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A TikToker has shared her experience of repeatedly facing an awkward issue with HR departments at work due to her initials and the company’s email system.
A Name That Causes Trouble
We don’t get to choose the names we’re born with, and sometimes our parents may not foresee how certain names or initials might cause embarrassment in the future. Unfortunately, for one TikToker, this means she regularly finds herself in uncomfortable conversations with HR whenever she starts a new job.
TikToker Sam Opens Up About Her Struggles
Sam, who runs the TikTok account @TheSamShow, posted a viral video last year, explaining how, alongside the usual excitement of starting a new job, she always faces a potentially awkward issue.
@saadafzal091 #foryou #foryoupage #fyp #fypシ゚ ♬ original sound – entertainment
She said, “Well y’all, it’s official. I have a new job, which means I’ll be transitioning from my current position to a new one in the next two weeks. In the midst of all this excitement, I’m filled with dread over one particular aspect of changing jobs.”
The issue? Her name and its impact on the company’s email structure.
A Problem with the Company Email Format
Sam explained, “My name is Samantha Hart. Most companies use a typical email format that’s based on the first initial of your first name and your full last name.”
This means her email address would end up as “Shart,” which she pointed out has a very unfortunate meaning. If you’re unsure, “shart” refers to the act of both farting and accidentally soiling yourself.
Sam went on to explain that at every job she’s had so far, the email structure has caused problems, as it doesn’t fit well with her name. “I don’t want an email that says ‘Shart,’” she laughed. “I’ve had HR ask me to fix it and come up with something else.”
Facing the Same Issue at Her New Job
As Sam prepared to start her new role, she looked into the email setup at the new company and discovered it followed the same format. This led her to dread another awkward conversation with HR.
In her video, she asked her followers for advice: “Do I reach out to HR first and say, ‘You’re not going to want my email to be this’? Or should I wait for them to bring it up?” she wondered.
TikTok Users Share Their Own Experiences
After Sam’s video went viral, many viewers chimed in with similar stories from their own work lives. One user, Chris.Littmann, commented, “Clittmann has entered the chat. I’ve been dealing with this since college.”
Another shared, “My name is Sue Hartlove, so my work emails are always ‘shartlove.’”
A third commenter, “RKelley,” joked, “RKelley has entered the chat.”
Finally, Samantha Wallo added, “As Swallo, I feel your pain.”
