Of the couple of places I said I would never work Wal-Mart was pretty high on my list. Having started a new business and knowing this sort of thing takes time, I opted for part time work. After having an option come up that was higher on the list I took the job offer in the apparel department.
I have to say that some of things you hear are absolutely true. There are struggles with employees and struggles with management, but to be fair that is common in a lot of businesses where you work with more than 1 employee.
The other side that all too often is not addressed is that of the employees behind the scene. Working with employees that have been there weeks and those that have been there 20 years plus you learn a lot about the business, the people that make the business run for the customers and the struggles they encounter along the way.
I have had the pleasure of asking several of my cohorts their time put in, their experiences in different departments throughout the store as well as what kept them there. All too often I get the response that when they started this job they were only hoping to keep it long enough to find something better, nearly every tenure plus employee has told me the same thing.
I get to see the passions these people have for their jobs. I’ve been given advice on how to deal with the pressures of the store and how to “keep your sanity” while you are there. I’ve seen employees cry and get full support from others around them. I’ve met cohorts who are openly brats that enjoy making people laugh and enjoy being able to lighten the mood in the break room.
One of the things that I appreciate is the diversity our store has in employees. This diversity accepts so many differences, genres, heritages, struggles, and perspectives on life.
As you are seeing the child in the parking lot wailing on his sister, the kids running around being destructive, the couple arguing loud enough to share their words with everyone within 10 aisles, the employees having a bad day, the cashiers who do not have a clue what they are doing; please keep in mind that behind all of that are hard working beautiful individuals who have incredible stories. Please keep in mind that they are people just like you, they are not all unfortunate under achievers, or disabled door people, they are not all there to make your life miserable.
The people who serve are those who have passions, drives, goals, and determination. As you are walking by an employee outside instead of jading them or gifting them with scornful looks please remember that they are there making their living no different than you in your profession.
I am grateful for the people I have had the fortune to learn from. I am grateful for those who have embraced me despite my differences. I absolutely adore those people who are going out of their way to help customers, job or not you can see passion that they are sharing to help those around them.
As always thanks for stopping by and reading my craziness!