This summer was the first I ever worked in retail. Going into it, I was really nervous about what to expect from such a fast-paced and high volume store. Now that the summer is winding down, I realized how much I loved working retail this summer. Of course there were tough days, like with every job, but the people that you work with help you get through everyday with smiles and laughter. Working retail is a great experience in working hard, communicating with people and providing a service with a smile. Despite all of the positive aspects of working retail, there are those stereotypical moments all retail workers understand all too well.

1. When a customer tries to tell you a joke and you are obligated to laugh whether it's funny or not

2. When a customer is being mean to you but you can't do anything about it

3. When you have to be bubbly, peppy and upbeat even when you aren't feeling bubbly, peppy or upbeat at all

4. When you're fixing a table and a customer comes over and starts to ruin it

5. And they apologize for making a mess but don't fix it

6. And the customers that try to use coupons that aren't for your store

7. And then you have to ask one of your co-workers to back you up that it really isn't your coupon

8. When a customer gets annoyed with you even when you're trying to do something nice for them

9. The face when you and a co-worker both witness something ridiculous that a customer is doing

10. When there are no customers in the store when it's time to close

11. And you and your co-workers are all so overtired by the time closing rolls around

12. When you check the schedule and you have days off consecutively without requesting them off

12. Because you realize how much your job has taken over your life