Part time retail jobs, no doubt, can be one of the most hectic and regrettable jobs anywhere in the world. But after spending my last 4 years under the green neon lights of one of the largest retail stores in the UK, I've discovered it's not all that bad.
1. The Experience;
While all the other organisations are juggling between skills and experience of applicants, retailers hire the character. A chance is given to everyone who is trainable, and is retained as long as the work ethic is consistently positive.
I was given the opportunity, and trained until I was absolutely confident with people. Then I was multi-skilled and trained on other functions of the business. And then, when they saw I still have a life, they trained me on other departments totally unrelated to my contract and given further responsibilities and expectations. The customer, management and colleague interaction offers a great learning experience of the dynamics of the work force.
2. The Social Circus;
While the interactions provide a learning experience, it also creates an environment of patience, tolerance and understanding of human kind, because on a customer facing role, you pretty much get to see every type of human living out there. Not to mention the friendships and relationships you make within your workplace, it's an ideal place for social enthusiasts.
When it comes to events or celebrations, the retailers are probably one of the most enthusiastic businesses, may it be football world cup, valentines day or diwali. The differences and diversities are ignored when the fish is half price on Good Friday!
3. Flexibility and Job Security;
While being one of the most ruthless and cruel organisers of 'human capital', they absolutely can't afford to let an efficient member of staff leave, that's why they are known to offer great flexibility to not too hard working individuals, mainly students.
The flexibility and job security offered ensured that I don't run away else where, even when I had two other jobs in the working week in addition to university commitments. Maybe I was that good that they didn't let me go, but I think they must have forgot to tell me that!
4. Growth opportunities;
Despite the numerous number of people complaining about lack of opportunities within retail, the born leaders and those with extraordinary people skills always manage to go up the hierarchy by hook or crook. There's opportunity to shine for those who are gifted and not afraid, because it's not particularly an easy environment to grow.
The current managers have been through the system, the journey makes them hard, and they make sure their successors don't have an easy ride too, therefore only the tough ones are able to succeed. Saying that, it doesn't always appear to be one desirable place where one would like to see itself, or maybe that's what they try to show.
5. Peace of mind;
The body aches, but once the card is swiped out, everything is history. You don't ever carry any work with you home, apart from the horrible feeling of being back in the day after, and your rate of pay is not dependent on any pointless target, you always get paid for the work you do!
I've worked under various different managers, and I think leadership is one of the biggest factors which influence worker satisfaction, loyalty and performance. I may have been really lucky to experience the points mentioned above, but I can guarantee if I was to debate this sensitive topic myself, I can write a book!
This is +Nauman Wasif, tell me what you think...
