Working in retail for years can put a toll on you physically and emotionally. When you have an incredible team of co-workers, being in retail can actually feel rewarding. I’ve been working with the same team of people for a few years now. I appreciate them more than they understand and I don’t want that to go unnoticed. So to my co-workers, this is for you.

Thank you for listening

Thank you for pulling me into the break room. Thank you for letting me vent. Thank you for hugging me after that customer screamed in my face. Thank you for picking me up when others have kicked me down. Thank you for keeping me in good spirits. Thank you for reminding me that it’s going to be okay.

Thank you for being understanding

Sometimes life get’s tough. I’m sorry for all times I came into work and wasn’t myself. I’m sorry for the times I’ve shut you out. I’m sorry for the mood swings, I was confused and misunderstood. Thank you for understanding that life outside of these four walls come in the way. Sometimes I can’t drop my baggage at the front door. And sometimes that smiled is forced. But what matters, is that you got me through it.

Thank you for motivating me

Seeing you guys five or six days a week has left a last impacting. At one point, each of you became family. Thank you for motivating me to become the person I am today. Thank you for believing me in. Thank you for motivating me to strive even further. I wouldn’t be half the person I am today, if it wasn’t for all of you. If it wasn’t for you guys, I’m not sure I’d still be here.

Thank you for becoming more than co-workers

After awhile I found myself bringing up co-workers names in daily conversation. We became more than just co-workers, but friends. There's no better feeling than seeing your name scheduled for the same shift. To my college friends at this job, I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for walking me to class or hanging out with me in the café. I enjoy talking about school related subjects and let work be put on the back burner for a minute. Every now and then I look at each of you and think “wow I really appreciate them.” In certain moments I find myself thinking about how much I enjoy your presence. The beach trips, the concerts, the hangouts after work, I love every adventure with you guys.

Retail can be a challenging field but no one really talks about it being worth it. After all these year, I’m taking it all in. I look around and think, wow I couldn’t have done it without you.