It has been at least three years since I was working in retail during the holiday season. I did not miss that at all. I used to work for a company where I was not dealing with the public so to have to transition back into a retail setting has been challenging. I know dealing with the public is a .prominent aspect of my current position, however, during the time of year, my job can become somewhat overwhelming.
I already do not like this time of year for various reasons which can attribute to my anxiety, so combining these two pieces of this equation results in someone who would instead push a magical button and it is January. Every day I have to force myself to get through school and work because my ability to care is almost nonexistent.
1. More Work To Do And Not Enough Employees Or Payroll To Match It Accordingly.
It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that retail stores get significantly more busy between Black Friday and the New Year. It is also generally evident that there are not enough regular and seasonal employees working at adequately accommodate the influx of customers. The result of this is tired and fed-up employees who are just trying to make a damn living. A typical non-holiday workday was challenging and usually had a sufficient amount of work that needed to get accomplished. Now, over the course of a holiday workday, there are more shipments to take it and end out, and a higher number of people coming in and out of the store.
2. Clueless Customers Shopping For Their "Insert Person Here."
Dealing with the usual amount of clueless clientele can sometimes be overwhelming on its own. However, multiply that by about three or four times and staffing by about one to two times, and that is an accurate depiction of a typical day in December. Being overwhelmed with the amount of work that has to be done in December, is a whole new level of being overwhelmed. It is being told not to exceed payroll while not having nearly enough said payroll to get everything accomplished.
3. Extended Operating Hours For Opening And Closing.
As if going into work at 9 o'clock in the morning was not early enough for some, now we have to report for our shifts an hour or so earlier, and remain open for an extra hour or so. While there is a chance of being able to get some more essential tasks completed, it does not result in significant progress in that area, especially as it gets closer to the end of the month.
I do not want to ruin anybody's holiday spirit here. That is not the purpose of this article. I am merely sharing a few things that I encounter on a daily or almost daily basis during this challenging month. Working retail while balancing school and other extracurricular activities as well has been nothing short of challenging.