I Don’t Work Here, Does Not Work Here, Part 48

Earlier in my career, I had the kind of job to which people dressed up. It was my first big-girl office job, and I liked finally having regular hours after years of working retail.

One day after work on a cool December day, I headed over to a big box store where, at the time, employees wore red shirts and khaki pants. I was standing in the shoe section wearing a pink ruffled shirt, black dress pants, and one sandal. Why one sandal? Because the other one was in my hand, while I tried on shoes.

An older man approached me.

Older Man: “Do you sell garden hoses?”

I looked at him for a moment, but my retail training kicked in, so as I stood there doing my best flamingo impression, I smiled.

Me: “I don’t personally, no, but [Store] might. I don’t think they usually have any this time of year, but if they do, they’ll be in the far back corner with the seasonal items.”

He looked me up and down, finally perceiving that I was still holding one shoe in my hand and standing on one foot.

Older Man: “You don’t work here?”

Me: “Nope. I don’t think they’d like it much if their employees spent time shopping for shoes on the clock.”

I was now getting tired of standing on one foot.

Older Man: *Now sounding accusatory* “Then why did you answer me?”

Me: “Because you asked me, sir, and I thought I’d try to help since I shop here a lot.”

Older Man: “You should have gotten me someone that works here!”

Thankfully, he stomped off. I for sure wasn’t going to go hunt down some unsuspecting employee for this man. At least he didn’t try to get me fired? 

Related:
I Don’t Work Here, Does Not Work Here, Part 47
I Don’t Work Here, Does Not Work Here, Part 46
I Don’t Work Here, Does Not Work Here, Part 45
I Don’t Work Here, Does Not Work Here, Part 44
I Don’t Work Here, Does Not Work Here, Part 43