Post # 1
Member
46 posts
Newbee
Today is one of the worst day of my life. Not a single thing went by that didn’t go wrong. I started my day with a parking ticket this morning and things got worse througout the day. However, the most stupid thing that I did is just beyond stupid.
I was just wrapping up my day with sending out newsletter to my clients. I was in a hurry to go to my appoinment that is in another city. Well, instead of placing all the contact emails in bcc (for privacy reason), I put them all in to (this means that everyone on that list can see everyone else’s emails. What I did was a horrible mistake and there’s no exscuse in the world can make it more forgiving. I had a really bad feeling before hitting the send button. But I was so worried of being late for that appoinment that I just ignored my gut feeling to double checked.
I didn’t realize my mistake until I got home and checked my email. I got a bunch of angry emails from my clients saying that it’s a breach of privacy and that my action has exposed them to public consumption. I felt so horrible. I never mean for any of this to happen. It’s totally my fault. This is my first professional job and I’ve done very well at work so far. Even my boss has recognized my effort and relied on me for important issues. I feel like hitting myself so badly.
So of course I freaked out and immediately called my senior colleague for help. It was outside of working hours and I felt so bad calling him. He calmed me down and tried to think of a solution for the trouble I created. I was so freaked out and afraid that people would go as far as sueing our company for the privacy issue. So my colleague said to me “Listen P, shit happens all the time. Things like this do happen so don’t beat yourself over it”. I felt a little bit better. Then he was trying to tell me what to do as at that point, I couldn’t think any more.
He asked me to apologize to them sincerely and promise to take them off the contact list. So that’s what I did. But what I did already has a negative impact on the company’s image. And on top of that, I lost most of the important contacts.
I’m just posting this here just hoping for some encouragement. Not sure what’s going to happen at work tomorrow…I think I disappoint everyone who has trusted me.
I know that everyone has their own problem in life but writing it here just makes me feel better. Thank you for reading this.
Post # 3
Member
259 posts
Helper bee
I feel for you. I’ve screwed up at work before, many times, and it’s the worst feeling. Usually, it blows over within a few days or so and most people will forget, but it’s still difficult to go through that. The best thing to do is apologize to anyone affected, tell your boss you’re sorry for the mistake and that it won’t happen again, and then learn from it and move on, all of which sounds like you’re in the process of doing. And the good news is, you’ll probably be extra careful sending emails out in the future! Everyone makes mistakes, it’s okay. And it sounds like in your case your colleague (boss?) is understanding, which is great.
Post # 4
Member
1992 posts
Buzzing bee
I’m sorry to hear you had a bad day. On the bright side, if today was “the worse day of your life”, then tomorrow is guaranteed to be better. Keep your head up!
Post # 5
Member
64 posts
Worker bee
I’m sorry you had such a bad day! I can imagine that you’re feeling badly; however, your coworker is 100 percent correct. Shit happens. We’re all of us human. You have to remember, everyone makes mistakes. Professionally, personally, whatever. We’re mistake machines 😉 Te thing is, things are almost never as bad as they seem. Contracts are generally tough to get out of, and while you haven’t shared a ton of details about the content of the email or your industry, a mass email usually won’t warrent your co getting fired.
The only thing you can do is be accountable and apologetic. Which you’ve already done. Be proactive in discussions with your boss. Chances are, she has had a professional blunder. i had a boss that would say “make as many mistakes as you need, as long as you don’t make the same ones twice.”
here’s to a better day tomorrow! Best wishes!!
Post # 6
Member
2882 posts
Sugar bee
I’m sorry you had such a terrible day, but everyone makes mistakes, and everyone is human! Try to not be so hard on yourself. Even your boss has made a stupid mistake once or twice, and I think if you go into work tomorrow very appologetic and not defensive, they’ll be empathetic and will help you come up with a solution. The worst is probably over. Try to keep your chin up, tomorrow will be a better day!
Post # 7
Member
2204 posts
Buzzing bee
Do you use outlook? You can try to recall the message and that will pull it out of anyone’s inbox who hasn’t read it yet.
mistakes happen and in the grand scope of life, it’s not the worst thing to do.
i would send a follow up email tomorrow morning to everyone, bcc’ed, acknowledging the error. Something like ” yesterday our weekly/monthly newsletter was inadvertly sent with receiptients email addresses not blind copied. The privacy of our clients is of the upmost importance to us and we apologize for any disruption this may have caused you. Future newsletters will adhere to our standard privacy settings.
or something like that and then MOVE ON. You made an error, everyone does, you acknowledge it and that’s it. Don’t dwell
Post # 8
Member
261 posts
Helper bee
Don’t beat yourself up over this. This type of thing really does happen all the time. Keep a positive attitude and learn from your mistake. It’s all you can do and it really is enough.
Post # 9
Member
639 posts
Busy bee
@bun39: aw that totally blows ): id be hella stressed too. Venting here is always welcomed and always helps somewhat. Hope for a better day tomorrow! Keep your chin up xx
Post # 10
Hostess
12220 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
You are already sorry and it sounds like you take it seriously. Please give yourself the room to be human! It will be okay:-)
Post # 11
Member
384 posts
Helper bee
You apologized and you immediately called someone to help, those are the two most important things you could do to rectify the situation. It sucks that you screwed up but, like your senior colleague said, “shit happens”. Here’s to hoping that tomorrow is a great day for you!
Post # 12
Member
680 posts
Busy bee
This exact thing happened to me last week but i was the recipient, there were a few people that replied all and got upset but i can guarantee they’ve forgotten about it by now. Don’t worry mistakes happen and usually it’s just the jerks that don’t jsut let it go. Hugs xx
Post # 13
Member
741 posts
Busy bee
@bun39: Oh man, that sucks! I am so sorry! I hate that feeling. Well the good news is that apparently you are a person of high integrity if you feel this terrible about it. But try to forgive yourself sooner rather than later, okay girl? We ALL make mistakes and people will forget about this in the long run. There is no permament damage done. It will pass and you will prove yourself in ways you can’t even imagine now!
Post # 14
Member
46 posts
Newbee
@VMars:
@SincerelyShe:
@Alby2013:
@Charliejeorge:
@PinkPinstripes:
@Lakelyn:
@princessggg:
@Tinatiny1:
@SOONTOBEMRS_Z:
@Missy_Star:
@rusticbee2014:
Thank you ladies for the support and encouragement. I really appreciate it. I feel so much better reading your comments. You all gave me great advices. I did all I could to rectify the situation. Hope everything will be ok.
Post # 15
Member
685 posts
Busy bee
Awe! I am sorry! I can totally relate to this through my own very similar situation. End of the day though, you will be fine as will your company. Things like this do happen all the time, just be thankful you were sending out a newsletter vs. something incriminating to your Taiwanese Board of Directors that your US Headquarter’s would like to keep confidential and out of sight (like This Girl<
).
Chalk it up to a learning experience – mistakes like these are good for you cause you won’t Ever Do it Again 
Post # 16
Member
2297 posts
Buzzing bee
@bun39: yikes – i’m so sorry that happened. the good news is – you’re good at your job. one mistake will not erase your entire work ethic! also – yes, your contacts are mad at you today, but tomorrow one of their other vendors will do something worse and the heat will be off you 🙂
this will blow over and it’s one instance of poor judgment, when it sounds like you’re doing a great job day in and day out. don’t worry too much!
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