Okay, so you always hear how much working in retail sucks and how you should never do it, but, I disagree. I really do enjoy working in retail. (Cue people looking at me like I’m crazy.) Retail does have its perks, and I actually really enjoy my job! Just like every other job, working in retail has its ups and downs.
The Good
The experience
Working in retail gives you an incredible amount of patience and people skills. Do I want to scream at customers? Oh, all of the time, but I can’t. Retail also gives you incredible work ethic. Since I’ve started working in retail, I work harder and longer and it’s just become a habit.
Employee discounts
Need I say more?
Getting the scoop
You get to see the new product and hear the new sales before the public…you get to prepare your wallet for the damage you’re about to inflict on it.
The Bad and the Ugly
(I'm about to confirm all of the stereotypes.)
Customers
No, it’s not free because it doesn’t have a barcode on it.
No, you can’t use that coupon. It’s two weeks old.
Yes, I’ll get my manager, even though they will tell you the same exact thing.
The physical strain
You laugh, but I’m dead serious. We are on our feet for five-to-seven hours with 30-minute breaks and usually carry heavy boxes. We are superheroes.
The holiday season
Oh, you want to go out this weekend? Well that’s too bad, you work in retail during the holidays.
Spending your ENTIRE paycheck on shopping in your store
My bank account goes from “I’M RICH!,” to, “When’s payday?,” in like 20-minutes. To be honest, I shop during my shifts and when we're getting new product in.
You might be saying, “Shelby, this still sounds terrible.” Yeah, it kind of does, but I don’t care; I love my job! YAY RETAIL!
