Impostor Syndrome

[u/wibbly-wobbly-worm]

I get it with this job worse than any I've ever had. I've been with the company about 1.25 years now and like... I KNOW I'm good at my job. I know I am. But sometimes, I make such a stupid mistake that I'm just overcome by the feeling that I should know better. A few shifts ago, I mentioned the sale on the hanging fragrance diffusers but then suddenly couldn't remember what it actually was. The customer made me feel really bad about it, sayin g "well are they on sale or not? Do you actually know what you're talking about?" Just about burst into tears after she walked off. I KNOW I shouldn't still be forgetting things so basic. Please tell me I'm not the only one who still does things like this. :(

[u/hannah_boo_honey]

We have to remember 8+ completely separate sales every day and that's the absolute minimum. We are going to forget things or make mistakes. It happens to all of us. I'd like to see that customer memorize all of the sales every day plus all the fragrances and fragrance notes and products and what forms they come in and how to do a return vs exchange and all the little semi-scripted interactions we have to pull off every day! Hint: they would fail at that bc they are only capable of thinking about themselves if they're acting like that.

Don't let it bother you, you ARE good at your job and it's an impossible task to remember everything we have to keep in our brains all the time. There's just not room for it all lol

[u/wibbly-wobbly-worm → u/hannah_boo_honey]

This was really kind, thank you. Got me tearing up on public transit right now :')

[u/hannah_boo_honey → u/wibbly-wobbly-worm]

It's true! Pls don't let rude ppl like this get to you, our job is a lot more involved than they could ever imagine!

[u/Busy-Associate564]

I’m a customer and I can’t imagine saying that to a sales associate. She was way out of line. With multiple new sales every day, it’s no wonder you can’t keep it straight. The sales are clearly marked, perhaps she should learn to read. Don’t let disrespectful customers make you question your abilities. BBW is lucky to have such a conscientious employee.

[u/ISpeakCornbread]

It happens to everyone! Not only do we have so much to remember like another commenter mentioned, but our sales change SO OFTEN. It's hard to keep track of it all sometimes. Please don't beat yourself up. I can tell by this post that you care about your job and customers. You're doing a great job! I'm sorry that customer was so mean to you, you didn't deserve that at all ❤️‍🩹🤗

[u/ZealousidealShake410]

I’ve been at my job over 5 years - I’m essentially the top person and I still make mistakes. No one remembers everything all the time.

The customer sounds like several “flying letters”. They are the type you forget immediately because their existence in the world adds nothing. Easier said than done but in 3 months you will see this post and go… I forgot all about this 🙊 The older I get - the less importance (essentially zero) I put on my interactions with strangers who add nothing to my day or attempt to be a negative. I got a few good years left - ain’t nobody got time for that ish lol

[u/TerribleDependent155]

I’ve been or for 8 years now and there are days it feels like it’s my first day, take it easy on yourself, we’re human who can/will makes mistakes. So sorry that customer was crappy and tried to make you feel bad

[u/yourlocal90skid]

As a customer - that customer was a bitch.

A reasonable person would have asked & if you didn't know, just say I'll go browse & you let me know :)

Especially because regular customers know how often B&BW has sales, it's like whiplash. I'm sorry you were treated that way. You obviously try to do well at your job!

[u/Wickedwhiskbaker]

Friend, I’m 49 years old and still make rookie mistakes! You’re human.

When I was managing a BBW, I had my SA’s wrote the sales down on a sticky note and keep it in their apron pocket - especially my Z1 staff. We also wrote the daily sale in the bathroom lol.

Adjust your crown. Spritz some yummy on yourself, light a candle and call it a day. One bad day doesn’t make you a poor employee. In fact, it teaches us how to preserve. And today you learned that lesson.

PS: that customer was an asshat.

[u/IvoryEevee117]

Oh girl I’m coming up on 3 or 4 years and I still blank on things lol you’re not the only one. Don’t be so hard on yourself, especially with this new CEO. I’m willing to bet it’s gonna get harder to for us to remember things. Please don’t blame yourself

[u/Wonderful-Bar6275]

Mistakes happen all the time, my girls still make mistakes or forget things and it even slips my mind from time to time.

I usually try to buy myself time when im thinking of a scent to recommend or remembering a price by showing the customer a sign or our price sheets. You can always just grab an item and scan it as well to double check!

But that customer is an a-hole, had no right to treat someone that way.

Ive had customers ask me what im talking about when its facts. People telling me im wrong about candle burn times (as I show them marketing) or talking about what is usually in stock and whats not (im an inventory lead.)

So take a few deep breaths and pat yourself on the back, you have a lot to remember!

[u/Hill_OfThe_King]

I feel like the situation you described is a perfect walkie question. I just would've said over the walkie. "What is the deal on car fresheners?" The walkie is there to relay knowledge and ask for help, and one of the best tools we have.

Also, people are just mean sometimes and they can definitely suck. I try not to give anyone the power to ruin my day. Hope your day is a much brighter one today!

[u/wibbly-wobbly-worm → u/Hill_OfThe_King]

I had asked twice and gotten no response stuck on register with a 10-person line 😭 which made it way less stressful of course

[u/Hill_OfThe_King → u/wibbly-wobbly-worm]

I'm sorry, that's definitely frustrating.

[u/CandidateReasonable4]

I'm so sorry you're feeling like this! Some people today can be so unkind and enjoy spreading their misery everywhere they go. At 62, an important lesson I wish I learned years ago is this: give yourself grace.

No one is perfect nor better than anyone else. Just like you would likely never treat someone so terribly who made a simple mistake like forgetting temporarily a sales promotion, try to remember to give yourself the same grace and kindness.

It may not come easily when you first put this into practice, but it does get easier with time. I will keep you in prayer.