Scoring the job.
Sitting in an outer room and watching a procession of hopefuls walk in and walk out of the Chief Accountant’s office at a bewildering frequency. A man had to ask himself what the problem was. The accounting job looked good, the advertised pay was generous, the business’s product – ocean racing yachts – looked most interesting.
My turn came up so after knocking I entered the CA’s office.
There was no preamble
‘ I’ve got just one question for you, son, ‘ he said as I sat down. Not a big bloke, heavily bearded, no tie, sleeves rolled up, faded tatts on both forearms.
’Ok,’ sez I, ‘fire away.’
’What’s two plus two?’
Straight away you know that this is a trick question, like you know none of the others who exited this office so quick smart didn’t have the right answer. But being from Bondi and having spent so many years with all those smart-arses had its advantages.
So a bloke sits back, looks at the beard right in the eye, gives a little smile and says …
’Whatever you want it to be!’
I started the next day.
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