As I approach my fourth year of working in a grocery store, there are some things I’ve come to love and hate. Working in retail is a demanding field that requires employees to treat their customers with the highest level of respect. Grocery store employees are expected to provide a quick, easy, and enjoyable experience. Working in a grocery store is more than just bagging or ringing groceries. It’s being there for families when the weather is bad. Its forming a relationship with the customer in hopes that they will return. It is being a staple in the community. As much as I enjoy making an impact on my community, here are a few struggles every grocery store employee understands:

1. When the customer tries 12 different numbers for the store card.

2. When the product doesn't scan and the customer proceeds to say "It must be free then!"

3. When a carriage full of groceries pulls into your line and they don’t look at the “express” sign

4. Pulling a double shift is exhausting.

5. When we have to listen to your child throwing a fit in the store

6. You’ve cross-trained in several different departments.

7. When the customer is telling you about competitor prices

8. When a customer tells you how beautiful and warm out it is

9. When your co-workers in the same department start dating and it makes it awkward for everyone else.

10. When a customer tells you “I think you should be open 24/7.”

11. Working in a grocery store, but having no idea what to eat on your break

12. Working during the holidays

13. Finding yourself picking up groceries, even on your days off

Why am I here?

14. The grocery store playlist

Not this song again.