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Originally published at a denizen's entertainment. You can comment here or there.
Forgot to write about Saturday and the extra hours I worked at the charity shop. Was surprised at how many people I saw there, since I'd had the impression there might not be anyone for the afternoon. Not that I was doing so entirely out of good-heartedness on my part.
At first I thought I would be spending most of my time there pricing books and cleaning up the accumulated chaos of the previous day and morning, but I ended up operating the register by default when my supervisor took a break. Possibly that was what she needed someone around for, since of the four staff working at least part of that afternoon it seemed I was the only one there who knew how to operate the cash register. That was a big surprise, still haven't adjusted to not being so far out of the skill loop. Although I still wouldn't trust myself to sort the clothes and miscellanous items yet.
I ended up on the register almost all of that afternoon, which was a lot of stress. Fortunately I made relatively few errors, and even seem to have the hang of the convoluted EFTPOS process for now. Biggest panic was when a woman wanted to buy a couple of cupboards, and I had not processed furniture sales previously. Should be better with that next time it comes up.
She came back later with someone else and a car to collect them, but after I helped carry one out and get it into the back of the car it turned out to be slightly too large to be driven away by them, so we had to bring it back in and the furniture would be delivered to them later. I didn't mind that.
Getting better at off-the-cuff pricing of items when asked too, which seems to be the established mode for anything without a sticker on it. I have found one of the more difficult things about work environments is getting the people who supervise me to keep me up to speed on anything relevant that has changed since the last time I was there, such as the new pricing on thongs or the accompanying shirt sale (this is not specific to this location). I think the problem is it slips people's minds, so they don't remember in order to advise me even when I ask - new to me, now established background for them. I'd probably do as badly in the same situation unless I established processes to counter-act the tendency.
One of the other volunteers seemed convinced that I am gay. Regret that I told him partial truth (that I have 'a' girlfriend) in hopes of avoiding any potential trouble. Suspect was not believed anyway. Felt a bit paranoid during the day, as if the others working there were talking about me in potentially unfavourable ways. Hopefully just paranoia.
Reminding myself not to get too friendly, chatty or jokey at workplaces. Even if there is no other problem, my own clumsiness or misjudgement seems more likely to provoke awkwardness than make anything easier, unless I get very lucky. People seem to default to thinking I need loosening up, which is annoying. Right now I'm inclined to say if my social signalling makes them uncomfortable, then good, because theirs makes me uncomfortable, so at least it is a bit mutual. I do my best, and I'd rather not be pressured over the gap, even in 'fun'.
Bought the books for my mother and the dress for I said my girlfriend right before closing. Hid the books in my room at home watched the Doctor Who episode Day of the Moon, which might have made sense at some point, or might have not. Later introduced her to Mystery Science Theatre via most of Fugitive Alien, which she seemed amused by. Success?
I suppose for a day that worked out well.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-09 21:15 (UTC)From:One of the other volunteers seemed convinced that I am gay.
That's sort of actually true! Do you think your co-worker meant anything malicious by it? Some people are just nosy, nosy, nosy. He's probably sensing what's really going on, but he lacks the presence of mind to put his finger on it...