptionist was on an errand so I was the only employee in the area at the time. We could all hear the moans, groans, sighs, bumps, and what-have-you from all the socializing that was going on in “Eddy’s” office. I tried to shuffle papers and type as loudly as possible just to cause a distraction, but I knew the clients heard what was happening. Some of them were giggling at first, but as the socializing became more rhythmic and laced with f-bombs and s-bombs, things got really tense. I didn’t think I could get more embarrassed until “Joe” walked into the office.

After a few seconds, “Joe” marched over to “Eddy’s” door and knocked. “Eddy” must have thought it was an employee because he barked out that he didn’t want to be disturbed. “Joe” then went to his office and apparently called “Eddy.” Unfortunately, “Joe” is a little tone-deaf so we weren’t spared the details of the conversation. “Joe” kept repeating that it was not in “Betty’s” job description to service “Eddy,” while “Eddy” tried to joke that it should be. Now, I have no idea why “Eddy” wasn’t fired this day, but he was allowed to keep his job. I’m thinking that maybe “Betty” got a new job description because this was not the end of their socializing during business hours.