Pros
-Flexible scheduling (if you're part time and not cross-trained) -Easy to trade or take shifts -Affordable health insurance plan -Bonuses, even for part time employees (although part time bonuses are small. $20-50 usually) -I am trained in several departments, and the work isn't awful. It's often enjoyable. -Many of my coworkers are the best friends I have ever had. -Some customers can be rude, but most are great people whom you can build a relationship with over the years.
Cons
-The worst is the amount of time people are forced to work off of the clock. They're slashing hours, hiring new employees just above minimum wage and expecting management to pick up the slack, but not work above 40 hours a week. Managers at my store in all departments have been working off the clock. Keep in mind the store director's salary is based on profit. If you spend less money on wages, you make more money. -Low pay. Sure, they'll start you off above minimum wage, but it's a slow increase from there. Only a handful of people at my store make $14/hour or more. -Threats are always made when people try to discuss wages. They're illegal in nature, such as you will get fired if you discuss your wages with coworkers (only legal for management) or if you try to unionize. -Very hard to get holidays off, unless in upper management. This may be fine for teenagers, but many people miss holidays with their children as a result. -It's very hard to move up. There is little desire to keep up with the future management of Hy-Vee. They know you'll do anything to try to make it up the ladder, and they exploit that without keeping their end of the deal.