There certainly is that! My first computer technical job was as an across-the-counter tech in a retail chain store. I sure learned a lot about how the buying public treats people. There were numerous incidents that would appall most people if related.
I remember having an incredible, agonizing infection in my jaw once there. I was doubled over and moaning is pain, clutching my jaw with both hands. The customer who had stopped me with a techhie question kept right on asking it, and clearly expected an answer. Can't you answer my question, and then die?
There is, no doubt, a lot of unjustified rudeness on the part of service industry employees. But, it is a two way street. People treat retail folks like s**t. Glad I am not doing that anymore.
I was reduced to tears one time too many by rude customers who brought their anger to my register when a rude imployee in another part of the store wouldn't help them.
I work in local government now. I help people search for their family history and I consider that, though it is not MY family and, therefore, not of importance to ME - that it IS important to THEM and I try to honor that by being the best researcher I can be. People are absolutely stunned that they get such friendly, helpful service from someone in a government job. I have been to other courthouses where I was treated so rudely that I wanted to walk out! Of course, I have to say that the people I work with are exceptional - most are friendly and more than willing to help the public.
I was in almost constant contact with the public throughout that time. The customers ran the gamut from saintly to "if I could get away with it I would kill this guy." The level of rudeness by some of the customers during that time was stunning. I have never seen humans treating others so horribly.
Nevertheless, I always treated customers the way I would like to be treated. It's something I inherited from my dad. I never saw him be even remotely rude to a service person. Ever.
So now, I go out of my way to be nice to people serving me. The only times I have lost it were when the person was being rude or snotty and I was in the right. Even then, I have invariably apologized.
I used to go to work sick. Now I just stay home. My tolerance for annoying people is not that good when I'm roasting with a fever.
You were on your employer's time. You should either clock out or answer the customer's question and then clock out before you die.
I couldn't agree more. I've been dealing with the public since I got out of the Army. In that time I have learned that The American People are assh*les.