Three months ago, I took my first job in retail. I didn't have much of an idea of what I'd be doing, but I quickly learned the quirks of the job. In such a fast-paced and cutthroat environment, there are a few things that every retail employee will learn.

Here are a few of them:

1. Your feet will hurt.

After standing for hours upon hours, your feet will throb and ache. Sitting becomes one of your favorite pastimes.

2. You become a master at counting cash.

With enough practice breaking hundreds and counting change, you're going to become a money-counting machine. You'll wish you had more money in your wallet to practice your newfound skill on.

3. You learn the art of small talk.

When you have to cater to a group of people, you learn how to bounce between conversations and keep things simple and concise. Sometimes you'll want to start a real conversation, but the lack of time keeps you from doing so.

4. You'll learn that the customer isn't always right.

Yet they sure will think they are. Even though you know what's right for the customer, a lot of the time you're going to have to let them have their say.

5. You begin to know exactly what is in the back storeroom.

And when customers ask you to check for something in the back, you're going to want to do it even if you already know the answer. It spares their feelings and gives you a moment to catch your breath.

6. You aren't allowed to have extravagant lunches.

With only thirty minutes to get your lunch, bring it back, and chow down, there isn't much time for messing around. You're going to have to choose your meal based on the wait time, not what you're eating.

7. Your opinion is valuable.

When a customer asks for your help making a choice about your product, they will really value your opinion.

8. You're going to become obsessed with making the shelves look perfect.

Every time you see something crooked or backward on the shelf, you're going to feel compelled to fix it. There's nothing better than that moment of perfection after tirelessly pulling forward all the product on the shelves. You had better enjoy it while it lasts because it won't.

9. The clock will be your enemy.

If it's the holiday season, it's important you give yourself enough time to park. The clock doesn't lie, but it sure will give you anxiety. Sometimes you'll freak out because you don't necessarily remember clocking out, but deep down you know you did.

10. You get to sell something you believe in.

You will have the opportunity to sell product that you really do believe in, if you find the right job. It will make you very happy to see someone get excited about a product that you've loved for a long time.