This summer I got a part-time job working retail and it's been an adventure.
1. The customer will blame you for everything
I once had a customer tell me it was my fault that she burned her hands while trying to mix chemicals...with her hands. She clearly ignored the signs around the store that said, "Do NOT mix chemicals with hands."
2. Minimum wage is awesome!
No it's not.
3. People will come into the store two minutes before it closes, ask extensive questions, and not leave when you close.
(We don't get paid overtime if you don't leave the store on time.)
4. These are your least favorite people.
5. Except for those people that ask to see a manager.
You know something's going down when they ask for a manager.
6. You truly appreciate the nice people who come into the store.
7. A customer's attitude can make all the difference in your day.
8. Your co-workers can make all the difference.
Ten-hour shifts are much more bearable when you like the people you work with.
9. The best days are when your manager/boss brings donuts.
I want the glazed with the sprinkles!
10. Sales are actually really effective. 
11. But the customers will undoubtedly ask 101 questions about the sale.
How long is it? Can I get the sale on this item, too? But what if...?
12. Commission is your best friend.
Hi, can I interest you in this overly expensive item?
13. "Have a nice day!," is a huge lie.
14. Working through lunch/dinner is the worst.
15. If your manager doesn't like you, you're practically screwed.
Best of luck.
16. Recurring customers are important to please.
You'll see them again and again, and if they hate you, it's not good.
17. The phones scare you.
18. The weather really does affect how many people come to the store.
Nobody wants to drive in the rain.
19. You're never fully dressed without a smile.
20. Employee discounts are the best.
21. You're only human.
But the customers expect you to be God.
22. Owning up to mistakes is really hard.
Especially if it's monetary and comes out of your pay.
23. People will always complain about the price.
24. People will always complain that they bought the same product somewhere else and it was cheaper.
So why don't you go back there...?
25. The customers always believe they are right, but often isn't.
So you smile, nod, and cringe internally.
26. You look forward to payday.
You count down the days to payday. You worship payday.
27. When business is slow, the day drags.
28. You meet different types of people you didn't even know existed in this world.
29. You appreciate days off so much.
I have a whole 24 hours to myself?! I think I'll watch Neftlix and shut myself off from real people.
30. At the end of the day, you're happy to be employed.
But even happier to go home and sleep.
