This incident is especially funny because I am exactly the kind of person who is always mistaken for an employee. I guess I have that walk or whatever it is that people cue off of.
I’m an office manager at a church. I’m sitting at my desk doing my thing when a guy from our pest control company comes in.
Employee: “Hi, I’m [Employee] with [Pest Control Company]. I usually talk with… I can’t remember her name… the older woman who works in this office?”
Me: “Hi, [Employee]. I’m [My Name], the office manager. You probably spoke with me, actually—”
Employee: “No, it was a few months ago. The office lady was much older. She let me into the kitchen.”
Me: “Well, I can let you into the kitchen. That’s no problem. Here’s my card.”
I hand him my Office Manager business card.
Employee: “Gosh, I just can’t seem to remember her name. She works here in the office.”
Me: “Well, I work here in the office, so you’ll be stuck with me from now on!” *Fake midwestern laugh*
Employee: “I always deal with the office lady. Will she be in today?”
Me: “I’m in charge of the office, so I can take care of whatever—”
Employee: “No, I need to talk to the office lady, the one who works here.”
He points at my desk.
Me: “There’s no other office lady. The only other woman who works here is the minister.”
Employee: “But I always talk to the office lady — the older woman.”
Me: “I’m… Just leave your paperwork here. I’ll make sure it gets to the right place.”
Employee: “I’m supposed to leave it with staff.”
Me: “They pay me. I’m staff.”
Employee: “Oh, they pay volunteers?”
Me: “I… They… I’ll make sure the paperwork gets to the right place.”
Employee: “Is she your mom or something? Is that why you’re helping out?”
I… Guys, I swear it was me. I’ve been here for years. It’s my office. I’m the only one who works here. I’m the one who deals with vendors. I AM the “older woman” he talked to. But by the end of this, he honestly had me doubting it.
Eventually, he gave up and agreed to give me the paperwork “to give to her when she comes in” and went to spray for bugs.
I guess I’m officially an “old woman” but can pass as a younger version of myself with my mask on.