People Tell Ironic Stories Of Being Mistaken For A Store Employee

Retail workers are the backbone of America. From clothing stores and movie theaters, to restaurants and gas stations, company employees make the world go ’round. Most retail staff have special uniforms to wear at work—you know that those orange-clad outfits from Home Depot, or those blue tops at Best Buy. There are also logos, name tags, or other swag. Now imagine how awkward it is to accidentally wear orange into Home Depot, and have customers swarming you when you don’t even work there.

From strange vacation requests, to being threatened with termination, the people of the internet have a ton of crazy stories about people thinking they work somewhere. Do you just play along when someone thinks you’re a Walmart employee? The good news is that you can’t get fired from a place you don’t work, right? For these people, being mistaken for an employee ended up being weird, crazy, or just plain hilarious…

The Getaway Car

One day, my mother had injured herself at work, and she had trouble walking. I was really worried about her, but she insisted that she would be fine. After school, I was sent into the grocery store for the essentials while she waited in the car.

As I was loading up my basket, I heard someone behind me clear their throat. Thinking I was blocking the path, I didn’t look back at them and just moved closer to the shelf. Then, I heard an aggressive sounding, “Excuse me!” 

That’s when I felt a hand clamp down on my shoulder. The woman yanked me around while yelling something to the effect of, “Get me the dang [insert item here] now.”

I was holding a heavy glass bottle of soda, and as I stumbled back, it collided with the woman’s head. I just ran out, jumped in the car, and told my mom, “Just go.” Reddit User: [redacted]

Giving Up My Seat 

I work as a manager at a fast food restaurant. After finishing, I decided I would pop into the local shopping center. I changed out of my work uniform to a hoodie. I was wearing black, nondescript pants and a blue hoodie.

I went to the food court and ordered a burger. As I sat down, I popped my headphones in, but then all of a sudden, someone slammed their hand down in front of me on my table.

I looked up, and there was a middle-aged woman standing in front of me. She said, “Excuse me; I said I need that table.” At this point, I was entirely confused and taken aback. I told her I was busy using the table.

She then said, “Mall employees have to give up their seats to paying customers.” There’s no such rule; it’s the food court. Also, I didn’t look like I worked at any of the restaurants and told her I don’t work here.

Despite what I said, the woman persisted anyways and asked to speak to my manager. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. The situation was so funny to me that I couldn’t take it seriously. Reddit User: yesharoonie

Time For Your Own Medicine 

I had a long day of dealing with rude customers, so I was already grumpy when I decided to make a quick stop at the grocery store to grab some items. I was dressed in my uniform – a red polo shirt and black pants – but I also had a sweater on and was carrying a purse and a grocery basket.

As I was pondering what to get for dinner, I heard someone behind me clear their throat. Out of habit, I stepped to the side. “Oh my god, seriously?” I heard a girl’s voice say. This got my attention.

I turned around to see a couple – presumably her and her boyfriend – in the midst of an argument. The girl continued, “Are you freaking kidding me? I have a question. Aren’t you supposed to be helping the customers? Or are you just stupid or something?”

Feeling irritated, I fired back at her, “Firstly, I don’t work here. Secondly, even if I did, that’s not how you ask someone a question.” Then I walked off. Reddit User: deekari

Pumping At The Gas Station 

I was at a gas station filling up my Jeep when I noticed a woman having trouble at the pump across from me. She was speaking broken English and gesturing toward the credit card reader.

I walked over to see if I could help. She explained that her card was stuck because she had inserted it backward. Easily enough, I got it out for her and showed her how to put it in the right way.

Afterwards, I headed back to my Jeep and started to put the pump back, only to find some woman blocking the door. “It took you long enough. I’ve waited five minutes already. Hurry up and pump my gas,” she said.

I noticed she had an Oregon license plate so she may not have been familiar with the gas station policies in Washington. I tried to explain that we pump our own gas here, but she didn’t seem like she wanted to listen.

“What the heck?” she screamed at me. “You won’t help me because I speak English? You freaking racist! Go pump my gas, or I’m going to get you fired.” Reddit User: inibrius

Get Your Own Game 

One day, a friend and I decided to visit GameStop. I had just left the office, so I was wearing a polo shirt and had a lanyard/ID around my neck. As we were browsing through the Xbox section, a kid approached me and asked if a certain game was available for PS3.

I went ahead and answered him in the affirmative, “Yes, this title is available for PS3.” Then the kid demanded that I get it for him. “Excuse me?” I asked. “Get it for me. I want to buy it.”

I told him to get it for himself and then turned away. This seemed to anger him, and he started making a scene, eventually running off to his mom. When my friend and I were about to stand in line, we saw the same kid and his mom causing a commotion.

She was complaining about an employee who refused to get a game for her son. The manager looked at me and told her, “Ma’am, he doesn’t work for GameStop.” It was clear that the misunderstanding had caused some frustration and embarrassment for everyone involved. Reddit User: b4dkarm4

Don’t Mess With My Earphones

Last weekend, I decided to work on a new project and went to a big box home improvement store to look for the necessary components. I wasn’t dressed remotely like the staff and was listening to an audio book with a set of Bluetooth headphones.

Still, I was still approached by a middle-aged man who kept asking me where to find a particular product. Politely, I told him, “Sorry man, I don’t work here,” and I went back to browsing the shelves. But then the man suddenly ripped my headphones off my head, causing them to snap.

I was furious and grabbed the guy by the front of his shirt. “I told you I don’t work here, you idiot,” I said and proceeded to tell him off. Prior to this incident, I had never been in a physical altercation of any kind.

Now I had threatened a dude in a store – it was definitely an unusual experience for me. The good thing was my headphones, shockingly, were fine. Reddit User: donttouchmyheadphone

Looking For The Pretzel Buns

As a security officer working for a university police service, I am responsible for maintaining a safe environment within the university premises. My uniform consists of a white shirt, gray slacks, and a blue striped tie.

I rolled into a grocery store where employees wear brown slacks and green polos and started putting together a dinner for the evening: spicy tacos. While I was doing my thing, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I turned around to see a woman in her mid-40s standing behind me. “Where are the pretzel buns?” she asked, and for a moment, I was confused as to why she thought I was an employee.

I pointed her in the general direction of the bread section, and told her that she could find the pretzel buns there, but she seemed dissatisfied with my answer and said, “Do your job and come find them for me.” Reddit User: [redacted]

I Really Don’t Work Here 

After finishing a long and exhausting shift at the restaurant, I decided to head to the store for some shopping. I was in my uniform, but I didn’t feel like changing before going. I was browsing the store for the particular items I wanted, and this lady was just staring at me.

I didn’t know what her deal was, until she finally spoke up and said, “I’m looking at you because I need help, and you just look at me and pass me by?” Absolutely tired of all the stress from my own job, I just replied, “It’s because I don’t work here, ma’am.”

She didn’t believe me though and said, “Don’t give me excuses!” She was obviously too infuriated and seemed unwilling to believe my explanation. It was only after I showed her my name tag that she became quiet.

The next day, during my shift at the restaurant, I found out that she had gone to my actual manager to complain about how rude I had been to her the previous night. Reddit User: among_shadows

Clear As Day 

I work for McDonald’s. The location of my store is surrounded by grocery stores. One night, after finishing my shift, I decided to stop by one of the grocery stores to pick up some pasta for dinner.

I was wearing my red and black polo shirt, which CLEARLY SAYS ‘McDonald’s’ on it, and my McDonald’s hat was still on. I had my headphones on and was browsing the pasta aisle when a lady interrupted my music by pulling out one of my headphones.

Assuming that I was an employee of the grocery store, the lady asked me if I worked there. She told me that I shouldn’t be listening to music while stocking the shelves. She then asked me to help her find paper towels.

I politely informed her that I didn’t work there and that I was just a customer like her. No surprise, she didn’t believe me and went to find a manager. A few rows later, the lady found me again, this time with the manager in tow. She started screeching and accusing me of lying.

She found me a few rows later, manager in tow, and started screeching. “Ma’am, she doesn’t work here,” the manager explained, “She’s a customer just like you.” Reddit User: nijiroppi

Asking For The Manager 

A few months ago, I had to travel to attend a job interview. While on the trip, I found myself in need of a replacement charger for my phone. I was dressed up, blue button-down, black slacks, blue and white striped tie, when I went to a store to purchase the charger.

I went to the PC headsets section to browse for a charger. I’m browsing PC headsets when a lady a lady walked up to me, crossed her arms, and started tapping her foot impatiently. It was apparent that she was upset.

I thought that maybe I was blocking her view of the headsets and so I started to walk away. But before I could, she asked, “Um, can I get some help?” I told her that I was not an employee of the store, but I could try to answer her questions.

This is when she loses it and says, “All of your employees here are so rude, you want my money without giving any service!” I tell her again that I’m just a customer and not an employee, but she would not listen.

Then she asked me, “Why are you dressed in the uniform?” I told her that I would find an employee to help her, but she insisted on speaking to my manager. She said, “I don’t want your help. I want your manager, I’m getting you fired.” Reddit User: abchiptop

She’s Not Employed By Us 

I had just finished my shift at a supermarket where I stock shelves and assist customers. It was a busy day and I was exhausted, but glad to be finished. My mum picked me up from work, and we decided to stop off at a petrol station on the way home.

I was just browsing the snacks section, waiting for my mum to pay when a lady approached me. She says, “Where are the nuts?” Me: “Oh, really sorry, I don’t work here. I’m just still in my work uniform…”

Once again, she asks where the nuts are. I tell her again that I don’t know since I don’t work here. She then says, “Excuse me? Where’s your supervisor, you’re rude.”

I was confused and didn’t know how to respond. The lady then storms over to another employee and starts loudly proclaiming that a “member of their staff” was being rude to her and refusing to serve her by pretending to not work in the shop.

I made eye contact with the employee and gestured to my ‘WAITROSE’ apron, hoping to clear up the confusion. Thankfully, the employee explained to the lady that I’m not an employee of the petrol station. Reddit User: leonardo-di-caprisun

Stealing A Child 

I was in a local bookstore with my infant daughter sitting quietly in her stroller next to me when something strange happened. Out of the blue, I noticed that the stroller was moving farther away from me.

I turned to see a lady pushing my daughter away from me. I ran for the stroller, grabbing one of the bars and yanking it from her fingers. “Ma’am, what exactly do you think you’re doing?” I asked her tensely. She looked up at me, alarmed.

“I was just trying to find the kid’s parents! Do you think you could help me look?” she asked. “What’s wrong with you? That’s my daughter!” The lady began to cry. “I don’t know. I thought you worked here. I’m so sorry,” she sobbed out.

I finally put my hand down as she ran off out of the store. I pulled my daughter from the stroller, picked a book and spent some time browsing through the store. I even found a book on parenting. Reddit User: DoctorBitter

What Goes Around Comes Around 

I was at a local big box hardware/plumbing/gardening store picking up a few bags of topsoil for my garden. As I’m loading the back of my truck, some woman drives up to the loading area and tells me, “As soon as you’re done with that one, I need you to load up my order.”

I plan on finishing up my load and leaving, but while I’m working, I can hear her on the phone. “Ugh, this store hires the laziest people; the kid they have doing the loading is so slow.”

Annoyed, I decided to take my time loading her order with the wettest, nastiest bags of mulch that I could find on the piles. I made sure to stack them neatly in the back of her SUV, and with a smile, I told her that all of her items were loaded and wished her a good day.

I couldn’t help but wonder how long it would take her to clean 480 pounds of moldy wet mulch out of the back of her SUV when she gets home. Reddit User: yetshi

I Don’t Work Here

I work as a POS technician. My job is essentially driving around with a truck full of touch screens and receipt printers doing service calls at grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and retail stores.

Many times each day, I’m confused for staff, and it’s completely understandable since I’m usually behind a counter. I do what I can to avoid customer contact; I dress in all black, carry my tools with me, and avoid making eye contact with customers.

I make sure to get in and out as quickly as possible. But despite my efforts, I often have to explicitly tell people that I don’t work there. This works most of the time, but obviously now always.

I have no problem explicitly telling people, “Hey, sorry I don’t actually work here, but they can help you on the other till.” My job is literally ‘I Don’t Work Here, Lady…The Movie.’ I wish people would be friendlier when I tell them I don’t work here. Reddit User: [redacted]

Are You Deaf? 

It was freezing outside, so on my way back home, I decided to purchase a portable heater for my bedroom at last. As I was strolling down the aisle of a hardware store, I stopped in front of the shelf that displayed various types of heaters.

I was crouched down in one of the aisles when I heard a voice from behind me, “Hey, I need to find the bathroom fittings.” I clearly heard what the woman said but assumed she was talking to a shop employee somewhere behind me.

“Hey,” she tapped me heavily on the shoulder twice, so I looked back over my shoulder at her. “Are you deaf? Where are the bathroom fittings?” she yelled at me. I just looked at her without answering, but my silence seemed to just push her over the edge.

She started to yell even louder, “It’s your job to help me! Are you going to tell me where the bathroom fittings are, or do I need to go find someone who isn’t stupid?” I just walked off. Reddit User: ohdonpiaano

The “Ask Me To Help You” Look 

I swear I have an “ask me to help you” look because I get asked for assistance quite often. This particular time, I was at the store with my wife and one-year-old daughter.

My wife grabbed the store-brand bag of marshmallows, but it’s actually the name brand that was just placed in the store brand’s spot. So I squat down while holding my daughter and search for the store brand because it’s the exact same thing but $2 less. I find it, and we move on.

Then I go back because I forgot to get sugar so I take my daughter with me back to the baking aisle. There, I saw a woman who had been in the aisle previously. She comes up to me and tells me she needs me to get something for her.

I looked at the ten pounds of sugar in one hand and my 20-pound daughter in the other arm and told her, “Sorry, I’ve sort of got my hands full here.” Reddit User: [redacted]

Serving On Vacation 

During my family vacation, we stayed at a hotel that offered complimentary breakfast, which included a waffle machine. As a dad, I decided to make waffles for everyone in my family because “dads are the best.”

After I hand out the waffles, I finally make mine and start to sit down when I hear, “I’d like two waffles.” Obviously, I ignore it and sit down with my family. The lady follows me. Crazy lady: “Didn’t you hear me? I said I wanted two waffles.”

Obviously, I ignore it and sit down with my family. The lady follows me. Crazy lady: “Didn’t you hear me? I said I wanted two waffles.” I laugh and say that they’re my family and that I’m on vacation like her.

She continued to argue though and even insulted me for not doing my job properly. Her kid then noticed my Batman pants, and suddenly she realized that I was not a hotel employee. It finally clicks, and she makes her own breakfast. Reddit User: crazyjoe20999

In My Star Wars Pajamas 

I had this hilarious experience at a hotel once that I will never forget! It all started when I woke up one morning, feeling all cozy in my Uggs, Disneyland sweatshirt, and purple, messy buns.

Obviously, I was nowhere near presentable to attend a formal event, let alone serve people food, but as I was fixing myself a scrumptious plate of breakfast to take back to my hotel room, a woman unexpectedly approached me.

She looked at me as if I was an employee and started making an order, “We’d like two white toast, butter, and jam, a bagel with cream cheese…” I just said something like, “All right, yeah, that sounds good, and I have toast, too.”

She looked at me like I had said the rudest, most bananas stuff she’d ever heard. It wasn’t until just as I was leaving that I heard her husband say, “She doesn’t work here! She had Star Wars pajamas on!” Reddit User: Pedadinga

Just Because I’m Wearing A Blue Shirt

I remember this one time when I went to a major electronics store that is known for their employees wearing blue polo shirts. I had just finished my work shift at a warehouse and still had my blue t-shirt on.

I was looking at movies when I heard a woman snapping her fingers right at my face and, in an angry, loud tone, said, “Excuse me!” I slowly turned to see a middle-aged woman standing there. “You need to go get (whatever item she was looking for) from the back.” 

I calmly replied that I didn’t work there, but she wouldn’t believe me. Instead, she became even more furious. I can’t recall her exact words, but it was something along the lines of “Listen here, you stupid idiot. I know you work here. You’re wearing a blue shirt. I’m going to make sure you get fired. Where’s your manager?”

I don’t usually raise my voice and yell at people, but I had to defend myself. I said, “Listen here, lady! I don’t work here! Just because I’m wearing a blue shirt doesn’t mean I do. I’m a customer just like you. Now, please leave me alone!” Reddit User: moderndante

Merry Christmas To You Too 

I woke up feeling determined to start the week off right. What completely slipped my mind is that it was the day before Christmas Eve. As I pulled into the parking lot, I was struck by the sheer number of cars. The place was PACKED.

I mentally prepared myself for the chaos inside. Then I grabbed a cart and started making my way through the crowded aisles. As I walked down one of the aisles, I noticed a woman staring at me with a look of confusion on her face. Initially, I thought nothing of it and continued on my way.

But then as I walked past her, she spoke up and said, “Excuse me.” I stopped in my tracks and turned to face her, wondering if there was something wrong. She then proceeded to ask me about repairing something and told me her entire life story.

I listened attentively and offered her some advice, which seemed to put her mind at ease. She thanked me and went on her merry way. Reddit User: foxyguy

Bridesmaid Troubles 

I had a very interesting experience at my friend’s wedding last weekend. As a bridesmaid, I was helping the bride get ready when she realized that she had left her nylons in her car. Since the ceremony was about to start, I offered to go to the parking lot and fetch them for her.

While I was on my way, walking across the parking lot, a van pulled up beside me and a lady inside asked for directions to the office. At first, I couldn’t hear what she was saying.

I assumed she was a guest, so I asked her if she was there for the wedding and she said, “No, I’m looking for the office. Where is it?” I told her I’m a bridesmaid and I didn’t know.

She then proceeded to ask me where the manager was, asking whether she could still eat at the venue even though there was a wedding happening. I didn’t see her eating at the venue, so I guess she was told to leave. Reddit User: PhosphorescentWoman

Here Comes The Bride 

Our wedding was a small and intimate affair, but we wanted to make sure that our extended family and friends got to celebrate with us. That’s why we had a big evening reception at a local hotel.

As a thank you for my mother and newly minted mother-in-law, we bought them beautiful bouquets, which the staff kindly hid in the bar stock room until we were ready for them.

After the traditional first dance and dancing with my dad, ot changed out of my dress and into something I could have fun in after the traditional first dance and dancing with my dad.

The reception was going well until it was time to get the flowers. The staff was busy, but they allowed me to walk behind the bar and get them myself. While I was on my way to the storeroom, a man shouted, “Excuse me.”

At first, I assumed he was trying to get the attention of the bar staff, as I didn’t work there, but the man then said, “Can’t you just serve me? I’ve been here for ages.” I was taken aback and quickly told him that I didn’t work there and that I was actually the bride. Reddit User: [redacted]

Karen 1 And Karen 2 

A few years ago, I worked in the phone department of a large retail store. It was quite busy and we were always on our feet, assisting customers and answering their queries. Our uniform was a simple one – a blue shirt and black pants.

One evening after I got off work, I decided to do some shopping at a store across the street. This store’s employees wore a distinctive uniform consisting of a red shirt and khaki pants. I’m shopping around just like every other customer in the store when these two middle-aged women approach me.

We shall call them Karen 1 and Karen 2. Karen 1 asked me where she could find a certain item in the store. I was a little caught off guard because obviously, I didn’t work there, right? I looked at her and said, “I have no idea.”

She glanced at Karen 2 and then looked back at me and said, “You don’t know where ____ is?” I stared at her for a moment, trying to process what she was saying. I then replied, “Um…no, I don’t.” She huffed and rolled her eyes at me, clearly frustrated, and the Karens turned around and stomped off. Reddit User: newmansam6

A Helpful Young Man 

I was browsing through the fragrance section of Boots department store to find a perfect perfume for my wife when a sweet old lady, who seemed to be in her 90s, approached me. 

She politely asked if I could help her find the hand cream section, to which I replied that I was sorry but I didn’t actually work there. She then says, “Oh dear, there’s never anyone around, is there? They’re all on the tills or in the pharmacy…”

I offered to assist her in finding the hand creams. As we walked through the aisles, we also found other items that she was looking for. After getting everything she needed, she looked at me with gratitude and said a big “Thank you.”

I tell her, “That’s no problem; you’ve made my day, it’s a long time since anyone called me a young man.” She says, “Well, you’re young compared to me! Thank you again, let’s hope there’s someone at the till now.” Reddit User: darkfishlord

A Helpful Stranger

Now let me tell you a story of a time when I was a college student, living away from home for the first time. It was during my second year when I had a rather interesting experience while out shopping for an electric chopper to make my favorite Passover dish, Charoset.

The problem was that the exact appliance I wanted to buy was on the very top shelf. But of course, I’m only 5’2,” and I would only be able to reach it if I climbed the shelves.

At that moment, I couldn’t help but miss my older brother, who’s 6’1″ and would have easily been able to reach it. I was determined to get my hands on that electric chopper, so I went on a mission to find someone tall who could help me.

As I was scanning the store, I found a random customer who happened to be a tall guy. I approached him and asked for his help, and he was more than happy to. He was really nice too! Reddit User: Girl848

The Lady In Black 

A week before Christmas, my wife and I decided to take a trip to New York to do some Christmas shopping. We’re from Sweden; now, as many other Swedish people do, my wife and I wear a lot of black—all black all the time, pretty much.

After finishing our shopping, we had a few hours to kill at the airport before our flight back to Sweden, so we decided to check out the tax-free shop. While my wife was inside the store, I grew a bit restless and decided to take a seat on a bench outside.

As I sat there, I observed the hustle and bustle of the airport and the various travelers milling about. Meanwhile, my wife stayed inside the store, perusing the various products on offer.

As she was looking at one item in particular, a lady approached her and asked about the price. My wife politely informed the woman that she did not work at the store, but this was not the end of the encounters.

Another lady approached her with a question, and once again, my wife informed her that she was just a customer. A third person approached her with yet another question, and at that point, my wife decided to leave the store altogether. Reddit User: Babbelisken

The Moment She Realized 

I can relate to the frustration of being mistaken for an employee when you’re just minding your own business. It happened to me once when I was in the frozen food aisle, scanning the shelves for something to eat.

Suddenly, I heard an annoyed “Ahem” and turned to see a woman with a classic Karen hairdo staring at me expectantly. I go, “What?” She says, “Are you going just to stand there, or are you going to help me?”

I say, “Help you what?” She yells at me, “Don’t be so rude and help your customers. What aisle is chai tea in?” I tell her, “Lady, I don’t work here.” This Karen goes ballistic, shrieking at me and losing her mind, accusing me of lying to her and that I shouldn’t treat customers that way, and demands to speak to my manager

I said, “I’m wearing an oversized hoodie and fluffy slippers; do you really think I work here?” She then spots an actual employee, and I could see the moment she realized what a fool she was. Reddit User: -Redonkulous-

A Real Animal Lover 

My class and I went on a field trip to our local Petco, which was an exciting opportunity to learn more about animals. As someone who is high-functioning autistic, visiting pet stores is always a fun adventure for me, as I make an effort to learn all the names of the cats up for adoption.

When we arrived, I showed my classmates around the store, showing them the different animals and their unique personalities, and then we made our way to the cats section.

As usual, I said hi to each of the cats by name, including a friendly cat named Lucy. But I noticed that an older man was also interested in Lucy. I started talking to him about her, mentioning how playful and loving she was.

Now he seemed interested and said he would talk to his wife about it. He then asked me for my name so he could talk to me with his wife. “Oh, I don’t work here, I’m just a student.” He then laughed and said, “Thank you anyway.” Reddit User: Creata_Owens21

More Helpful Than An Actual Employee 

Today was a busy day for me. After completing a pretty long run, I decided to quickly stop by the store to pick up some essentials for later. I was still in my sportswear, but I didn’t let that stop me from getting what I needed.

As I was making my way to the counter, an older woman stopped me by grabbing my arm. She seemed to be having some trouble and asked me why the nail polish was so expensive.

At first, I was a bit confused and didn’t know what to say. Then, I realized that she was looking to buy some nail polish but wasn’t willing to pay the high price.

I tried to be helpful and suggested that there was cheaper nail polish on a different shelf. The woman looked at me for a second and then started laughing after she realized that I was just a customer like her and not an employee.

We struck up a conversation and I showed her the nail polish that I usually use. I even told her about the difference between top and base coats. After a while, we decided to head to the counter together. Reddit User: Eefillil

Lending A Hand 

Last night, my wife and I ordered food from O’Charley’s for pick-up.  Since it was raining heavily, I didn’t want to trouble the curbside girl and decided to go inside to collect our order instead.

So I’m standing at the window, waiting for my food to get assembled, and I feel a tap on my arm. I turn to look, and a woman says, “Hey, when you get a minute, could one of you go wipe those tables down?”

Because O’Charley’s managers have a similar dress code to what I was wearing and I’m standing there looking into the kitchen and observing, she must have assumed I was an employee.

Once I realize what’s happening, I just grin and say, “Oh! I don’t work here!” The realization that she doesn’t know who I am hits, and she laughs and apologizes, saying I looked like I did. Reddit User: vernanonix

Stirring Up Some Trouble 

I went to Target wearing a red polo and khaki pants, knowing the dress code is, of course, a red polo and khaki pants. Now, I worked in retail all through high school and most of college, so I know how the industry works. I headed to the shampoo aisle and started pulling all of the products to the front of the shelf (facing)….

It was about 30 minutes when a manager came over and asked if I could help her stock part of the truck. I said, “Of course!” When she asked where my name tag was, I told her I didn’t have one. She took me to the back and apologized, saying, “What’s your name again?” So I told her and bam—I’m officially in! I worked about 10 more minutes and told her I was leaving. When she asked if my shift was over, I told her, “I don’t work here.” Her face was priceless. I left. Reddit User: Mars_Adventure_Camp

Giving Some Useful Advice 

I had just gotten off work at a popular fast food joint and went to the best place to buy things. I wasn’t buying, just looking for a new SSD to order at a later date. This nice young woman walks up to me and asks if we repair MacBooks here. I say, “They do. But I wouldn’t recommend getting repairs here.” I say. She looked at me, confused, and I realized I had to say it….

“Sorry, I don’t work here.” She laughed, a bit embarrassed. I then said, “But I can try to help. I worked on my own computer.” She explained to me that her MacBook isn’t working and that she knew something needed to be replaced. I told her about a computer repair shop where she can get the MacBook fixed for cheaper. She thanked me, looked up the shop on her phone, and then left. Reddit User: mattstorm360

It’s Not My Job Anymore 

So I worked for an ISP, and years later, I was made redundant; I wasn’t happy about it, but it happens. I had given a customer my number a while back to try and help them. That was a bad idea. I get a call from them saying their email isn’t working and when am I going to fix it. I tell them I don’t work for the company anymore and that they will need to call the company…. 

I get told that’s not good enough, and I once again say I don’t work for them. The grumpy customer says, “You’re supposed to be contactable about these things; when are you fixing my service?” I tell them it’s not my job anymore. The customer says he’ll sue the company for poor service. I say, “Feel free; they made me redundant, and I don’t work there. Sue them to bankruptcy.” Reddit User: warmachine83uk

Thanks To The Random Guy

I was at a clothing store in a mall sorting through some red skinny jeans. I normally wear size 40, but I lost some weight, so I was looking for pants that fit as my legs were slimming. 36 was the biggest size they had. A gentleman came up to me and asked me if I worked there. I told him no. He said, “Oh, you’re really well dressed, so I figured you did….” 

I thanked him, and he went on his way. That gave me the confidence to go from 40 regular fit khakis to 36 skinny fit red jeans. The pants fit perfectly, and I had no trouble getting them off and on. On top of that, they were 50% off from $30, which I expected to pay, but I only paid $15 due to it being an online return. Thanks random guy that made me feel good! Reddit User: Tabgap

Almost But Not Quite 

So recently, I moved to a different state, and instead of getting a whole new job entirely, I decided to transfer to the same pet store chain that I’ve been with for over a year. A few days ago, I walked into the store to finalize a few things with the transfer. However, I was not wearing my usual blue work polo, since I hadn’t officially started working just yet…. 

As I was trying to find my manager, a man came up and asked me how I was doing, to which I replied, “Great, how are you?” and then he asked me if I worked there. I laughed and said, “Nope, not yet!” and he just laughed and walked away. I don’t know why he thought I worked there, as I was wearing a black logo t-shirt and jeans, but hey, he was nice about it! Reddit User: lilheley

Employee Of The Year 

I was at Fred Meyer one day, and a frustrated seeming older woman walked up to me and asked me if I could help her find measuring spoons. I was shopping for food, but almost six years of Walmart training kicked in. The lady and I made pleasant small talk, and I helped her find her measuring spoons, which were too high for her to reach anyway…. 

When I turned around to hand her the spoons, a look of horror crossed her face, and she said in a very embarrassed tone, “Oh my god, you don’t work here!” I just smiled at her and said something like, “No, but I don’t mind helping people find things if I know where they probably will be and the person asks nicely.” She told me that they should just give me a job here on the spot. Reddit User: Foggy2016

The Unintentional Salesman 

So I work for an electronics retailer that wears blue shirts. Down the street a little is a savings membership warehouse wholesale store. I’ll often stop in after a shift or for lunch. On this particular day I was there after work, just sort of browsing. A woman walks up to me as I’m looking at one of the TVs and asks, “What can you tell me about this TV?”

Without skipping a beat, I tell her all there was to know. Refresh rate, resolution, true blacks, recommendations of smart app programs, the works. It was conversational to me. She says, “All right, you sold me. I’ll take one.” I tell her there’s a store worker over there and they should be able to help her. She looks confused, and then I tell her I don’t work there. She laughed. Reddit User: Seannj222

Helping Out When You Don’t Have To 

This happened in Quebec, Canada. I was comparing a few laptops, and when I finished up with them, I took the time to fix them up to the way they were presented to me. I work in technology retail and know how annoying it is to keep all fixed up. This all happened while I was wearing a blue shirt and jeans. When I was checking laptops at Best Buy, I was approached by a senior lady….

She says she’s looking for a new laptop. I tell her I don’t work here and I’m sorry. She says, “Oh sorry for bothering you. Since no employee is around, could you help me find a good laptop?” I tell her I’m happy to help out. After 10 minutes, she made her choice. She even gave me $10 for helping her out, and I was very surprised. Reddit User: smaltais

Minding My Own Business

So for starters, I’m a trucker by trade and a biker by choice. I was just running to the store for some lunch and a few supplies for when I headed back out in my truck, I had my beard neatly tied up, and I wasn’t riding, so I was just in a gray t-shirt, jeans, and my “truck shoes”—in other words, dressed down. And this store has the “clean cut” with a red branded polo and khakis outfit….

I’m not sure if they thought that I was security or something, but a lady and her daughter charged up to me wanted me to “do something about those kids.” Apparently, some of the kids were playing on one of the free provided motorized carts, and they didn’t approve. For the record, I don’t approve either, but 1) I don’t work there, and 2) they’re not my kids, so I was minding my own business. Reddit User: vagrantmessiah