Retail employees have a difficult job, and it's hard to understand if you haven't experienced it first hand. I recommend that everyone should at least working retail once in their lifetime; whether it's in high school or in college.
The expectations are always high and generally come from a corporate office that does not know what it is like to work on a sales floor. Not only do retail employees have to clean, stock, and maintain a store, they have to balance constant customer service, ringing a register, and some insane/rude customers.
While there are many positive things about a retail career and plenty of fun retail jobs, that's another list - this is the many emotions of working retail.
When a client asks you if there's any additional discounts.
Even when something is already 70% off..
When the co-worker you hate speaks.
And you and your co-worker friends look at each other like...
When your boss makes a joke.
But you have to pretend it's funny so you don't get fired.
When a client says, "This other place has that cheaper!"
And you really want to tell them, "So why don't you go shop there instead," but don't because you kinda need your job.
When a new girl/guy starts.
And you have to train them.
When a client can't make up their mind at the register.
And you tell them to, "Take their time."
When the item doesn't have a tag.
And the client says, "Oh, it must be free!" The oldest joke in the book.
When your friends ask if you want to do anything for the holiday long-weekend.
But you work retail so holidays and weekends= working long hours.
When client stay past closing.
And you tell them you're closed, but reply with "I'll just be a few minutes." - Seriously people, how insensitive can you be...I want to go home too!
When you open and watch the closing shifts come in.
That means it's almost time for you to leave!
When a client asks to speak to the manager.
And your manager tells them the exact same thing you said.
When they call for an 8 am store meeting.
And go over everything you already know....every....single....meeting.....
When you've had a long shift.
And you feel like you've been there forever.
The group chat.
Where we all come together to bitch about everything and everyone.
When a client messes up the store.
After watching you organize right in front of them.
When your manager says you can leave early.
You don't have to tell me twice.
When a client is on the phone when you're ringing them up.
Seriously people? - Didn't your mother teach you any manners?
When a client throws money at you instead of placing it in your hand.
Again...Seriously people?
When they play the same old music everyday.
And you start to memorize the entire playlist.
When the client yells at you for something you have no control over.
Because obviously I'm the one who makes the store policy.....
When you try to be nice to a client and they're straight up rude.
Listen lady, I get paid to pretend like I care how your day is going; so just go with it...
When you think it's almost time for you to leave.
But then realize you've only been there for an hour.
When all the asian tourists hit the mall.
And none of them speak English so your job suddenly turns into a game of charades but they still don't understand you.....For the last time, I do not speak Chinese!
