[Mountaindewed]

Today at work was just weird. My manager wasn’t there. The fill in manager wasn’t there. Only 3 coworkers including me were there. The day was just odd. My anxiety wasn’t too bad until an hour before the end of my shift. On a scale of 1-10 it was about a 9. When I clocked out I decided to do some shopping since my ride wasn’t there. I had my arms full and a coworker asked if I was shopping. I said “yeah.” I then looked around some more and then decided to go back and talk to her again. I found her holding up a wall. I said “yeah these looked good so I’m buying these.” She said “oh. The wall is falling.” She said the manager is coming. I didn’t really get the situation plus I had my hands full plus I was off the clock. She didn’t ask for my help so I just awkwardly left. A few minutes later she walked by me shaking her head. When I checked out she walked by me again shaking her head again.

Did I do something wrong? She said the manager was on the way. There are signs that say employees can’t work off the clock. I was told I could get a write up for it. Plus she didn’t even ask for my help. My mom said maybe she was just mad at the situation and not at me. It didn’t look like she was in danger or anything. It was like a wall/shelving unit thing.

I don’t know. I just am worrying I’ll get into trouble somehow. This is why I said in my other post that I don’t like shopping at my store.

[Deejay14]

I think it would be okay to help a co worker in that instance.

You are probably fine. Talk to your coworker and ask her if she was upset with you, or explain your worry to your supervisor. Communication can help. It could ease your mind.

[Mountaindewed]

Originally Posted by Deejay14

I think it would be okay to help a co worker in that instance.

It’s just she didn’t ask for my help and she said the manager was on the way. I don’t know. I’m still confused by it. I was researching it online and it looked like I could have gotten fired for working off the clock.

I guess now I know just to leave when I’m done.

I’m sure no one will even mention it tomorrow. They didn’t mention the missed phone call incident or the anger issue I had. But maybe you are right and I should have helped her.

[downandlonely]

I would talk to her about it and ask what she expected. I understand why you didn't help if you weren't asked.

[healingme4me]

My gut reaction was looking for a 'knowing' understanding from you by 'knowing' that she needed to hold up a wall/shelving unit.

As in....*head shake*...'this place'..'the crud we go through'...as in looking for validation from you..

[MickeyCheeky]

I don't think you did anything wrong. But if you have doubts, just ask her.

You didn’t do anything wrong and she may have not even been shaking her head at you for anything. Reading too much into these things is a surefire way to drive yourself insane and increase anxiety. You were off the clock and if policy states you are not supposed to work off the clock then you did the right thing. I’m not sure if helping your co worker in that instance would have been considered working. Probably not. However she didn’t ask for help and you were shopping. Nothing to worry about here. If you are that concerned about the co worker shaking her head then you can simply ask her if it was directed at you.

[Mountaindewed]

I asked one of my vocal coworkers if we are allowed to work off the clock. She told me if anyone asks me for help while I’m off the clock to tell them “no *****. I’m off the clock.” Of course I won’t do that but I did feel better. Also she told me that yes you can get into trouble because what happens if I get hurt?

I wasn’t feeling good so I didn’t feel like talking to that coworker about the incident. She didn’t say anything to me today. I really don’t know if she’s mad or what. But I’m not worried anymore.