With the dismantling, condensing, moving and shrinking, of the store, comes a lot of memories from the past years. And it is during this time that I have wondered if I would have worked as hard, been so frustrated at times, taken the job so personally and over extended myself so much, had I known that it would end as it has now.
And when I stop to think about what I got in return well, that gets just a little more complicated.
You see I read an article today regarding the stagnate wages of the retail workforce, and listed in the article were the nine national employers that are considered the leaders when it comes to this pay scale deficiency. But what got my attention the most was the description given, by a Ph.D., holder, of this workforce, as being the reason for being underpaid. My first thought, having read the article, was (sorry for this reference) 'screw you.'
Labeling the workforce as 'under educated' filling jobs that are merely 'trainable' as the reason for low income, leaves a lot to be desired..
When I came to work here I knew nothing about this industry and when it came to training, well let's just say that my confidence got knocked around a time or two. I found that learning this 'trainable' job took a lot more time and in all reality, you never truly learn all of it for it changes consistently; procedures, programs, supplies, products, laws, policies. You name it and they will change it. What is good today, will not be tomorrow.
Everything from common sense to creativity, from 100% of your mental capacity to every muscle in your body and last but not least, most of your day is spent using basic psychology when it comes to Customer Service. And let's not forget about 'cross training'. Which, simply put, means, 'how many departments can you learn and work?' My last count, 3. And don't let anyone fool you, working like this does not make you a more valuable employee. Simply put, it just cuts down on payroll. And, last but not least, I have learned so much about business and human behavior that I feel like I could write a book - now there's an idea.
So, to the Ph.D., holder, you do not know what you are talking about. The reason for the low income level is due to the bottom line - Profit. And to the 9 retail companies that are contributing to holding down this workforce, you're day will come when the workforce will change and these companies will take a hard hit. I see it happening already.
So now that it is over, what is my conclusion? Would I do it again? Probably not, but not for the reason one would think.
You see, I have been lucky to work with the people that I have. They trained me, tolerated my misgivings, overlooked my opinions - no matter how loud I hollered, supported me and once in awhile fed my ego. Some of the best people that I have known, have worked beside me. And this is something which I would probably never find again in this line of work, because the times are changing.
So come October 10th, when the doors get shut for the final time and the sadness takes it's toll, I know how I will feel - so glad that I had the chance to work here.
Talk at ya later!
And when I stop to think about what I got in return well, that gets just a little more complicated.
You see I read an article today regarding the stagnate wages of the retail workforce, and listed in the article were the nine national employers that are considered the leaders when it comes to this pay scale deficiency. But what got my attention the most was the description given, by a Ph.D., holder, of this workforce, as being the reason for being underpaid. My first thought, having read the article, was (sorry for this reference) 'screw you.'
Labeling the workforce as 'under educated' filling jobs that are merely 'trainable' as the reason for low income, leaves a lot to be desired..
When I came to work here I knew nothing about this industry and when it came to training, well let's just say that my confidence got knocked around a time or two. I found that learning this 'trainable' job took a lot more time and in all reality, you never truly learn all of it for it changes consistently; procedures, programs, supplies, products, laws, policies. You name it and they will change it. What is good today, will not be tomorrow.
Everything from common sense to creativity, from 100% of your mental capacity to every muscle in your body and last but not least, most of your day is spent using basic psychology when it comes to Customer Service. And let's not forget about 'cross training'. Which, simply put, means, 'how many departments can you learn and work?' My last count, 3. And don't let anyone fool you, working like this does not make you a more valuable employee. Simply put, it just cuts down on payroll. And, last but not least, I have learned so much about business and human behavior that I feel like I could write a book - now there's an idea.
So, to the Ph.D., holder, you do not know what you are talking about. The reason for the low income level is due to the bottom line - Profit. And to the 9 retail companies that are contributing to holding down this workforce, you're day will come when the workforce will change and these companies will take a hard hit. I see it happening already.
So now that it is over, what is my conclusion? Would I do it again? Probably not, but not for the reason one would think.
You see, I have been lucky to work with the people that I have. They trained me, tolerated my misgivings, overlooked my opinions - no matter how loud I hollered, supported me and once in awhile fed my ego. Some of the best people that I have known, have worked beside me. And this is something which I would probably never find again in this line of work, because the times are changing.
So come October 10th, when the doors get shut for the final time and the sadness takes it's toll, I know how I will feel - so glad that I had the chance to work here.
Talk at ya later!