Passed From Memory

This is the story of when I was “that” caller.

When I started working at this company, to work remotely, we needed to log in to the company VPN through two-step authentication: first, a random code generated by a key fob, followed by a personal password. A few years later, the method was changed to using a single passphrase composed of the random code followed by the personal password.

Three years after the method was changed, and countless times I have used it with no issues, I get back from my vacation, try to log in to the VPN, and it doesn’t work. Frustrated, I call IT, wait in the queue for a good twenty minutes, and when the agent picks up, I relay the problem:

Me: “So, I am just back from vacation, I am entering the random code, and it keeps failing.”

Agent: “Sir, you need to enter the random code AND your password at the same time.”

I quickly realize my brain fart and apologize.

Me: “Oh! I am sorry! I am wasting your time with something I have been doing in the wrong way… I am really being that caller this time!”

Agent: *Laughing.* “Don’t worry, it sounds like you had one h*** of a vacation if you managed to forget this much about work. Have a good day!”

We both hang up, chuckling.