To want to work in a shop?

[Cavalierchaos]

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.

There used to be a lovely guy who worked in my local supermarket, he was a retired lecturer and lots of local people had known him in that role. He was known as "The Prof" and he'd taken early retirement and said he wanted something to do. He might have wanted a bit of money as well.

Why not give it a go if you fancy it.

I was a teacher and now work part time in a flexible job just three mornings a week and I can choose my days. I always like to work a Saturday as I'd much rather have a day off in the week when shops, cafes etc are quieter. Also traffic is so quiet on Saturday mornings so my short commute is super easy. I love that it is shift style and different days as it's nice to do different things on different days. I think 20 years of teaching with a daily structure and not being able to choose a day off makes it all the more appealing!

I worked at a Tesco express and it was set shifts, same each week. I think a lot of their part time roles are.

Tesco don't do flexi contracts any more - it's set hours, and if you want overtime you can see what's available and book your shifts using the app.

It's usually part time hours though, and that's how they get their flexibility - because people always are looking for more hours.

In some places, yes, but presumably the OP knows this particular store as it's near to them, and presumably it's in a "nicer" area, so got to assume they don't have as many "violence" incidents as a shop in the middle of a crime ridden estate or run down deprived area.

Are tog happy to work early/ late shifts, weekends, bank holidays, Xmas (well, probably Boxing Day). Would you be bored as there's not much mental challenge compared to a teacher (I mean that with the greatest of respect!). Could you deal with drunk swearing customers trying to steal stuff?

Smaller store means dealing with a lot more confrontation than a bigger store, and working Christmas and bank holidays, being expected to cover shifts last minute. I can't see the appeal personally!

There are also specific laws now relating to abuse of retail workers. Career in retail leadership here.

If you want to work in a shop, pick one which aligns to your values and you would appreciate the discount for.

I don't think that retail looks easy in the least because it's wall to wall people who can be awful and entitled etc . But .... some of the ignorant people that may work in your local store who have zero patience, people skills and intelligence makes you think 'well if they can get a job here then how hard can it be '.

I'm a teacher and going into retail has always been my ambition.

Also a teacher and thinking to move on after mat leave. Supermarket retail is not something I'm considering (my brother used to do night shifts in one). You're on your feet a huge amount - I know we are in teaching too but it's something I'd like to avoid in my next job and we have the option to sit down even just to do the register. I wouldn't like the unpredictable hours. I don't trust the general public not to be vile to retail staff and would worry about health risks with new viruses going around.

Personally I've been thinking of going back to some kind of office job even if it's more entry level. I want more flexibility in my day even just to be able to go to the bathroom when needed and to leave work at work.

If you're definitely keen on retail, I'd look at working somewhere less busy and slightly higher end if possible? I would also think a nice gastro pub might be an option (have worked in a Spoons years ago and don't recommend it)

How long ago were you working in a supermarket?

10 years ago it used to be a sociable, easy job with flexible hours but they have been cutting staff hours & increasing productivity which means the work is a lot harder & you will likely be working alone for most of the time. The hours have become less flexible & more unsociable so more late nights, weekends, all bank holidays including Xmas day.

Depends on your colleagues circumstances but where I work you get a maximum of 2 weeks annual leave in school holidays (to make it fair to all parents) the rest has to be outside school holidays. Annual leave in December is completely blacked out.

Thanks everyone for the thoughts. It would be a good idea to see if I could do both jobs at once for a bit before I took the plunge. I love the shop, go there all the time and it's always tidy and the staff seem nice.

I just feel that we're supposed to want a career, not to work in a shop.
I feel like everyone will look down on me, throwing away a career I'm good at that I've studied for etc etc.

Oh and it was about 8 years ago I worked in a superstore.