Movies and television almost always display two types of retail workers: those who are cheerful and perky that are trying so hard to help shoppers, and those who are grumpy and are obviously counting down the hours to go home. Working in any kind of store is never painted as a glamorous job, and the following demonstrates why.
1. Signing your life away for the next few hours when you clock in.
My soul will be my own again in five hours.
2. The soreness in your cheeks from forcing yourself to smile all day.
"Pain is temporary, pain is temporary, pain is temporary".
3. The soulful pain when costumers walk in five minutes before closing.
Please get your stuff and leave or there is no way we will clock out early.
4. Having a slight panic attack when your supervisor sends you to a department you have never worked before.
The food court??? Now??? f;alsdkjf;ald
5. Struggling to not become the Grinch when the holidays come around.
The extra hours stop you from going out and doing Christmas stuff and the costumers are extra cranky and needy but CHRISTMAS IS GOOD.
6. The sweetness of knowing that your direct deposit has come through.
Make it rain.
7. The disrespect when someone unfolds something on a table you just spent an hour working on.
How dare you???? Why would you do this to me???
8. The bittersweetness of being asked to stay late.
I would like to go to sleep tonight. That overtime pay sounds nice though.
9. The intense annoyance when you are scheduled for a day you specifically said you needed off.
@management, really? -_-
10. Being out of breath after sprinting to the clock to avoid a tardy.
So close, yet so far away.
11. Wanting to cry when a costumer at the register says they do not want a hot or cold item anymore.
Please buy this, I am far too tired to put this back for you.
12. Putting the most effort possible into not having an attitude.
*through clenched teeth* "yes ma'am".
13. Pretended to happily listen to a conversation you never wanted to have.
Wow your childhood cat did what? That is amazing, can I go back to stocking in peace?
14. The nervousness when your attractive coworker walks by.
Keep calm, act natural.
15. The shock when the quietest employee finally loses it.
Damn.
16. The undeniable satisfaction when a certain coworker learns their lesson.
Oooooooo, does anybody have any popcorn?
17. Finally, the freedom after clocking out.
Aw yeah, to bed I go.
It may not be the best job in the world, but it is a job and there are plenty worse out there. At least you have your coworkers to complain with a paycheck to count on. Plus, it feels really good when you help out a costumer and they are actually really grateful. Happy retailing!