For one TikToker, her name has led to numerous awkward discussions with various HR teams every time she starts a new role.
TikToker Sam, who goes by @TheSamShow, posted a video last year to announce her new job. However, alongside the typical excitement and anticipation, she was concerned about a potential issue.
She shared: “Well y’all it’s official. I have a new job which means that I will be transitioning from my current position to a new one within the next two weeks.
“In amidst all of this excitement that I feel about this transition and this move and this opportunity I am filled with dread over one aspect of moving to a different job.”
Sam disclosed that she often encounters the same ‘difficult conversation’ when she starts at a new company.
She explained that the issue stems from her name not fitting neatly into the standard ‘company email structure’.
“My name is Samantha Hart,” she explained. “Most companies use the email designation of first initial [followed by] last name.
“Meaning that my email would be ‘Shart’ and I’ve had two professional jobs so far and every single workplace this has been the email company structure.”
To clarify, ‘Shart’ refers to an unfortunate incident of simultaneously passing gas and a bowel movement.
Just so you know.
Sam mentioned receiving notices from Human Resources (HR) pointing out that her full name doesn’t align well with their email format.
@thesam_show sorry if i talk about this problem too much but it is HAPPENING AGAIN!!
“I don’t want an email that says ‘Shart’,” she laughed. “Fix it, give me something else.
“So now, as I transition to this new role, I did investigate the email structure at this new company.”
Samantha found that her new employer also uses the same email configuration and she was not looking forward to ‘another uncomfortable conversation’.
She wrapped up the one-minute 38-second clip by seeking advice from her followers on whether she should proactively contact HR this time.
“Do I just reach out off the back and say look – you’re not gonna want my email to be this?
“Or should I let them come to me? Should I let them initiate the conversation?”
In response to Samantha’s viral video, TikTok users have shared stories of similar experiences at their workplaces.
One commenter, screen name Chris.Littmann, wrote: “Clittmann has entered the chat. Have been dealing with this since college.”
Another said: “My name is Sue Hartlove so my work emails are always ‘shartlove’.”
“RKelley has entered the chat,” another viewer chimed in.
Samantha Wallo added: “As Swallo I feel your pain.”