Strange Things | Baptism by Fire

Baptism by Fire

erratic_prophet | 19 May, 2005 16:20

Or My First Day at Work.

Or or Wednesday, Bloody Wednesday.

I was only supposed to observe. Maybe ring up a few people when it was slow, check the fitting rooms, and put things back on the rack. That's all.

Then I was shuffled around. The first woman had to leave early, so I was put with L. L had to go to dinner and would be back in an hour, so I was put with J. J was leaving in 20 minutes, so I was put with D. D wasn't in our department and was unfamiliar with where most things were kept.

I tried to make the best of it. I straightened out items and dutifully checked the fitting rooms. But soon we were swarmed. My first day at work? Also a massive sale day.

There are things you can only learn once you're thrown into a situation. This is what I learned last night...

People get really ugly during massive sale. Really. Yes, I did tell you it would be an additional 15% if you used the store card and you picked cash. To turn around and make me ring up a return, just so you could buy it again on your card was ridiculous.
People aren't too bright. Making me ring it up on your card actually cost you more than it would have if you paid cash, lady. Did you look at the APR on the card? And the lady who looked shocked when security told her that the store had been closed for ten minutes. Maybe you would've heard if you hadn't spend so much time posing in front of every mirror you passed. For thirty minutes. Yeah, I saw you. The skirt? Looks the same in each mirror.
People are slobs. I never picked up so much clothing in my life. I folded enough shirts and pants to equal at least 5 loads of laundry. And that was just me, not the other people in my department. I'm sure they did at least 5 loads each, too.
People are nasty. The woman who left the fucking panty liner on the floor of the fitting room? Yeah, you. N-A-S-T-Y. I couldn't bring myself to pick it up. It was too gross.
People are obvious. To the lady with the cane. Security so knew you were trying to knick something. You became even more suspicious when you would run off everytime I came near. And I was only just putting things back on the rack. Just so you know? They'll be watching you each and every time you come back.
My coworkers rock. Seriously. I've never met a bunch of nicer people in my life. Nor have I ever had so many people come up to me and say, "Aren't you the new girl? Hi! I'm so-and-so and I'm in that department."

Now this isn't to say that all of my customers were like those above. Most were really nice people. My first saw the panicked look on my face when I was told that I had to open up a register and asked if I was new. She then wished me good luck. Which I needed. At least I'll be ready for next week's sale..

[Reply]

People really are pigs!
So glad your co workers are cool, nothing worse than having to work in a place where your peers are pricks.
Did you miss LOST?

Michelle — 20 May 2005, 00:25

[Reply]

Um, pantyliner?! Eck.

Vivian — 20 May 2005, 00:42

[Reply]

LoL sounds like a normal day in retail to me. I know EXACTLY how you felt. I have seen everything from used condoms in the fitting rooms to old women get into a bitch fight over an item. Ok, that one was kind of funny in a weird kind of way, I never thought they could move that fast...

Just wait until Christmas... it always brings out the best in people ;)

Edana — 20 May 2005, 09:23

[Reply]

A PANTILINER? What, did it fall off and she just left it there? That is so disgusting.

Beth — 20 May 2005, 11:02

[Reply]

Michelle- Caught Lost. Mom recorded it for me. I owe her one.

Viv- That's what I said.

Edana- I dread the holidays. I almost had to beat up some woman for trying to snatch a toy out of The Girl's hands once. Christmas is not my favorite time of the year.

Beth- I kinda hope it just fell instead of purposely being placed there.

Erratic Prophet — 20 May 2005, 14:57