Working in retail: a thankless job
It's soul destroying at times.
I have been working part time in retail for the last two and a half years to pay my way through college. I'm now at the point where I just don't think I can do it anymore.
The first year I loved having my own money to buy new clothes as well as extra funds towards my social life. The novelty quickly wore off though when I found myself working all the bank holidays. Quite frankly, I would have preferred to spend those days with my friends and family.
It’s a real pity I didn't save any money when I was earning much more then I am now. Like everyone else, I never thought for a second that a recession was going to come crashing down around us, turning lives upside down.
I'm sure everyone who has worked in retail can understand how hard it is to deal with difficult customers. I've had customers screaming in my face because we no longer stock the dress they saw a month ago. I’ve also watched them throw tantrums because the store is closing for the night and they are not allowed to try on the pile of clothes they've spent the last hour picking out!
But customers are the least of my worries at the moment! My problem is my boss. I'm beginning to think she's bullying me. Every little thing I do she picks at. I got the head bitten off me today for being late, even though I was bang on time (I pride myself on being punctual), and it was her own watch that was fast! I was so taken aback I didn't even know how to respond. I try not to argue with her because she's the one with the power. But, sometimes, I just think it’s so unfair that managers seem to be allowed say or do whatever they want; even if it's way out of line.
Managers can get away with totally irrational behaviour it seems. Plus,you have to be wary of the mood they are in. I've had some nice managers and it makes such a difference when you can get along with each other. I guess what I'm trying to say is that being a manager shouldn't win you a one way ticket to being a bully. I don't have a problem with taking orders, but when I'm spoken to with such disrespect it's very frustrating, especially when there’s not a lot I can do about it. Bullying in the workplace does happen, but it’s extremely difficult to deal with when the bully is your boss.
For now I'm just going to have to suck it up, save as much as I can and hopefully emigrate to somewhere sunny when I finish college.
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