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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want to work in a shop?

39 replies

Cavalierchaos · 07/09/2024 13:26

There's a small shop near me (think Tesco metro) and I think I'd like to work there part time.

I used to work in a large superstore and enjoyed it but it was just too big and I could never learn all the products and where they were.

Am I crazy? I'm currently a part time teacher, not enjoying it. I don't need much money as I'm very frugal, so the pay cut is fine.

OP posts:
namechange1986 · 07/09/2024 15:06

@stripybobblehat Sadly, there's also a lot of violence in schools now.

StarSlinger · 07/09/2024 14:43

It's not that easy to get a job in Tesco. People on MN seem to think anyone can just walk into a supermarket job.

theduchessofspork · 07/09/2024 14:41

Why don’t you try some shifts around your job, to test it out.

You may find the reality, and lack of pension, doesn’t appeal - or you may be happy with it. Always good to rest the water first.

Mumofyellows · 07/09/2024 14:37

Junestwitchyeye · 07/09/2024 13:46

I knew you were going to say you were a teacher x

Me too

Me too.

I often envy the staff calmly organising the shelves in Waitrose.

spuddy4 · 07/09/2024 14:17

If it's a Tesco metro or express I'd stay teaching. Both are severely understaffed and there's more violence in them than larger stores.

Plus you've got to work over Christmas and new year, express doesn't close on Easter Sunday either. I don't know why people think retail is a walk in the park, since covid it's got worse and shows no signs of improvement, I don't think it's the stress free environment you are after. Look on Reddit at the Tesco sub and see what staff are saying before you make the decision.

Aria999 · 07/09/2024 14:01

I feel like supermarkets are trying quite hard to phase out actual people (all this pushing towards self service checkouts) so it might not be a secure long term option.

Needmorelego · 07/09/2024 13:52

@Cavalierchaos are they actually recruiting staff?
The problem with retail these days is they are all about flexible contracts.
So one week you might have to work Monday 8 - 12, Thursday 3 - 10 and all day Sunday.
The next week it might be Monday 8 - 6, Wednesday 12 - 7 and all day Saturday.
Do you really want a job that's so random?
(I really wish I understood why so many retailers did this)

DaisyChain505 · 07/09/2024 13:51

I worked in a supermarket as a teen and have been in my career with children for the past 17 years. I often think it would be lovely to return to a supermarket job where there isn’t much pressure or responsibility.

stripybobblehat · 07/09/2024 13:50

Do keep in mind there is a lot of violence against shop workers though

stripybobblehat · 07/09/2024 13:49

Do it. If you hate teaching it's best to just get out of the profession rather than be one of those teachers who sticks it out but is really very unhappy

Needmorelego · 07/09/2024 13:48

As someone who worked in retail for 2 decades.....
Don't do it.

stayathomer · 07/09/2024 13:48

the only thing is the whole pension thing really? Also your weekends are gone (always wanted to work in a shop that was closed on a Sunday😅). But if you think it would make you happy maybe go for it!

Junestwitchyeye · 07/09/2024 13:46

I knew you were going to say you were a teacher x

Me too

SausageRoll2020 · 07/09/2024 13:45

Financially you can take the hit and remain solvent
You've enjoyed working in a similar environment
You don't enjoy your current job

Doesn't sound like there are any reasons not to apply and see what happens