With the holidays quickly approaching and Black Friday already upon us, it is time to take a moment and remind ourselves how to act like decent human beings. Because while the holiday season is a cheerful time for many, it is a retail worker's most dreaded time of year. Shoppers swarm the stores like wild animals, and the retail worker must be there, most likely working overtime, to try to keep them happy and under control. There's really no way around it, though. I mean, someone has to work in the retail stores, right? But one thing that could make a world of difference is how the customers treat the workers.
This will be my fifth holiday season in a row working retail, and each year that goes by doesn't get any easier. No matter how prepared you think you might be, you always get thrown curve balls during the holidays. Something crazy and unexpected always seems to happen on a daily basis during the weeks leading up to Christmas. It's as if there's a full moon every single day during the month of December; people just lose their minds. Normal people go insane and relatively nice people become complete assholes. I've been yelled at and cussed out by all different types of people for all different kinds of reasons, but most instances have been over things completely out of my control.
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Please remember that it is never acceptable to take your frustrations out on an innocent worker just trying to do their job. Most of the time when customers get upset, it's over situations that are out of the employee's hands. They cannot control that an item is out of stock, that the lines are so long, or that your old coupon has expired and can't be used.
If you really need a specific item, take it upon yourself to start shopping for it early before everyone else starts doing the same thing and there aren't any left. Understand that it's going to be busy and lines are going to be long, so just be patient and mentally prepared. If you're going to use a coupon, realize that most of them do have expiration dates and exclusions, so be a smart shopper and make sure you read the actual coupon before you go and try to use it.
These are just three examples of what I've seen customers get the maddest at, but the list goes on and on. Just keep in mind that these retail workers are tired,stressed, overworked and are simply following their store's policies. Being rude to them isn't going to accomplish anything but make you look like a jerk. I promise you that they will help you to their best ability, but no one is a miracle worker.
This holiday season, let's remember what the holiday season is all about. Let's not get caught up in the greed of material items, but focus on the real meaning of the holidays that we're celebrating. It's not about who can buy the best gifts or score the best deals; it's about being with the ones you love and showing kindness to all of those around you. So, don't be a rude madman fighting over items and yelling at the cashier. Instead, respect those helping you find what you're looking for, and show compassion to the workers who are taking time away from their families to make sure you get gifts for yours.
Retail workers would much rather be at home or out enjoying their holidays like you are. Remember to be a compassionate and decent human being this holiday season. Respect retail workers and maybe, just maybe, you'll actually get on the nice list this year.
