Working in retail is a unique part-time experience.

There are many things we love, hate and love to hate about our jobs, including, but definitely not limited to:

1. The Customers

Best: Every once in awhile you will get a customer that is just really great. They are friendly and open to you helping them. It's a good feeling to help someone find something that they have been looking for forever, especially when the customer is appreciative of your work. They make dealing with all the bad customers worth it.

Worst: This could honestly be the worst part about working retail. Some customers are beyond rude to retail workers for no reason. I understand having a bad day and being frustrated because you're not finding what you are looking for, but that is not MY fault. This is ESPECIALLY true around the holidays I didn't make you wait until Christmas Eve to look for a present so don't yell at me for your procrastination...bud.

2. The Co-Workers

Best: I found some of my best friends working my part-time retail job. These are the people who you aren't allowed to work in the same department with you because the managers know you too well. They are the first people you run to explaining the crazy customer you just helped. They make work fun and help you get through the day. And most of the time, they are the reason that you stay at that temporary part-time job for so long.

Worst: There are always a couple people that you work with that you just don't like. Either they don't work hard enough or they work too hard. They aren't friendly enough or they are annoyingly friendly. But sometimes they are just plain creepy. Admit it, there are a couple people that you have worked with that you would NEVER want to be with alone in the break room.

3. The Managers

Best: Most retail stores have a system of lower managers surrounding the top-dog store manager. If you're lucky that store manager is a good one. If you aren't lucky then you learn to rely on the younger managers, the managers that are your age and wish that they could go out and party with you and your friends without repercussions. Stupid HR. These are the mangers that you love to joke with but hate to disappoint because let's face it you really need them on your side.

Worst: These are the managers who expect too much of the associates that are paid minimum wage and work ridiculous hours for them. They give you a list of everything that they want you to get done in the six or seven hours that you are going be there and you immediately start sweating. These managers are extremely critical of your every move. Every time they page you, you physically cannot stop yourself from rolling your eyes and then praying nobody noticed.

4. The Discounts

Best: These are so important. Especially when all you do at work is fold and pick up things that you want to buy for yourself. The temptation is real and thank goodness for the discounts that help my lack of self-control not kill my bank account.

Worst: Sometimes (most of the time), I act like my discount is more than it is and I use it as an excuse to buy things that I honestly don't even need. For example, last Fall I saw a blender and beach towel on sale while working and I had to buy them both. Why would I need a blender or beach towel? Who knows, but I got them because DISCOUNTS (and I haven't used it once).

5. The Hours

Best: Retail managers can be flexible about your hours and you definitely don't work the same time everyday or even every week. Since there are so many employees you are bound to find someone to trade shifts with you or even just take your shift for extra hours. It is a good job to have while you are younger and involved in a lot of activities. Worst: The hours can be crazy sometimes. Price changes and other special events take space and time that is not available while people are shopping so overnights are a big thing. The flip flopping sleep schedule is not great when you want to have a life outside of work.