Rehire Her Then Fire Her! Simple!
I worked at a grocery store during high school and my first two years of college but resigned because I found a job on campus that worked with my class schedule. Fast forward a year. I’m a senior in college and getting some shopping done. I park my cart in front of the milk display so I can grab a gallon. I feel another cart hit the back of my leg.
Me: “Hey! What the—”
I turn around and see an old lady wearing a ferocious scowl.
Old Lady: “Excuse me!”
Me: “That’s all you had to say.”
I grab some milk and scoot out of the way.
Old Lady: “What kind of customer service is this?! Get me some milk! I can’t reach the top shelf!”
I look down at my shorts, flip-flops, and T-shirt with my school mascot on it, none of which are store colors.
Me: “I don’t work here.”
Old Lady: “Yes, you do! I’ve seen you! You shouldn’t shop on your day off if you don’t want to help people!”
Me: “I don’t work here, lady!”
One of the stock clerks approaches.
Stock Clerk: “Ma’am, she hasn’t worked here in over a year. I’ll grab some milk for you. Which brand would you like?”
I try to walk away, but she shoves her cart directly into my path and blocks me.
Old Lady: “No! I want her to do it for me!”
I grab a gallon of the most expensive brand and throw it in her cart.
Me: “There. Happy?”
Old Lady: “Was that so hard? Your manager will be hearing from me!”
She pushes her cart off in triumph.
Stock Clerk: “Sorry, [My Name]. You know we get all the crazy on weekends.”
Me: “Not your fault.”
I finish my shopping and check out. I can see the old lady yelling at my former manager at the customer service desk. It’s right on my way out, so I am able to listen in as I’m finishing up.
Old Lady: “…and she threw the milk into my cart! Do something!”
Manager: “Ma’am, she hasn’t worked here in over a year. You were harassing another customer.”
The old lady starts yelling incoherently. The manager makes eye contact with me and rolls her eyes. I pick up my bags and walk past the desk. The old lady stares at me.
Me: “Lady, I told you!”
She starts screaming. I start laughing and head for the doors. The last thing I hear as I exit is:
Manager: “No, I can’t fire someone who quit over a year ago!”
