When most people hear the word "retail," what usually follows after is a defeated sigh or a haphazard sneer. A whole shebang of people look down on retail jobs, simply because they've a) never worked one, or b) used to work retail but now have the privilege of having climbed the economic ladder to better opportunities. But we all have to start somewhere, right? Whether you've worked food, clothing, department store or entertainment, you've dealt with the good and the bad. And the worst. In fact, this is the ninth time this week that a customer has yelled at you this week. But working retail isn't all doom and gloom!
1. Making the customer happy
Who doesn't love making people happy? You helped a customer find just what they needed, gave them a sale or provided excellent service. Either way, you've made their day a little brighter. Added bonus: they graciously thank you or give you a compliment. Awesome!
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2. Seeing a clean, organized work environment
As someone who's worked at Forever 21, I can not stress enough how exhilarating it is when you look around and realize you hardly have to do any cleaning, clothes folding or restocking. I say it's exhilarating because I've never had the luxury of such. Not when you work at a cheap clothing store with two floors. But if you're like me, you instead take liberty in making your area neat and clean, feeling that satisfaction when you're finally done.
3. When coworkers become friends
No one can relate more when you complain about your boss, or that customer who kept asking for a product that clearly isn't in store. You've been through the good and bad with them, and unless you work in a super small store or desolate restaurant, you never run out of things to talk about. They may not be your friends outside of work, but you know as soon as you step inside you place of work you're surrounded by familiar, funny people.
4. You can completely separate your "career" from your personal life
You can leave your place of work and not think about it for another minute until your next shift. No take home work, no long term projects, no group phone calls. Once you go home you can focus on whatever shit you have to do there: chores, babysitting, Netflix, partying. The only thing you have to worry about is waking up in time.
5. Gettin' PAAIIDDD
Is this only specific to retail jobs? Hell no! But you know there's nothing sweeter than taking home that paycheck or seeing that direct deposit. No matter how much you love your job, you need that money. You relish it.
