Bad Day Turned Good

No matter what line of work you're in, you are bound to experience a bad day now and then. A day where everything seems to be going wrong.

Computers malfunction, phone calls are coming in non-stop, and you feel overwhelmed with too much on your plate. We've all been there and today was my day. 

Shit hit the fan all at once and I was left dealing with someone else's mistakes and two very upset clients. (I am a receptionist at a hair salon, the error was a booking conflict.) I was overwhelmed and in a difficult situation. I generally have a very low stress job, and I'll admit that I often let my emotions get the best of me and I crack under pressure. Today I cracked, just a little. 

Everything worked out in the end, thanks to my amazing co-worker who saved my ass, but I was left feeling upset and like my job completely sucks. That was, until, a client showed up with a simple yet uplifting gift for me: bread. 

Last time this client was in she had just stopped by Cosi's (a little sandwich joint) before coming to her appointment, and I told her how much I enjoyed their bread, so sweet as she is, she bought a whole box of it and gave it to me this time.

It made my day and reminded me of all the other times clients have been incredibly generous to me.

There was the time around Christmas that a man asked me if he were allowed to tip me (there's no policy against it, but I insisted that he not), but he handed me a little cash and said, "You answer the phone like a boss." (That's slang for I do a good job.) 

There was the time I called to confirm a woman's appointment and she was so happy she had the appointment and I reminded her of it, that the next day she showed up with a bag of chocolates for me. (I really didn't do her any favors, but it was still nice of her.)

And the time I was pregnant and a terminally ill client who came in once a week named Jakki said to me, "I'm sorry I didn't get you a card for the baby." She handed me a $50 dollar bill, and I asked her how she wanted her change to tip the stylist broken down. She looked confused and said, "No, that's for you." Sadly that was the last time I ever saw her, as she passed away from stomach cancer soon after.

It isn't about the money or gifts that people from time to time give me, and I hope I don't sound greedy because of this post. It's about the fact that I do build personal relationships with customers. They make me feel appreciated and like I make a difference in their day. They certainly make a difference in mine.