The time had finally come. I was warned about this day and the traumatic effects it would have on me. Unfortunately, I couldn't avoid it any longer; I was scheduled to work a shift on Black Friday. *cue the terrified gasps* I know how scary that sounds after all of the stereotypes that day holds, such as the chaotic environment where people are screaming and fighting over the last discounted shirt or plasma T.V.

Because of these countless stories I thought I had a pretty accurate idea of what this day was going to be like, which is why I was prepared for the worst when our work schedule came out for the Thanksgiving weekend. But when I saw the schedule I was shocked, flabbergasted even! I was only set to work from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM! This meant that I was missing all of the Black Friday hype and action! All this time I was being told what to be ready for when I was graciously given the opportunity to work on this holiest of days, and I wasn't even going to get to experience it. I knew that this meant I had to put my game face away...and instead of feeling relieved that I didn't have to work during the craziness that happened in the early morning and afternoon, I was feeling weirdly disappointed that I wouldn't get to be a part of that craziness and get to say that I truly survived working on Black Friday. Even so, I put my disappointment on hold and arrived ready to work at 6:30, and was excited and surprised to see that it was busy and lively inside of the store. This was a good a time as any to put my game face back on and make the most of what was around me. So, I got down to business. I talked to customers, made sales, tidied the store, and repeated that for the next four hours, which made the shift go by a lot faster than I had expected. I watched as one by one my fellow co-workers who had worked diligently all day, clocked out and went home, until it was just me and the empty store. That was my cue to begin the nighttime closing routine which resembled what I would refer to as my own little Black Friday pandemonium, as I was trying to get everything done efficiently and correctly and still be able to get out on time. By the time I finished everything and left the store it was already eleven and I was tired, ready to go home, and feeling like I had worked more than just four hours.

If I had to sum up my Black Friday working experience in two words they would be: short and sweet. Not exactly the description I would've thought to associate with this day, but I'm glad I was at least exposed to some part of it! Baby steps are the best steps. And who knows? This year it might've been only four hours, but maybe next year I'll be the one who opens up shop at 5:30 AM. Probably because I'd be the only employee still alive after this Black Friday. Well, one can only dream.

P.S. I'm planning to look back at this article when I do work a grueling early and full shift on Black Friday, because I have a feeling that I'll laugh for several minutes at how naive I was and truly wonder what I was thinking.

-N