If you've ever worked in retail, it's likely that you have lost faith in humanity and have a totally different, possibly more cynical, outlook on life. Retail jobs can be extremely difficult: you have to deal with customers, managers and co-workers for hours that seem like years, a small break and meager pay.

All while having to put on an "I just drank 5 gallons of coffee," enthusiastic (and fake) attitude that you've now mastered. Don't worry- I've been there too. Here are 11 things that all retail employees have encountered while behind the counter or on the floor. And, if you haven't had these experiences; consider yourself lucky.

1. When customers make "hysterical" jokes when the item doesn't readily scan.

"It doesn't scan? It must be free then, right?!" Ha. Ha. HA! Good one. So original! Let me just type in the product number manually while I pretend to laugh.

2. When there is only one person on the register and all of the customers decide to get rung up at the same time.

Where did this huge line come from? I turned my back for like, two seconds! Better inconvenience my manager and call for backup. Why are they all getting impatient? I'm only one person!

3. Customers who assume you know where every little item is located.

"Excuse me, where is the _____?" I've never even heard of that before, how should I know?!

4. Managers who take advantage of all of your free time.

You deeply regret that one time when you mentioned that you have availability on the weekends and nights. You get anxious when the weekly schedule gets posted because you know you'll be working most days. Managers seem to forget that you have a social life. You don't say no, though, because you know that you need the money.

5. When customers take their frustration out on you and you have to accept it.

I'm so sorry that you read the sign wrong. Don't blame me for your mistake, though! I can only keep this fake smile for so long! Let me get my manager to get you off my back.

6. Parents who let their children wreck the place.

Are you kidding me? I just straightened those shelves. I'm not going to do it again - well, I probably will anyway. I can't afford to get fired if I slack off. You win this time, customers, but keep your kids on a leash!

7. The holiday season.

Need I say more? It's the most wonderful time of the year- if you don't work in retail. Can I just hide in the break room until it's all over? Or maybe fake a broken bone so I can't come in? Please?

8. Customers' dumb questions.

Swipe your card one more time please, it didn't go through the machine the first time. "Will that charge my card twice? Are you trying to get more money out of me?"

9. The morning of a very long shift, or covering a co-worker's shift.

Brace yourself; the end is near! Why did I ever agree to this? My bed is much comfier, warmer and won't get mad at me.

10. When the computers and machines go down at the worst times.

There's a huge line, I'm the only one working and the register froze. How convenient! This is exactly what I needed to happen, on top of my already-stressful day. Can I hide behind the counter until all my problems disappear?

11. When customers come in minutes before the store closes and take a casual stroll through.

We close every night at 10:00 P.M, sharp. It's 9:54 P.M: the perfect time for you to go shopping! Please, take your time looking around while I'm trying to clean up and close. Also, leave at your leisure. Don't buy anything, either. That's great!

Bless those of us who decide to enter the retail business. If you haven't, don't. If you have, I salute you.