Are you interested in moving up in position where you work? There are many reasons why you might be. More responsibility, more respect, more challenges, more money, and less manual labor- are all perks that catch many eyes. So how do you do it?

I started at the grocery store I work at as a bagger when I was 16. I pushed carts, plunged toilets, and put groceries into buggies for months before I was promoted to cashier. After a while it was hard, and I honestly felt stuck because I wasn’t sure I would be promoted when I turned 17. “If they don’t make me a cashier after my birthday, how long am I willing to wait?” Was a question that sat in my head. But I kept pushing and then a month after my birthday I was promoted.

This was so important to me. I had become tired of my position. The labor was exhausting, and I was making minimum wage. The amount of work done between me and my counterparts was extremely disproportional. I was sick of carrying the team and restless due to lack of challenging tasks. As a cashier I made more, was not forced to carry the team, and felt like I had more control. I no longer had the question of mobility lingering in my head.

That was just the beginning. After becoming a cashier, my manager consistently increased my level of responsibility, versatility, and hours. Without having to badger, or ask at all, I was trained at our self scanning area and later made a supervisor (still at 17). I now consistently have supervisor shifts where I supervise the front end and manage breaks for numerous coworkers. I occasionally train new workers that go to other stores. I look forward to moving up in the company in future years. How did it happen?

Almost anyone can do what I did/currently do to have my position. You don’t have to push your goals back just because you’re young either. I’m still only 18.

There are three main things that open doors for you in the corporate world. First is a good work ethic. While you are on the clock, you need to be producing. Your manager must be able to trust you will work when they aren’t looking. How can they give you more responsibility if you only work when hounded? Being self-motivated is required. “But what if I have no motivation?” Don’t worry. Discipline is a muscle that can be strengthened by working it out consistently.

Second is a great set of actual ethics. It’s really simple. Being sketchy/reckless/irresponsible often throws you out of the mix for a promotion immediately. Good people are trusted people, and trusted people are usually entrusted with more responsibility. When a manager knows you have a generally pleasant disposition, they feel more comfortable putting you in important spots. They feel you will often treat customers and coworkers with respect, avoid drama, and of course- not steal anything.

Third is problem solving skill. You gotta have it to move up. This does require some of what I would consider built-in, fluid intelligence, but it can still increase if you put in effort. Many managerial/supervisor roles require quick decision making that doubles as good decision making. You won’t have a manual given to you that automatically has the answer to every possible question and circumstance. Sometimes you have to make an educated guess to what the best answer is.

While making these decisions, you must also think the entire situation through. Being aware of the implications to each option is vital. As a supervisor, I have to make decisions as if I am playing a chess game. When I make a move, I am also planning the next move after that and so on. So if I see someone’s break time is approaching and I send them, without considering how another cashier leaves in a few minutes, I could be left with a pile up of customers in line. It is important to think ahead.

If you work towards having all of these skills, you can rest assured that you are working toward a promotion and better future. Additionally, doing what you can to help your coworkers and become involved in your store’s community can also improve things for you. Ask quality questions, learn about your company and store. And it wouldn’t hurt to befriend your managers and communicate, so they actually know who you are.

Good luck in your climb up the job ladder! Also if you are looking for a job that has a lot of upward mobility, try applying to a grocery store!