"Yes, Mr. Harroll. I understand." Juan was doing his best to remain calm and professional, but he struggled to hide his disappointment. He'd been counting on getting this job.
Mr. Harroll was the Production Manager for PhoenixData Nexus, a new data center scheduled to come online in the summer. He was overseeing the construction of a huge bank of steel shelving designed to hold the enormous computer servers. Something had gone wrong with the delivery, and Harroll politely explained that they weren't hiring right now.
"I'm sorry, but we've got a real mess here, Mr. Torres." Mr. Harrol's words cut Juan like hot metal. "We were hoping to have this installation done on time, but instead, we've got more delays."
"You can't finish the install without those parts…" Juan tried to display his experience level and perhaps salvage something from this interview. "I understand, sir. Maybe when they come in, you could give me a call? I've done a lot of these installations. I can get it done really fast."
But Juan knew he wouldn't be getting a call. A nationwide run on regional banks had caused widespread disruptions in the supply chain. The suppliers PhoenixData Nexus relied on were caught without access to funds or lines of credit, and business operations across the country were grinding to a halt.
"I am very impressed with the work you've done, Mr. Torres," Harrol held up Juan's application paperwork, and he seemed genuinely saddened to deliver the bad news. "Normally, I'd love to get a man like you on our team, but unfortunately there's just nothing we can do for you right now."
Juan’s hands balled into fists. “Thank you, Mr. Harrol, I appreciate your time today."
Harroll held out a hand. "I've been in this industry for a long time and have never encountered a situation like this before. But I promise I'll keep you in mind if we get the parts we need to finish the installation."
Juan shook the proffered hand. "Mr. Harroll," with herculean effort, Juan restrained his desperation. "I don't need to be the foreman. I'll take any job you've got. It's hard right now... I'll take anything."
Harroll wasn't expecting Juan to beg like this. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "But you don't understand," worry lines were etched into his features. "The delay in this installation isn't just inconvenient," Harroll continued as though he also was desperate to confide in someone. "It's putting DataPhoenix's entire operation at risk. We're dealing with sensitive data, and every moment we're delayed increases the chance of a security breach."
Juan’s eyes widened, “I... I had no idea,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t worry, Mr. Harroll. The market will rebound soon.”
“These bank closures are killing everybody,” Harroll closed his eyes and massaged his temples. “Failure isn’t an option here, Torres. DataPhoenix is depending on this project, or we might be the next ones to go under.”
Juan discussed the details of the economy for a while longer before finally heading home. As he drove, he considered the futility of his job search. I’m not a banking guy, he thought. But I don't see how we can survive if they can't figure out a way to save the banks.