In Defense of the Retail Job

 I'll take a $4 latte, and a job on the side, please.

 In this 'modern' economy, which could be staying for some time, having a retail job after graduation from university or college is normal. It's even more normal to do this full time while setting up your own business , or working an unpaid internship. 

      

 Not only is it normal, it's practically a badge of honor- a Club of 20-somethings who are striving to carve their own path and pay the bills. As you may have guessed, I am a member of the "20 somethings working retail trying to figure it out" Club. A proud member, mind.

   

 Please do not think your 20 something is learning nothing, or not using their skills. retail is fast paced, sales oriented, and reactive. It's emotionally exhausting.  Basically - hell.

As much as Starbucks touts itself as taking great care of its employees, in reality the poor person is still standing there at 6 am, taking hurried orders from distracted business people and picky teenagers. 

 Hell can teach a person a lot, though. What works in a company and what doesn't, the ins and outs of marketing and merchandising, problem solving, juggling priorities, team directives - I could go on forever. The smartest of us will apply this later to our own jobs, companies, and creative ventures.

Retail jobs might not be 'real life' jobs. They may not be the final career destination, but they are a great starting point. Just make sure to drink lots of coffee. 

Hello, Great Wild World

Hello everyone, or no one - since this is the first post. 


Many professionals have suggested that a young person, just starting out in the world of HR should begin a blog. "Great Idea! But not for me." - this is what I've thought, up until now. 


I am an expert at nothing, a learner of everything and an extrovert to the core. Which means I find writing exceedingly difficult and tedious. 


It's time to change. 


I will practice my skills here, and hopefully can share some good ideas and spark interesting discussions. At least I'm sure I can make someone have a good laugh at how terrible the writing is. Bear with me folks. 


I've also decided to begin a segment called "Must Share Mondays" - where I'll post things I find that I like. It could be anything from work clothing to articles on travel. I encourage you to do the same on here. 


Despite my rather specific title, and due to being a newbie, I will write about business and customers, HR and finance, creativity and logistics or whatever else sparks my imagination. 


Hopefully, it sparks yours too. 


They say to do something that scares you every day....


Here I go