As an 18 year old with high hopes of getting my own place right out of college, I turned to retail as a source of income. Like professions such as nursing or law enforcement, there was always a need for perky employees who loved bending to a customers’ every whim, but as you can guess, working in retail isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Here are some of the harder lessons you’ll learn while working in retail that apply to your future career.
Know Your Job Description
In my earlier years, I never paid too much attention to that piece of paper that my managers gave me, but it later came in handy when I realized that I was breaking my back doing tasks that weren’t expected of me while neglecting those that were. Always take a deeper look at that job description and know what your true job is. Nothing is more frustrating that doing a lot of hard work and not being recognized for it, but the reality of the world is that you won’t be recognized for everything you do. You won’t receive a pat on the back, or gold medal or even a “thank you” for doing something that may be a part of our job description.
Keep Your Personal Life Personal
Ever heard the phrase, “Leave it at the door”? Three of the five managers I’ve ever had have told me this over the course of my years in retail, and it has never been truer. No one wants to hear about your personal problems, and frankly, not many people actually care. Sure, it can be fun to gossip every now and then, but gossip can quickly become toxic and opening the door to that toxicity helps no one.
Talk To People, Not About People
One of the most rewarding things about working in customer service is that you get to meet all kinds of people. Some will remain customers, while others will go on to become coworkers and employees. Learn as much as you can from these people. Spend the time to get to know them and build relationships with them because these will be the people that have your back through thick and thin and will put in the word for you when bigger and better things arise.
Speak Less, Listen More
Before starting retail, I was someone who spoke more and listened a lot less. I rushed to input my own thoughts and opinions before hearing others – and if that’s you, cut it out. In any job, it’s wiser to put listen first and speak after. Actively take in what people (especially your employers) are saying to you, and take criticism lightly. The job of a good manager is to guide you and teach you how to be better in everything you do, an if you’re a horrible listener, they’ll spend less time coaching you for success and more time giving you meaningless orders. Listening also helps you avoid putting your foot in your mouth, which can get you into a lot more trouble than is necessary.
You Don’t Stay Because You Have To, Stay Because You Want To
Anyone who has ever said that they can’t quit their job because of “X,Y, or Z” is lying to themselves. At the tender (and naïve) age of 18, I believed this to be true but as you get older, you realize how false it is. No one is forcing you to do anything, especially something you hate. And unless you’re under contract, you always have a choice. Always.
Sometimes Quitting Is The Best Course of Action
Whether you’ve worked in three stores, or ten, quitting is sometimes the best thing that you can do for yourself. Remember, this is the job that you have signed on to do, and if you can’t give it 110 percent, then don’t try to fake it. If going to work is more of a tedious chore, than something that you love, evaluate whether it’s worth it to stay and then ask yourself why you’re staying. If you’re passing up opportunities that could lead to your future career for the sake of a paycheck, it may be time to take a leap of faith and try something new.
...And Sometimes It’s Not
Other times, it’s best to stick it out. Know what your goals are and what you want to accomplish and push towards it. If you want to be a visual merchandiser, but you’re a sales associate who is convinced that your manager has it out for you, make adjustments to make the situation better rather than quitting on the spot because of a few grudges. Nothing will damage your reputation in life more than a reference who paints you as a quitter when the going gets tough.
Always Talk It Out
Some of my best (and favorite) managers were people that were open and free to talk about matters that concerned me and these were also the managers that gave me great references and blessings to do bigger and better things once I left their guidance. Thanks to retail, I also learned how to talk to my higher ups and you will too. Sometimes it’s as easy as calling a meeting, or sending a text, but always remember to keep it professional.
Work Hard, But Play Harder
Remember that your work isn’t everything. Employers are not looking for robots to hire, they’re looking for real people with real interests. It is perfectly fine to let your peers know about things that you love outside of work and show off the vibrant personality that got you in the door to begin with. This simple reminder of your own humanity and the display of others is what will keep you sane.
Be Humble
Working in retail – or customer service in general – is hard, but it can be a very humbling experience. Waiting on customers for four hours, cleaning up an entire store, or simply being ignored teaches you a lot about who you are and how you interact with others. Retailers can always recognized a fellow employee when they walk into a different store just from the way they act. They’re careful not to make messes, they’re quick and courteous and above all, they’re understanding. Waiting in line becomes a lot more bearable when you know what it’s like to be on the other end of the counter.
