Working is a very important important part of growing up. Once you get your first job, you are finally able to begin financially supporting yourself. No matter what type of job you end up working, you will definitely begin to understand the world better by dealing with the general public. One of the most common first jobs to have is in retail. There are many life lessons that a person learns when from working in a store.

1. The value of money

Earning minimum wage per hour really makes you question every purchase you make. Are those new shoes you’re going to wear once worth all those long hours?

2. How to fold

Instead of just throwing your clothes in your drawer, you’ll find yourself trying to make your stack of leggings perfect.

3. How to fake a smile

Sometimes customers get mad and the best you can do is smile and remember your paycheck.

4. How to have a spontaneous schedule

Retail is not your typical nine to five job. Instead of having a set schedule, retail requires you to rearrange your life according to the day.

5. The customer is not always right

If our policy says we cannot take expired coupons, we still cannot take your expired coupon.

6. Sometimes you’ll be cleaning someone else’s mess

You left all your unwanted clothes in the fitting room? It’s OK, we will will put it away. Your child pees on the floor? It’s OK, we will clean it up too.

7. Teamwork

As cliché as it sounds, nothing will ever get done without everyone working together.

8. You can never get enough discounts

Having the employee discount ensures you will always be shopping in the store you work in.

9. Patience

Not everyone is going to move through the checkout line as quickly as you would like them to, so take a deep breath and carry on.