Pros
+ You can pick up shifts online if you're short on hours without ever talking to an employee or manager + Fairly generous point system for "sick" days and showing up late + Freedom and opportunity to bounce around departments + Because they're cutthroat with costs there are never enough managers watching over you. So you can go to the bathroom, help customers, apply discounts, wander around your department without too much micromanagement (this probably depends on location) + Everything from pay checks to w2 requests and pay stubs can be found and ordered online + Because you're just an employee number and most others don't really care about their job, you can either blend in and go under the radar or easily stand out with managers. + One of the easiest jobs I've ever had if you can laugh at/detatch yourself from the chaos. + Discounts are pretty dope. I forgot the percentage but you also have an inside peek at upcoming coupons and sales and you can cop some amazing deals. + Chill co workers mostly. Since it's an entry level brain dead job you'll find people from all walks of life working there. Whatever your scene or interest you can probably find a friend or two here.
Cons
- For most departments you are basically a robot mindlessly scanning and inputting on a register - The endless coupons and sales are confusing a.f. - Sales goals are sometimes unrealistic and opening Macy's accounts is a requirement when you're not seasonal. - Some employees are cutthroat and will steal sales or use shady tactics to open accounts - You are literally just a badge number to management. Goodluck ever feeling like you're valued. Hit goals or gtfo (Being seasonal these "goals" go out the window as they just need people manning registers. But during the real season it's awful) - Some of the worst customers; they get angry, demand coupons, discounts, and other things. But if you can brush it off and laugh at how idiotic some people are, it can be entertaining. - Even in commission positions the pay is sub-par for the amount of hours and work you can be expected of. If you really want to make money go into restaurants. - Complaints or recommendations about the work or department will go unheard and unacted 99% of the time. - The corporate "culture" is so very cringy ( but I understand the necessity) - Retail is an awful job. If you're sensitive, emotional, angry or even just a normal human being you will be drained and spiral into a hateful depression where your worldview and any ounce of good in your heart will be stolen from you and tossed into the blackhole that crushes souls. But If you want to last and maintain your sanity you have to be a little sarcastic and have an unhealthy IDGAF attitude towards life. When you reach this zen, only then can you make fun of customers and laugh in people's faces when they start yelling at you, berating you, and demanding a manager for not taking an extra $5 off their $6 purchase. Basically if one of your guilty pleasures is watching youtube videos of natural disasters or the world burning, you'll find plenty of material to gawk at in retail hell.
