6.19.2009

PERSON OF LA 1: The “Busy”

Everyone in Hollywood is busy. Some work three different jobs as to stay afloat in this town, some hold such high level jobs that they are just never not busy, some are supporting a family or children and are depended on, and some are just perpetually “busy.” At some point, these busy people untangle themselves from their convoluted web of work and make it out to play and be a normal human being.

However, the “Busy” are an exception to this rule.

This group of people—known as “The Busy”—consists of people who are just a mess. They are the type who hold low-level office jobs (usually an assistant of some sort or low level manager) and are always just “so busy.” Truly, they do work long hours, but not as long as they claim to work. And, their exhaustive boss usually isn’t that exhaustive—just annoying and frustrating.

The “Busy” are a group marked by their discontent from their own lives. They usually function with friends and coworkers in a positive vain. However, if you pay close attention, you can tell these persons are acting: their positivity is a thinly painted gloss of “Pretend to Care,” neatly covering their negative demeanor. They are usually very, very dry and would taste better with a lot of salt.

Obviously, the reason they behave in this manner stems from their job. These people are (or, were) smart, creative, and determined, but were handed great entry level jobs that ended up being their biggest nightmare. And, now, they are plagued by the question “Why did I take this job?” and “How can I quit?” They feel tra[[ed (or just don’t have the balls to quit their jobs). They take this frustration out on everyone they interact with by passive-aggressive means—never actually calling themselves out for creating their own demise.

This passive-aggression manifests itself when the “Busy” is actually out, being social with friends. Here are some examples of interactions with the “Busy”:


FRIEND: “I saw UP recently—talk about a great film. I cried so hard!”

“BUSY”: “Oh, that must be nice to see a movie. I think the last time I saw one was at work, when my boss let me borrow the Milk screener. I think I cried.”

FRIEND: “Oh. Well, um, you should try to see UP if you can…”

“BUSY”: “I won’t be able to. I have to spend my time off doing things I can’t do while at work. Like cash my paycheck.”

FRIEND: “Oh, that sucks—that really—“

“BUSY”: “Yeah. I know. This is my life.”


AUNT OF “BUSY”: “I’m glad you made it over for dinner tonight—I know you sometimes have to be on shoots over the weekend—“

“BUSY”: “Yeah, this is my first day off in three weeks.”

AUNT OF “BUSY”: “I hope you’re getting paid overtime—“

“BUSY”: “Nope: get paid on a weekly flat rate. Doesn’t matter how much I work.”

AUNT PLAYS WITH HER SALAD

“BUSY”: “Could be worse, though: I could have to babysit my boss’ son at work again. And then have to make his wife a Mother’s Day gift on set.”

UNCLE OF “BUSY”: “Why don’t you just get a new job?”

“BUSY”: “Well, you know, I’m just trying to—see—it’s about paying your dues.”

UNCLE OF “BUSY”: “You’ve had this job for two years—I think you can move on.”

AUNT PLAYS WITH HER SALAD

“BUSY”: “I guess, but you really don’t get it. You haven’t met my boss.”

“BUSY” TAKES OUT HER BLACKBERRY

AUNT OF “BUSY”: “Your boss?”

“BUSY”: “I just got a BBM. I may have to go soon.”


“BUSY”: “Sorry I’m late: I brought some leftover hummus and three slices of cake leftover from dinner at work. But, I stopped by a liquor store and picked up a bottle of Pinor Noir.”

PARTY HOST: “Oh, don’t worry about it! You didn’t have to bring anything—I know you just came from work.”

“BUSY” SITS DOWN ON COUCH AND AGGRESSIVELY CHECKS HIS BLACKBERRY

PARTY HOST: “Wow, more work? You just left!”

“BUSY”: “No, I was just on the Facebook. But, I just got an e-mail, so, one sec.”

PARTY HOST PLACES LEFTOVER HUMMUS AND CAKE SLICES IN KITCHEN

PARTY HOST: “Everything okay?”

“BUSY”: “Yeah, I think so: my boss is just antagonizing from afar. Don’t be surprised if I have to leave. You’re lucky you don’t have to deal with this.”

PARTY HOST’S TWO YOUNG KIDS RUN INTO THE ROOM

PARTY HOST: “I suppose. I have enough trouble keeping up with my own two little people, versus one antagonizing boss—let alone my own boss. But, I guess people deal with stress differently!”

SILENCE

DOORBELL

PARTY HOST: “Oh, that must be another guest!”


The “Busy” is, mostly, a terror to hang out with. When inviting a “Busy” out, be prepared to have a wet blanket placed on top of the glowing flame of plans you made. And, when texting or e-mailing or attempting any planning with the “Busy,” expect false promises to be made and a last minute flake-outs, such as “Oh, I’m still busy with work” or “I should be free in an hour” (but never hear from them).

These people are, usually, liars and need to be medicated. If you know a “Busy,” please do your best to get them help.

TOXICITY LEVEL: 6
These people are virtually harmless. Annoying and shitty friends, yes, but they're just in a rut. They'll eventually eventually snap out of it (once you talk them ointo getting a new job).

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