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.
In 12 months, will this be a big deal? Probably not, so don’t risk your job over it (IMO).
“Sorry boss, had a rough day, couldn’t concentrate and a simple question threw me off my game. I know I left you in a bad place short handed, and I’ll do my best to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
If a coworker brings it up:
“Just had a rough day, not something I really want to talk about. Anyway, what did you get into last night?”
Everyone, and I mean everyone, has been where you are in some way, shape, or form. It’s OK, and you’ll be OK, too.
Everyone has been in that space, and to OP’s credit, some folks react in a much worse way.
OP, you reacted in a way that may have looked odd from the outside but as long as this isn’t a weekly occurrence talking to your boss like the parent comment says should resolve things.
Meanwhile, consider that some people respond to the same situation by yelling at the person who asked, or throwing things, or otherwise becoming violent. You got upset and removed yourself from the situation, which is the right thing to do.