Returning to Retail

[SecurityWench]

I've had an interesting time with my job lately. I said in a MOM post that my managers were idiotic dickheads who dropped my hours from 40 to 8 every week, and that still stands. So I went about looking for a second job to help me be able to, y'know, buy food and stuff.

I worked for the last two years or so in security, where I was able to sit down, go at my own pace for the most part, and not have to deal with the general public. For as much as my bosses sucked, it was really a cushy gig. However, now I have finally found a new job at Ross Dress for Less! Really relieved to have a second income coming in, since I need to keep what few hours I have at my security job.

However, as the excitement from getting the new job fades, I thought about how I'm going to have to get used to working in a retail setting. I worked for three years at a grocery store before my security job, so I've had experience, but it was really hard work, as we all know.

I'm thinking about how I'll be on my feet for hours at a time again. How I'm going to have to deal with irate or stupid customers. How I'm going to have to interact a lot more with my co-workers. And now for the reason I'm making this thread. What would you recommend to help me shift more smoothly into retail again? What can I do to make the transition as easy on myself as possible? Any well-wishes or advice would greatly help. Thanks, guys.

[prjkt]

Patience is going to be something that's important with any retail job, with both customers and coworkers.
Are you someone who's comfortable with general meaningless chit-chat? There's going to be a lot of that.

[bainsidhe]

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Suddenly doing a job where you stand on your feet all shift takes some getting use to and your feet and legs will hurt a lot those first few shifts. Take it easy and take aspirin responsibly.

[Teysa]

I second the advice on getting comfortable shoes. Make sure they have good support too.
Keep in mind too, that most people are pretty decent, the stories on here notwithstanding. If you do get a difficult customer, keep calm and professional and imagine the writeup you'll be able to do on CS later.

[Rock Lobster]

I was always the nicest, kindest, most helpful employee to the idiots. What are they going to do, complain that I was being too nice? Also second the comfy shoes! Learn as much as you can about your job so that you always look professional to your boss and to the customers. Never argue with a customer that is what your boss is for. Be friendly and helpful and when you get mad go in back and beat up something soft or complain to your co-workers! Best of luck to you!