Retail Worker Sanity Black Friday | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Retail Stores

10 Ways Retail Workers Can Remain Sane During Black Friday, For The Most Part

"No you can not speak with my manager right now, she's currently crying in the bathroom."

149
10 Ways Retail Workers Can Remain Sane During Black Friday, For The Most Part
Photo by Artem Bali on Unsplash

November, a time of being thankful for family and friends and also a time of people losing their friggin mind over ~sales~. I remember the days of enjoying this frantic "shopping holiday." I remember eagerly waking up at 3:00 am and digging through mountains of clothes at Forever 21 with my sister and mom. Then I grew up and had to get a job, and now all I know is darkness.

How does one prepare for the iced-coffee-fueled mobs waiting outside the doors of the store you work at? I remember I once made eye contact with one of these dedicated shoppers through the glass door as I clocked in for my shift from hell. It was like looking at a dementor. But now, after working Black Friday for a number of years, I have decided to share some wisdom for any fellow retail workers on how they can maintain their sanity during this trying time.

1. Get a good night's sleep

I mean this is kind of an obvious, but I still never get enough sleep. I will forever look dead in the eyes.

2. Wear something comfortable

Catch me sporting baked-potatoes slippers on Black Friday.

3. Mentally prepare yourself for disappointment

Even though you are probably trying your best, people will get upset with you for reasons you can't control. Don't let it get to you. They're sleep deprived zombies that only want sales. You'll most likely never see them again.

4. Stay positive

Yes, a herd of people just trampled over you for a buy one get 2 belts sale. It will be okay. Things should only go up from there.

5. Drink caffeine

Unless you don't like drinking caffeine. Then don't. But I would.

6. Don't constantly check the time

Clock: 5:00 a.m.

*What feels like an eternity of stress*

Clock: 5:04 a.m.

7. Pack a lunch or make sure your work is providing food

Actual footage of me finally getting to eat on Black Friday.

8. Hide

^ ^ ^ me when I hear a customer complaining.

9. Just keep smiling

Remember: you get to go home after this hell ends.

10. Remember that you will eventually be paid

Remembering the sheer fact that you will be paid goes a much longer way than you think.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

77079
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

7066
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments