A Uniform Response, Part 2
(I have just got off a twelve-hour day, and two-hour meeting, so I am stopping at an Italian restaurant to collect some dinner. I am tired, but also wearing full uniform, which states where I work, and has our logo emblazoned on every item of clothing, including my scarf and handbag. It is very obvious that I work for a travel agency, and not for this restaurant. The staff are all wearing bright red aprons which are starkly opposite my dark navy blue uniform.)
Waitress: “What can I get you?”
Me: *places order*
Waitress: “That’s awesome, and will be 10 minutes. Do you mind taking a seat in our waiting area?”
(I take a seat and start reading a magazine. I am barely awake, and it’s very obvious.)
Customer #1: “Hey! You aren’t allowed to sleep here! Get back to work!”
(The noise has jolted me from my daze and I wonder who they are talking to.)
Customer #1: “Ring up my bill! And give me your manager’s name! I can’t believe you have the audacity to sleep on the job!”
Me: “Sorry? I don’t work here. ”
Customer #1: “You’re wearing a uniform!”
Waitress: “Ma’am! I’ll ring up your order. This lady is another customer. She’s just waiting for a takeaway.”
Customer #1: “Well, if she doesn’t work here, she shouldn’t be wearing a uniform!”
(The waitress assists the customer, and tries to scoot her out the door, but not before she stops to give me a literal finger wagging.)
Waitress: “I’m so sorry. Your order won’t be much longer. I’m not sure why she thought you were staff!”
(A few minutes pass, and my order is ready. I go up to pay and collect my food. I am second in line. There is a large jar of candy for customers to take a few when they are paying.)
Customer #2: *turning to me* “Am I allowed to take these?”
Me: “I don’t work here. I don’t know.”
Customer #2: “Oh! You don’t work here?”
Me: “NO.”
Customer #2: “Then why are you wearing a uniform?”
(Thankfully at this stage my order was done, and I was able to leave. I still heard the “Why doesn’t she work here?” echoing as I ran!)
