For the past year or so, I've been working at a retail store in my local mall, and it's been a great experience. Most of my shifts consist of three things; folding clothes, helping customers, and subsequently watching said customers unfold my perfect piles.

Still, I enjoy my job and since I work in the mall it naturally comes with some great benefits and negatives.

Pro: You get a great discount on all your clothes

Con: People always ask you if they can use your discount

Depending on where you work, your discount will vary. Still, the discount you receive is most likely the reason you choose the job. The ability to purchase the clothes you want at a really great price is extremely enticing, and it always feels good knowing that you are saving money. At the same time, after people find out you have a discount they will often ask you to use it for themselves.

Pro: You always know when the best sales will begin

Con: You can't use the sales since you work there

Similar to having a great discount, people will sometimes ask you for a heads up when your store will be having a sale. While it is awesome to give your friends a heads up, this perk doesn't actually benefit you in any way other than for altruistic purposes.

Pro: You get to meet and talk to a lot of different people

Con: You're forced to be nice to people even if they're rude to you

Working in retail you have to have some skills in customer service; at the end of the day, you're there to sell as many clothes as possible. In doing so you meet some people who are actually interested in buying clothes so when you ask "Hi, can I help you find anything" (and yes we have to ask everyone that) you are met with a thankful smile and get to help someone find that perfect outfit they were looking for. On the other hand, sometimes you meet people who are generally unpleasant and they then make you question why you even bother to show up to work... you then, however, remember your employee discount.

Pro: You have Auntie Anne's near the place you work

Con: You eventually find out they deliver

I don't know about you, but in my personal opinion, Auntie Anne's is truly a gift that needs to be cherished. I'm a huge fan of their pretzels and when I leave work to go on break I always make sure to stop by and pick up a pretzel (or two). As you can imagine the expense starts to add up, and when you discover they deliver it only makes feeding your habit easier.