As someone that works in retail, I can assure you that Black Friday is a nightmare. A mass of frenzy people looking for the best deals, fights breaking out because somebody took the last TV, and a chaotic mess to clean up afterwards. It is just total and utter chaos, and it sucks to have to deal with all of that chaos. Before I get ahead of myself, let me just tell you more about Black Friday.

For starters, Black Friday takes place the day after Thanksgiving, specifically at midnight. It is a time when retail stores put out a plethora of deals; TV prices drop drastically, the newest video games are more than half off, and even more ridiculous deals. So many costumers take advantage of these deals, resulting in retail stores opening their stores for Black Friday even earlier. This year, the corporation I work for opens its stores at 5:00 PM on Thanksgiving day.

So why is Black Friday a nightmare for employees? One reason, and the most important reason, is that it takes our time away from our families. Thanksgiving is a family affair; relatives return home from college, distant cousins finally reunite, and its just an opportunity for families and friends across the country to bond. The fact that so many corporations cut into personal time is just terrible. This leads to employees being pessimistic about work, and just a negative atmosphere in the workplace.

Another aspect of Back Friday that makes it a nightmare for the employees is the fact that a horde of people go shopping. This is the day that all stores make the most sales, and have heavy costumer traffic. This many people can cause anxiety, stress, and frustration for the employees. A majority of costumers tend to be rude; they'll use and shove to get what they want, yell at employees and their costumers, and create even more stress. It is just an overall negative, and stressful atmosphere.

For me personally, I loathe Black Friday. Despite the extra pay, despite the free food, and despite the more work hours, it is just stressful, tiring, and takes away spending time from y family. But despite all of the downsides, it is still funny watching costumers get mad over TVs. It just opens my eyes to the dangers of consumerisms, especially since a few hours before Black Friday, we all take the time to reflect on all of the things we're grateful for.

So please, if you do go shopping on Black Friday, don't push or shove others, don't be rude to the employees since they don't want to be there just as much as you do, and have your payments ready. This will make checkout so much faster; have your cash, additional coupons, and credit/debit cards ready. Don't be that person that gets their card declined, you'll just look embarrassing.

So be safe on Black Friday, and I hope you spend quality time with your family and friends on Thanksgiving!