Working in retail is supposed to be straightforward, simple, and enjoyable.
At least that is how I envision my position when considering working for a retail corporation. It really starts with the basics, you must attempt to be agreeable with your managers as well as the customers you are providing services for, even when they are wrong (and the customer more than likely is wrong). You know this because you yourself are a customer, and you have definitely tried to get your way at some point or another.
That being said, I feel that it is both the duty of the employee and the customer to remember that they are interacting with another person just like them, and respect from both sides should be mutually agreed upon. This is not always the case, and it can become mentally draining for the employee to have to keep a smile on their face without starting to view the world and its people through cynical lenses.
Mutual respect should also be demanded from interactions between the employee/s and the manager/s. They have hired you for a specific reason, and you must always do your best to excel at your job, no matter the position. In most cases, the employers are greatly selected by the corporation and will come along with leadership qualities such as patience and understanding.
A relationship between co-workers should also come with a mutual understanding of respect. You do not know what your co-worker experiences in their personal life, and vice versa; therefore, interactions in the workplace should always be friendly and helpful.
We work together, we deal with the same customers and their wrath together, so we should be friendly to one another. If you are finding it difficult to interact with a certain co-worker, do not be afraid to speak up about it in a polite manner, or let your managers know. You should not be at work experiencing mental depression because the customers and the co-workers are being difficult, you are at work to do your job well and get your paycheck.
This is coming from one cashier coordinator whom has seen quite a few things. Always be confident and remember that you were hired for your abilities, and don’t let a bad work day bring your mentality down. Stay confident in what you can do, and always practice patience when interacting with customers and others in retail.
First and foremost, make sure you are working for a corporation you believe in and have faith that they are treating the customers and audience of their advertisements correctly, and not just for the dollar they are after.
I hope you found some clarity if you have experienced any of the things mentioned above, and that you will keep your confidence in being a good person who is just trying to make ends meet just like anybody else. Your job does not define you, but you can make sure that you are being 100% yourself always and giving your best, even if it’s not for anyone else’s benefit but yours and the company’s.