To My Fellow Black Friday Soldiers
Nov. 26th, 2010 08:04 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
angela_n_huntI salute you.
Yeah. I don't get today off, here in the US. The dayjob is open for business and that means I'm here, because I do not have seniority.
I'm actually used to it. I worked retail for a few years, a game store and a bookstore. I invariably got the morning shift on Black Friday.
And I am here to tell you that working retail on Black Friday is it's own circle of Hell.
So if you're out today here in the US and you're shopping? Smile at the person who rings you out or helps you. They've been up since gods awful in the morning. They have been pushed. Shoved. Yelled at. They've maybe had one cup of coffee and a cold breakfast. Maybe. Their manager is freaking the fuck out and if they're the manager, they're freaking the fuck out. They need to hit their numbers today and if they don't, they may lose their job.
And here's the kicker?
All the shit that you think you need to buy?
You don't.
Yes, it'll be a nice thing for the economy. But all that shit?
It doesn't buy you more time with your family. You can't take it with you. It won't make you happy in the long run. Yes, technology and toys are wonderful. It's not like I don't buy for Yule. But this isn't a competitive sport.
So slow down. Be kind to the retail soldiers in the trenches today. That smile and thank you that you give them? It may be the only one they receive today. But if they get it, it will make a world of difference in how they view the day.
And on that note, I'm going to sit in my cube and pray no one tries to serve us.
Yeah. I don't get today off, here in the US. The dayjob is open for business and that means I'm here, because I do not have seniority.
I'm actually used to it. I worked retail for a few years, a game store and a bookstore. I invariably got the morning shift on Black Friday.
And I am here to tell you that working retail on Black Friday is it's own circle of Hell.
So if you're out today here in the US and you're shopping? Smile at the person who rings you out or helps you. They've been up since gods awful in the morning. They have been pushed. Shoved. Yelled at. They've maybe had one cup of coffee and a cold breakfast. Maybe. Their manager is freaking the fuck out and if they're the manager, they're freaking the fuck out. They need to hit their numbers today and if they don't, they may lose their job.
And here's the kicker?
All the shit that you think you need to buy?
You don't.
Yes, it'll be a nice thing for the economy. But all that shit?
It doesn't buy you more time with your family. You can't take it with you. It won't make you happy in the long run. Yes, technology and toys are wonderful. It's not like I don't buy for Yule. But this isn't a competitive sport.
So slow down. Be kind to the retail soldiers in the trenches today. That smile and thank you that you give them? It may be the only one they receive today. But if they get it, it will make a world of difference in how they view the day.
And on that note, I'm going to sit in my cube and pray no one tries to serve us.
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no subject
Date: 2010-11-26 05:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-11-26 05:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-11-27 05:13 pm (UTC)Our shopping yesterday included cat litter, something I had special ordered/prepaid online at Staples, gluten-free pic crust mix, and about 8pm, new shoes for the boy/myself. We were, of course, appreciative and patient with everyone who had to work.
no subject
Date: 2010-11-29 04:48 pm (UTC)And on behalf of my fellow Black Friday wage slaves, I thank you. I know for a fact you would have been a bright spot in their day.
no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 03:38 am (UTC)