During my first few weeks working this job I have noticed some drastic differences between new workers and old workers.
When saying goodbye to customers.
Customer: Thank you.
Newbie: No thank you! You have a wonderful day!
Customer: Thank you.
Experienced worker: *Stares at the customer as they leave without saying anything.*
When a customer wants to make a return.
Newbie: Of course! I’ll get that for you right away!
Experienced worker: Can’t you just keep it?
When a customer asks a question.
Newbie: *They listen intently to what the customer is asking to see if they know the answer to the question. They give an honest apology if they cannot answer the question then tell them to check with the front desk.
Experienced worker: (There are a few options here)
- *Lies* I don’t know, I’m new here.
- *Interrupts question* Gives the exact location of product because this customer has asked for this same item THREE TIMES NOW.
- *Interrupts question* Ask the front desk.
When it's lunch time.
Newbie: *They quickly scarf down lunch and take a nap in their car. They clock in early.*
Experienced: *They drive to Chipotle for lunch and contemplate not going back to work.*
When a co-worker is standing in the way.
Newbie: *Very politely* Excuse me, will you please let me through?
Experienced: *Expletives ensue even after they are allowed through*.
When it's time to get up and get ready for work.
Newbie: They get up extra early to properly put themselves together. They pack a balanced lunch and eat a fulfilling breakfast. Arrives at least ten minutes early.
Experienced: They put on mascara in the car while driving, arrive to work with whatever hair they woke up with, only half of their face has makeup on, and they picked up breakfast from Speedway (meaning they had coffee and a donut-like pastry). Definitely arrive late, but they don’t really care because the boss won’t fire them.
When it's time to leave for the day.
Newbie: Goodbye everyone! Are you sure there is nothing you need help with before I go?
Experienced: *They roughly grunt a goodbye and flip people off as they leave. They probably leave early as well.*
When there's an urge to check your phone.
Newbie: *They feel guilty for checking the time really quickly and swear not to do it again.*
Experienced: *They blatantly play on their phones and ignore the growing line of customers.*
When it's payday.
Newbie: *They stand in line patiently waiting their turn, extremely excited to see what they made with all their hard work.They plan how to budget their paycheck to increase their savings but still have some spending money.*
Experienced: *Rips the pile of checks out of the supervisor’s hands and takes theirs before handing the stack to someone else. They immediately go to buy things they don’t need and alcohol.*
When the boss asks for help cleaning and straightening the store front.
Newbie: I’m happy to help! Just tell me what needs done!
Experienced: *They make excuses about needing to use the bathroom, suddenly they’re very busy, or they have this out of the blue chronic illness that is acting up really badly at that exact moment.*
