There’s actually a subreddit on Reddit called “I Don’t Work Here Lady.” I discovered by accident one day when I was browsing Reddit. In that subreddit, people share their experiences with being confused with “the help” when they’re out shopping somewhere. A few people seem to have a certain look about them because they’re frequent contributors. One guy even says he just has the sad lifelong retail worker look about him. Poor guy. Anyhow, my husband gets mistaken for being an employee a lot and I think it’s because of how he dresses. He’s always buttoned up with a belt on standing around just looking helpful. However, in the story below, you’ll meet a young woman who just didn’t get it. However, the manager came along and helped her out. We don’t know if this is actually true, but it looks like something I’d see in that subreddit.
(Im shopping at a large electronics store. Im dressed casually in a blue graphic tee which, if you arent paying attention, for a second might look like what the employees wear.)
Other Customer: I need you to find this for me.
(I dont respond as I am not aware that she is talking to me. I am reading the specs on the back of a box. The other customer then shoves an opened item in my hands on top of the box I am holding.)
Me: What the h***?!
Other Customer: HELLO?! FIND this for me.
Me: *hands it back to her* I dont work here. Work on your manners, lady.
Other Customer: *she just stares at me for a minute* YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!
(I just shake my head and start walking away. She is really getting on my nerves.)
Other Customer: *following me* STOP RIGHT THERE! You are NOT allowed to talk to paying customers that way!
Me: IM a paying customer. I dont work here! Go away!
Other Customer: I want to talk to your manager! You need to be fired for your attitude.
Me: They cant fire me if I dont work here. Stop following me!
(At this point, other people are staring, laughing at the lady, and sharing sympathetic looks with me.)
Other Customer: Oh, well see about that!
(A manager steps in as this lady has made a scene in the store and a lot of people have taken notice.)
Manager: What seems to be the problem here?
Other Customer: This b**** is giving me the worst attitude! I have never been treated so badly in all my life!
Me: And this psycho keeps following me around thinking I work here! I keep telling her I dont work here!
Other Customer: You wont be working here if you keep up your b****y attitude!
(The manager is clearly very uncomfortable.)
Manager: Uh, maam, she doesnt actually work here.
Other Customer: You need to handle this! Fire this b**** immediately!
(The manager looks around at the customers and employees who have gathered at a safe distance and are snickering at the scene. He looks at me and shrugs.)
Manager: *to me* Uh Youre fired, maam?
Me: *dramatically and smiling* YOU CANT FIRE ME BEFORE YOUVE EVEN HIRED ME!
Manager: *smiling* Id like to offer you a job as an associate. Awesome pay and benefits?
Me: Ill TAKE it!
Manager: Youre fired.
Me: NOOOOOOO! How could you?!
(The crowd starts laughing.)
Other Customer: Are you MOCKING me?!
Me: Hes just giving you what you demanded. Now quit bothering me.
(She turned bright red and stormed out of the store without another word.)
