I really hate parking decks. I never used them until I moved to Atlanta. We didn’t have parking decks where I grew up. I remember the first time I used one here in Atlanta I had to pay at the gate when I left. When the attendant told me it was more than I thought it was going to be and also more than the amount of cash I had with me I panicked and told her I didn’t have enough cash. I asked if they took credit cards. She literally laughed at me. Out loud. As she was laughing, I realized not only was I in America (not a cash based society) again, but I was also in a big city in America. So I handed her my credit card and went on my merry little way. Since then I have avoided parking decks like the plague. Unfortunately you can’t always avoid them.

Last week I had to brave a parking deck yet again. I had an interview so knowing something always happens when I visit a parking deck plus my total lack of directional sense, I decided I better plan on arriving early. I actually got to the parking deck on the first try without having to circle the block! I checked in with the security guard and made it in without the gate closing on me (which has happened before). I was basically on fire! I found a parking place and saw a door marked lobby which was where I was supposed to be heading. So I opened it but alas, it was just a stairwell. As soon as I realized it, I heard the door shut behind me. So I turned to leave but it was locked from the inside.

Not being one to jump to worst case scenarios, I went up a floor. The door was still locked. I went down a floor – nope still locked. I realized I was locked in a parking deck stairwell. I then began to wonder what would be more awkward – calling my potential future employer and asking them to come let me out or just beating on the door until someone opened it. Either way I was sure to make a good first impression. But after trying all the doors, I eventually made it down to the last floor and felt the handle move. Success! It was unlocked! So I popped out and ran into the security guard who was sitting in front of the door. He ended up giving me directions to get into the building the correct way. Apparently I missed the big glass doors leading into the building on the way to the stairwell. Oops!

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