About a month ago, I decided it was finally time for me to quit my job in retail. Working retail has made me realize that I would be perfectly happy never working retail again. Retail is one of the most frustrating jobs out there, and I strongly believe everyone should work it for a week just to experience it.
Here are the daily struggles of a retail worker:
1. You begin every shift with so much hope.
I remember my very first shift, I was so excited to start working the floor. The very first thing that happened to me was an 80-year-old man brought in his wife he met online who spoke 0 English and wanted me to find her a pair of jeans that fit, but she didn't know her size. That's when should of just known.
2. You learn that customers ask the stupidest questions.
Answering stupid questions became almost second nature to me. I can't even begin to explain how much patience it took for me to continue to show up there knowing this would happen.
3. The never ending "Well could you check the back?"
In most retail stores it is very rare that they keep things that are already out in the back also. The back is used for new merchandise that just came on the truck. Also it's a mess most of the time so no it's very unlikely that I can go check the back and it'll be there. Ever.
4. Dealing with customers that forget their coupon but still expect the discount
This happens more than I can even count. This used to be one of the things that would grind my gears the most. No lady I don't have a coupon back here because the point of the coupon is for you to bring it in.
5. When the customers try to break down the doors.
This was a big thing that would happen on Saturdays. I remember getting to work most Saturday mornings and there already be 5 or 6 customer's cars in the parking lot. Then the crazy lady who stands at the door and tries to yank it open every 3 minutes.
6. Speaking of Saturdays..weekends are no longer something to celebrate.
When working retail the worst part of the week is the weekend. That's when the store is packed with all kinds of people and screaming kids. It's the busiest and worst part of the week and no one looks forward to it.
7. I love Christmas music, but retail almost ruined it for me.
In the middle of October you get to work and suddenly realize the same pop songs that play over and over are now replaced by the worst remixes of Christmas songs you've ever heard. These terrible songs play over and over until the end of January. Retail literally almost ruined Christmas for me.
8. People forget basic skills such as putting things back where they found them.
I switched to working on the floor and that's when I decided my mentality couldn't take working retail anymore. The frustration I would feel when I would watch someone take a shirt of a rack look at it then put on top of the rack was almost overwhelming. Tell me why it's easier to put it back on top than just hang it up? Tell me why.
9. Customers also assume they know more about store policies than you.
There is nothing worse than a customer that sits and argues a policy with you. It is literally my job to know these things. Literally my job.
10. When your boss suddenly becomes your best friend.
They just got done yelling and complaining to you for an hour then customer walks up and suddenly I'm like the greatest person in your life.
11. When customers don't respect that you have a life also.
This one always drove me crazy. I don't know if customers realize how much stuff we have to do after the store closes. So you coming in and lolly gagging around for 15 minutes after close will not make anyone happy. Just leave and show up 30 minutes before we open like everyone else.
12. I have no words for this.
13. When you come home and look in the mirror at night.
When the day is finally over and you go home and just try not to punch everyone.
Working retail was definitely one of my biggest learning experiences, but I am just not sure if I'd sign up to do it again :)
