Hot Topic has changed its image drastically since its emergence into our malls. H.T. was once seen as the scary, mall-goth store. The retail chain now frolics in it's commitment to all things pop culture and still holds true to itself by selling band and alternative merchandise.

Working at Hot Topic can literally blow your mind. The pre-teens can make the job the most unbearable thing ever. Here's why:

1. Nirvana

Everyone needs a Nirvana shirt. I always find myself asking the question, "How do you feel about Kurt Cobain?" Nine times out of ten they have no idea who Kurt Cobain ever is. I can always feel the music gods frowning during this awkward exchange.

2. Can I try on jewelry?

No. No. Where in this world can you try on piercing jewelry without purchasing it? It's a sanitation rule. Asking me three times isn't going to change anything.

3. Why do you have to take that to the register? I can hold it.

Sorry. Our policy is that we have to put small objects like piercing jewelry at the register. We do this so people can't steal it. You're probably not going to steal it, but we have to do our job.

4. What's in your clearance section?

This is the most annoying question in the world. We have so much in our clearance racks that we aren't even sure of what's in it anymore. It's pretty much Hot Topic's Goodwill. You may find something cool.

5. Why don't you have any CDs?

We haven't had CDs since I started working here. When you come back a week later asking the same thing, I will give you the same response. I can't magically make CDs appear here. When I find out exactly why, I'll let you know (Probably never.)

Working at Hot Topic is both a blessing and a curse. The job is super rad. However, like anywhere you work, the customers will ask the same annoying questions every day. You just learn to live with them and have an automated response when you're asked. I'll just never get over the 'give me a Nirvana tee but who is Kurt Cobain' fiasco.