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Christi Diggs
on May 23 2013 - 06:00 AM
A drop of spin, a cup of deception and tsp. politics=Apathy
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Lindsay Metcalf
on May 22 2013 - 06:00 AM
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mara williams
on May 21 2013 - 06:00 AM
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- kim nakahodo - Profile | Pictures | Blog
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I never thought I would do it… but last week I turned in my two-week notice to my long-time second job. As many of you know, I have worked for a retail store that specializes in toys for almost twelve years.
I stayed with the company for much longer than I ever thought I would. When I was first hired on, it was a great company to work for, but now, it’s just like any other retailer trying to hold on during the “new normal.” It has always been my second job, but I must say that I have learned as much from this job as my primary job.
You learn a lot about customer service, stress management, marketing and social studies when you work a retail job… especially around Christmas. You pretty much see the very worst in human nature this time of year…. angry parents, misleading ad jargon, too many customers and not enough sale items.
I have said it many, many times… everyone should work in the service industry at least once in his or her life. I think we would have a much kinder, more respectful society if they did. I could go on and on about retail horror stories… really, I could.
After 12 years of working with a name badge on I have been called every name in the book and blamed for everything from earthquakes in Japan for the shortage of Gameboys to the fact that we just ran out of the last item their kid really wanted 3 days before Christmas. Surprise! 200 of your best friends beat you to the toy! Maybe you should have started your shopping a bit earlier when I had so many of that item I could have made a fort out of them.
Turning in my notice was very bitter sweet… I am really going to miss working with my friends, but I also really wanted to spend more time with Niko-chan and my DH. My new job requires more time and I was seeing less and less of my family on the weekends…. Something had to give and it was my retail job. It really came down to a quality of life decision… I can make due without the extra money. I can’t get this time back with my son and when I look back on my life, my family the most important thing I have.
I was all gloomy when I went into work this past weekend, but then I received a sign from above named Linda. She was truly a NASTY customer. Someone who was angry to have to buy presents for Christmas to begin with and she was going to make your day as bad as hers. No matter what you said, it was wrong and she wanted to talk to THE MANAGER. The BIG MANAGER. Go ahead, I really don’t care…. they can tell you the same thing I am telling you now. And they did.
When I went to check out her purchase, she yelled at me for asking for her ID when she paid by credit card and told me I was just being difficult. I told her that I have had my credit cards stolen before and that I have caught several thieves at my register by checking for their IDs. She said I didn’t know what I was talking about and I just shrugged. I asked if she wanted a gift receipt and she replied that if something were wrong she was going to come looking for me personally after Christmas. I said to keep her receipt and someone could help her, but it wouldn’t be me. She said she would find me, but I then chuckled and told her she could look for me, but I won’t be here, I just turned in my two-weeks notice.
That caught her off guard for a second, and then she asked why I was quitting.
I ALMOST told her the truth about the moment. I ALMOST said I was quitting retail because I just couldn’t stand people like her anymore.
I guess I still have a bit of patience in me yet… I smiled and told her that I just didn’t have any Christmas left in me after all these years. She grabbed her bags and left quickly. The lady behind her in line asked me if all my customers were “as big of a __________ as that lady” today.
I laughed out loud at that, and then thanked her for restoring my faith in human kind.
I want to give a shout out to Linda for showing me that I made the right decision. Remember to be nice to your retailer this Christmas season. The majority of them work very hard under excruciating conditions for little pay. Under that name badge is a human just like you…..
Thanks for that reminder, Kim. Patience with people like that is a wonderful gift. And congrats on taking a leap of faith.Nice blog, Kim! I started my Christmas shopping last month. I like toy stores, but lately I've been into ordering off Amazon. Sometimes the prices are cheaper, and I can browse without the crowd. I have a new respect for retail workers because of your blog. :)
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