Today at work I was flipping some burgers as usual when a coworker yelled out to me “how to spell occupation” for some reason. She shouldn’t have even been on her phone and I don’t know why she asked me of all people to spell ‘occupation’ and why she needed to use that word in the first place is beyond me but that’s not important.
I tried to sound it out I just didn’t know how to spell it. There were like a bunch of other people they were all watching. I just broke down in tears then and there and ran to the bathroom. It was so embarrassing. I left like 3 hours early as I just couldn’t take being there anymore. I can’t stop thinking about it. I made myself look so stupid in front of everyone. I know I have to go back there soon but I can’t handle the humiliation and + I’m going to be in trouble with the boss for leaving early. I really don’t know what to do.
Update: I told my boss that somebody asked how to spell something and I didn’t know how to so I got emotional and left. He was understanding but told me never to do it again. Seems like everything is ok, right? Well, he asked me who was on her phone and I told him so now I think that girl got into trouble and now my coworkers are mad at me for being a snitch. FUCK. MY. LIFE.
Talk to your boss before your next shift - being proactive is key. Explain that you had a momentary blib of a reaction that embarrassed you and you left early. If your boss is anywhere near human, they will understand and offer guidance on what you can do if it ever happens again. Not that you owe your coworkers an explanation, but if you feel you need to address it, you can say something casual like, “sorry for the flip out yesterday, I’m not a great speller and can be embarrassed about it.”
This is a learning experience (albeit a terrible one). And if it makes you feel any better, anything I’m good at is because something terrible happened. I’m good at lots of stuff now. 😉
Hang in there!!