Just spent an amusing half hour...

[Raffles]

... checking all the recent '89 missed calls' on my landline with...

uk.whocalledme.net/

just key in the number and see who else has received them and what they know about them.

PPI
Traffic accidents
Computer problems
Dyson ???
Mobile phones
Cavity wall insulation
Due a bank refund
Investment schemes
Debt collectors (why do you think I don't answer the phone anymore!) 
etc. etc.

Unless I recognise the number, I have not answered my landline for over 10 years, and have even disabled the 'leave a message' option. I will also not answer my mobile if I don't know the number... am I being paranoid 

[Karma]

are you bored already Raffles

[Raffles]

May 4, 2016 15:27:14 GMT Karma said:

are you bored already Raffles

HaHa Karma ... no, still got 4 more shifts to go!

[Karma]

are you having a leaving do?

[Raffles]

May 4, 2016 15:31:16 GMT Karma said:

are you having a leaving do?

I hope not... but I keep catching people 'changing the subject' when I approach. I just want a quiet life. 

[joeten]

Nope not paranoid, keep it that way.
OH and you have a leaving do even if you don't want one, poor souls need some excuse for a drinking session.

[charliehorse]

Maybe your work is having a leaving do for you but you're not invited Raffles

As for not answering your phone if you don't recognise the number - I don't blame you.
I only answer mine if I've got time to wind up the cold callers, but a lot of them have turned to recorded messages, probably for that very reason.

[digicig]

"The road from reasoned suspicion to rampant paranoia is an all too short one" Jean Luc Picard

I used to just answer with my phone number and "How can I help?" - Usually confused them at the other end as that's not in the script (I used to write the things LoL) - if they ask for a named person (including me) i just say that "they're not currently in the office at the moment can i take a message - you did realise this was a business number?" - which normally gets you crossed off their list

I get quite a few unsolicited calls in China - but they obviously aren't looking for me specifically as they only speak Chinese - so a repeated "I only speak English!" means they hang up - though some do just keep trying

[Raffles]

May 4, 2016 15:36:20 GMT joeten said:

OH and you have a leaving do even if you don't want one, poor souls need some excuse for a drinking session.

It would appear I have no say in the matter, been told there is a budget for retirees for a buffet etc, tried to say no, but got overpowered. Also today, had a pressie plus hugs and kisses from the girls on the clothing dept and there's still two weeks to go. I'm petrified, as apparently plans are well advanced... I think I'll pull my first 'sickie'... can't stand fuss, just want to fade away silently. 

[joeten]

Nah, don't do that, once you get to it you will enjoy it as will all the folks who want to wish you well.

I kind of sensed there would be something it is fairly customary when someone retires.

[nanotm]

free booze a naff gold watch and a cake and a buffet consisting largely of whatever's closest to its sell by date the night before, why would you possibly want ot miss out on it ?

I loved every "leaving do" I was ever thrown, primarily cos I got to drink to much and stuff my face on free scoff, the only time I actually would of liked a leaving do (when I was pensioned off) was the only time I wasn't offered one ....

thing Is its not about you saying goodby its about giving everyone the chance to say good by or "Foxtrot Oscar you '@##~@:;/><,." and your opportunity to show what a great guy you are by laughing and telling them all you'll miss them or you love them too, it makes those left in the rat race feel better because they see a light at the end of the tunnel will eventually be their turn .....

perhaps in hindsight that's why I didn't get one at the end because nobody likes reminding there breakable .....

[Raffles]

nanotm not sure what to say to that... 

Really sorry for your experiences.

[Pacer]

I will also not answer my mobile if I don't know the number... am I being paranoid?

Nope Raffles I will not answer either phone if they are not in the directory.