Retail Hell
Melissa Mary Smith COLUMNIST
Issue date: 10/27/09 Section: Opinion
This past August, I celebrated three years at my cashiering job.
Well, I didn't so much celebrate as I just found a corner to weep in.
When putting ourselves through college, many of us have to hold down jobs in any sector of the goods and service industry; food and retail are the most popular.
In my time spent working retail, I have unfortunately seen how petty and gruesome society can be.
I used to have a romantic image of people: everyone was honest, polite, patient and understanding.
Needless to say, when I started my first retail job, that image was shattered.
Retail has taught me...
That people want what they want now, and if you make them wait for even five minutes, expect to hear complaining.
That whenever you explain policy to an upset customer, no matter how little you're paid or what lowly status you occupy in the company, it is your fault.
If you're a female, expect to get sexually harassed or asked out to dinner at least once by a male customer.
It's not worth letting a nasty customer ruin your day. Let it go.
Try not to get worked up over meaningless scuffles with co-workers. Remind yourself that you won't be there forever and that you're moving on to better things.
That you are replaceable. Companies might do unique things to welcome diversity amongst their employees but a monkey can do your job. In the grand scheme of things, you're simply seen as a name and number.
No matter how hard you work at something, even if it's a task assigned to you by a manager, expect to get little to no recognition for it.
There are stupid people and there are mean people. Most of the rudest customers tend to be the stupidest. All you can do is take a deep breath and call for a manager.
Well, I didn't so much celebrate as I just found a corner to weep in.
When putting ourselves through college, many of us have to hold down jobs in any sector of the goods and service industry; food and retail are the most popular.
In my time spent working retail, I have unfortunately seen how petty and gruesome society can be.
I used to have a romantic image of people: everyone was honest, polite, patient and understanding.
Needless to say, when I started my first retail job, that image was shattered.
Retail has taught me...
That people want what they want now, and if you make them wait for even five minutes, expect to hear complaining.
That whenever you explain policy to an upset customer, no matter how little you're paid or what lowly status you occupy in the company, it is your fault.
If you're a female, expect to get sexually harassed or asked out to dinner at least once by a male customer.
It's not worth letting a nasty customer ruin your day. Let it go.
Try not to get worked up over meaningless scuffles with co-workers. Remind yourself that you won't be there forever and that you're moving on to better things.
That you are replaceable. Companies might do unique things to welcome diversity amongst their employees but a monkey can do your job. In the grand scheme of things, you're simply seen as a name and number.
No matter how hard you work at something, even if it's a task assigned to you by a manager, expect to get little to no recognition for it.
There are stupid people and there are mean people. Most of the rudest customers tend to be the stupidest. All you can do is take a deep breath and call for a manager.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Fed Up and Pissed Off
posted 10/28/09 @ 9:13 AM EST
OMG!! you hit the nail beautifully on the head! I've been in retail for 26 years and it's no freakin wonder I"m insane. There is NO recognition for good work. (Continued…)
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