It is a widely accepted dogma that working in retail is less than desirable, and more often detested. In most cases, a job in a retail store was or will likely be your very first job; that working in retail is a way to get your feet wet not just in working for a paycheck, but also in interacting with the public in a business respect.

Make no mistake: the stigma and cons of working in retail scream WAY louder than any possible benefit:

1. Long, flexible, and exhausting hours at all times throughout the day and night;
2. Low pay;
3. Working 99.9 percent of all holidays throughout the year;
4. The stigma of working in retail

Working in retail for the past three years following a toxic layoff journey from my last employer, the stigma of working in retail does stick. It carries with it a certain psychologically detrimental self-analysis of how you are doing, especially if you had a different career beforehand that you enjoyed.

At this point, you are probably wondering “why bother?”

Because we can take these cons and flip them on their heads.

(Disclaimer: I only speak from my experience working with the largest alcohol retailer in the country; other corporate retailers may differ)

The Long Hours vs. Flexible Hours = Time Management

It is now news that scheduling sacrifices are expected when taking a retail job. It is no different than any other establishment of the service industry. The hours are long, and they are demanding.

But that flexibility is for your benefit.

I believe labor laws state that you are only required to work five days a week as a full-time employee (let me know if I’m wrong), which is why they ask if there are days during which you cannot work. Everyone’s situation is different but, going into it, I understood that at least one weekend day was required. I made sure that Sunday belonged to me and my family. The flexibility of that second day off allows me to work around the needs of myself and my family: scheduling doctor appointments, therapy sessions, home or car maintenance and repairs and, God willing, job interviews.

Additionally, if you need another day off and don’t mind if it’s unpaid time off, management should be more than happy not only to accommodate but also save on payroll depending on the staffing needs for that day.

Low Pay = Intro to Money Management

In February of 2020, I was making a modest $42,500 annual salary, which breaks down to about $20. 42 per hour. When I started my retail journey in fall of that year, my starting wage was $13 per hour. A significant cut but. to a degree, we were fortunate with the stimulus payments, unemployment benefits, and the fact my was able to keep working.

Nonetheless, the different pay rates and the end of unemployment benefits meant we really had to consider our finances and make some changes. Eating out became even rarer unless we found a deal on Groupon or had gift cards; we initially canceled Netflix (and then brought it back because my wife loves The Great British Baking Show), and anything we need or want we make sure is a bargain. I personally continue to research ways to save while also trying to engage in a happy lifestyle with my family. Even with alcohol, I’m able to bring home heavily discounted wines, but I try to only bring home bottles that are free as an employee benefit.

Working Holidays = Time-&-1/2 (maybe)

Yes, the holiday season is the most stressful in retail. In most cases, the only holiday taken off is Christmas Day.

But in the industry of alcohol beverages, it can be any holiday: beer hard seltzers for for cookouts on Labor Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July and Halloween parties; Irish whiskey and beer for St. Patrick’s Day; champagne and sparkling wine for New Years Eve; Pinot Noir for Thanksgiving and Easter; and basically everythig for Christmas celebrations. In fact, the day before Thanksgiving is the store’s busiest day of the year.

For those holiday’s where most establishments are expected to be closed but remain open with special limited hours, like Thanksgiving, those working those days likely receive time-and-a-half pay. Additionally, the holiday season brings with it holiday bonuses based on sales across the district.

The Stigma of Working Retail = a Dignity of Working

Earlier this year, I wrote 3 Philosophies of Manliness from my Best Man chronicling the lessons from my late best friend concerning work. Before that publication, I went through a 3 month-long interview process with an association in the manufacturing industry, whose mission was to shed light on the great careers that come from manufacturing. That process saw me go from the collection of 50-70 candidates to being one of the final two. The words of wisdom from my guy coupled with the mission of that association helped shed light on a critical issue: that we need to configure how we look at work.

Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe said it best while addressing the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in 2011:

“The skills gap is a reflection of what we value. To close the gap, we need to change the way the country feels about work.“

One of the best ways to see is by doing. My jumping into retail at a critical moment in my life has open my eyes with humility and, though I try to treat everyone with respect, the experience has made me go forth to take every step with a sense of empathy for others.

It has also made me realize the significant dignity in working retail. Despite how demeaning the public I serve can be, or how frustrating, exhausting and even dangerous the job can be, it is still a service for the greater good of the community that is not going away anytime soon.

In other words, no matter what, you need us.