In January of 2008, I turned 16. Shortly after - and I mean like a week later - my dad was on my back about getting a job. I wasn't excited about it. Not that I didn't want to work; I worked for two years beginning at age 14 at the thrift shop my neighbor owns in my town. But now I needed to find a legitimate job, one where I didn't get paid five dollars an hour under the table, and work alone with my boss. I was reluctant, but I soon found a job in the produce department of the Hannaford nearby.

It's now been eight and a half years since my first day on the job, and I can honestly say working in retail has taught me so much.

1. I've learned to work quickly and efficiently.

Working at a grocery store, there's always something to do. Shelves to fill, displays to put together, things to clean, customers to help...the list goes on. Of course there are times when it's slow and boring, but during rushes, or busy times like holidays, you learn how to work quickly, and how to get the most done at once. It's a matter of prioritization, organization, and communication with your coworkers. It really is a skill! And over a near-decade, I've developed this very well at work, and am able to apply it to other aspects of life.

2. I've learned how to talk to everyone.

When I first started working, I was very shy and rather uncomfortable talking to new people. It didn't help that I was at my first real job and I had no idea what I was doing. There was so much to learn and so much to know, and I'd dread customers coming up to me and asking questions I didn't know the answers to. Now, though, I can answer nearly any question they have, and I don't feel uncomfortable talking to anyone. It's helped with my interaction with people outside of work, too. I can talk to anyone and everyone with confidence now.

3. I've met so many fantastic people.

It helps that I've been at the store for years, but I've met so many great people there since I started. Some have worked there just as long as me or close to it, others I've only worked with for a year or two, but working the same job can bring you so close to a person. I've become close with all my coworkers, even some that don't work there anymore. Every shift is fun because we're all friends, so no matter who I'm working with, I know I'll have a good shift. I believe your coworkers can really make or break a job, and mine definitely make it. Not to mention I met my best friend/boyfriend when my manager hired him four years ago.

4. It's taught me how to deal with people in general.

If there's anything you learn in retail, or any customer service position, it's that people can be terrible. We all know this, but in a job like this you experience it first hand, pretty much all day. From people getting in your way all day, to the typical "I want to speak to a manager" customers, to people who complain or are just plain rude to your face, retail employees have to deal with a lot! And the worst part is having to keep calm and patient with people like that.

However, I'm grateful for it. When people say that everyone should have to work at least one retail job, they're right because you learn how you do and don't want to be treated by customers, and therefore how to treat the workers when you're a customer at a store or restaurant, etc. I can lose my patience easily at my job, but dealing with the public has taught me a lot.

Working retail or any kind of customer service can drive you crazy. It's hectic, its particular, it's tedious, and it can be frustrating, but I'm grateful for the eight and a half years I've been at my job. I've learned a lot about myself, about people, about work and work ethic, and I've met and had the pleasure of working alongside some of the best people I've ever met. Though I don't plan on staying at the store forever, I'm happy to be there for the time being.