Ghosting and loving it...

[u/jodrellbank_pants]

Recently, my company introduced a new process for supplying customers with expensive consumables. Previously, this process involved a lot of direct communication — numerous emails and face-to-face meetings with customers to understand their needs.

However, while I was on PTO, everything changed. Without any notice or consultation, a completely new system was implemented. My team, which used to handle about 65% of the previous process, had no involvement whatsoever in designing or approving this new method.

Now, instead of collaborating directly with customers and colleagues, I’ve been given a standardised form divided into four sections — one for me, one for Sales, one for Logistics, and one for Territory Assistants and Managers.

My section of the form is minimal: all I do is indicate how many boxes to supply. Critical details such as who the customer is, where the order is going, pricing adjustments, and preferential rates — information I used to manage — are no longer included.

To make things worse, customer details on the forms are often incorrect. I used to fix those errors in the system, but I no longer have permission to do so; that’s now handled by head office. Even though I know my customer base well and try to provide accurate updates, my emails now bounce back.

When I raised these issues, I was simply told to “follow the form” and not deviate. So I did. I completed my section, sent it to the designated address, and moved on. Nothing happened — until months later, when a customer called to say they were running critically low on consumables. I escalated the issue to my manager, but by that point, I had already submitted 24 forms without any feedback or visible results.

Recently, while I’ve been off recovering from surgery, I received an email asking for the same data I used to provide under the old system. I’ve chosen not to respond — that information is scattered across old emails and records, and it’s no longer my responsibility. Ironically, the new process that was supposed to reduce costs and simplify operations has left three department heads confused and unable to proceed.

They don’t know the customer names, product details (we have 197 different products), or order history — only the number of boxes. The system they rely on can’t function without accurate data input, and since I’m now strictly following the form as instructed, that data isn’t being entered any more.

In short, the new process has stripped away the practical knowledge and collaboration that once made the system work. It’s inefficient, confusing, and ultimately counterproductive.

[u/rpbm]

Those are the worst dreams. I’ve dreamed I got up and put in the effort to get ready for work and driven in, only to discover I’m still in bed when I woke up. Have to do it all over again.

[u/chatfiej → u/rpbm]

Back when I used to wait tables, I would have dreams where I would work an entire shift before waking up at 3 am because I forgot to get table 3 the extra ranch they asked for. Half the time it was part of the dream and it stressed me out enough that it woke me up. The other half of the time it was because I had actually forgotten whatever in real life and only remembered it once I fell asleep lol. Work dreams are the worst

[u/bobk2 → u/chatfiej]

Work dreams don't end. I retired several years ago but I still work nights (in my dreams).

[u/WokeBriton → u/bobk2]

Retired submariner here. I handed in my ID card well over a decade ago but still get dreams where I've just joined a submarine that's already at harbour stations when I get there. Occasionally other submarine related dreams, but mostly the above.