I'm about to head back in...

I've been working in a retail or restaurant environment since I started my employment way back at sixteen. I've got more than twenty years into this gig, and while I enjoy helping people and making displays, there are times in my day that test my patience and make me question if humanity has gotten dumber over the years.

For anyone who has worked in the customer service industry, this is for you. Because we all know that feeling when it gets to be about five minutes before close, you've got the mop water ready, and an entire busload of people pulls up and files in like you're selling the last Twinkies during the apocalypse. 

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You plaster on a smile that is so fake it hurts your jaw and get to work. I work twelve hour shifts on Sundays, so when the horde descends, is when I really have to use those muscles and make it look like I'm not dead on my feet.

Over the years I've found the best way to deal, is to laugh. Because no matter what retail service environment you're in, there are a few constants that you'll always see. And the Retail Robin meme has been my source of laughter when I'm icing down my back spasms. I got to introduce a new employee to the giggles the other day and it reminded me that we're not alone in dealing with problematic customers. 

So for any retail warriors out there who haven't seen this meme. Here are a few of my "Retail Robin" favorites. And yes. During holiday hours we have played bingo. I have hit a bingo before, but I'm not sure I'd call it winning.  And there is a tumblr dedicated to the stories people have to tell and website called "Retail Hell Underground" that I highly recommend visiting when you've had a shit day. Because there's always something worse, and even if your story tops theirs, at least you know you're not alone. I've occasionally watched a YouTube video or two just to realize there are a ton of people out there dealing with this shit too. It's a good watch with a drink in hand after a long day. You might be asking yourself at this point why I keep going back if my job sucks so bad. Well, partly because my mortgage lender really doesn't care if I don't like my job, but in reality I have a few bright spots that I keep trying to find again like Pavlov's dog salivating to find the treat.

There was the one time I gave the tiniest kittens ever a bath and got all the fleas off of them while my manager ran the store, so I could help the little anemic babies until my favorite shelter volunteer got there to pick them up.

Or the time a girl came in with a kitten that was far too young and I had to help the poor thing go to the bathroom because babies can't do that by themselves without their momma. The kitten looked at me and I could see the relief in the poor thing's eyes.

Then there are all the puppy kisses I get when they find the toy or treat or harness that just makes them wiggle with joy. 

Even the times that someone has had the worst day ever and I offer someone to talk to, or a joke that makes them smile. 

That's why I go back. I work in a pet store now, if you can't tell. LOL. But there is something about helping people that makes everyone a little happier. 

So to all the retail workers out there in the trenches, prepping for Holiday Hours with longer shifts and angrier customers (because no one is happy during the holidays at stores), hang in there. We'll make it to New Years, pop a bottle of champagne and party till we drop because we made it through. 

Just remember that we're not alone, and all coupons expire.

Do you work in retail? Or have a retail horror story? Or even a nice surprise that happened at work? I'd love to hear about it.

​~Roxy