Hyacinth Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Brainstorm with me. If you had to work a retail job (for the flexible night/weekend hours primarily) for at least a year or so (but not as a long-term career), where would you consider applying? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scholastica Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 If I had to, I'd look for a small mom and pop establishment. The big boxes are pretty terrible to their employees. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I have a friend who works at the Container Store. She works odd hours because she unloads trucks a lot. I would consider waiting tables if it were me. You can make a lot of money waiting tables. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I don't know - I think anywhere that doesn't actually offend you morally would be okay for a year. I worked full time for Emporium department stores in California in its frantic dying days. It was pretty bleak and depressing, but it was money and I was only there for about a year. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I'd personally pick a coffee shop or a yarn shop because I like coffee and yarn. I find that people that come into those establishments are usually in a good mood because they're about to get their fix of yarn or coffee. Why doesn't anyone own a coffee bar/yarn shop? Brilliant! It could double as a tapas/wine bar at night! ;) What do you like? What interests you? That might be a start. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 The Gap used to be a good place to work, but I've heard lots of negatives about Old Navy (although affiliated with The Gap, they apparently have a different mgmt. and training style). I have enjoyed other clothing retail in the past, especially department stores on the higher end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Some of the larger stores are easier because they wilhave a lot more flexibility with hours. I worked Kmart for years in high school and college, and I was always able to walk in and tell them what hours I could work (that was a long time ago though). I worked overnight stock crew at Sam's club about a decade ago. Biggest advantage to that besides the hours was that I lost 40 pounds. Dd worked for Target the past two years. She's gotten decent pay but they cut hours periodically and that's a pain. I would love to work at a bookstore for the discount but my entire paycheck would probably get spent in the store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I'd go for a grocery store. Of all the jobs in that category I've had, that was one of the better ones. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Wegman's or Whole Foods 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 If I had to, I'd look for a small mom and pop establishment. The big boxes are pretty terrible to their employees. You read my mind. Possible problems with this, though: (1) Do you need to have insurance? Might not be available because size of company does not meet the required threshold. (2) Do you need guaranteed vacation? Might not be built into the job. (relatd to #1) (3) If you have to take time off, is there someone at the company trained/available/willing to cover for you? (4) If a job opening is with a friend or relative, have a solid, resilient relationship already in place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Ikea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I'd personally pick a coffee shop or a yarn shop because I like coffee and yarn. I find that people that come into those establishments are usually in a good mood because they're about to get their fix of yarn or coffee. Why doesn't anyone own a coffee bar/yarn shop? Brilliant! It could double as a tapas/wine bar at night! ;) What do you like? What interests you? That might be a start. I glanced at this and -- truly! -- my first thought was of a coffee shop with tale-spinning counter staff. (i.e. always someone with a good yarn to tell) 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmilyGF Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I'd go for a restaurant - it'd make it easier to get weekend/evening hours. Also, if you eat there a few times a week, you lose all desire to eat out at other times, which can save $$$ (worked for me in college). Emily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grantmom Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 If I needed a part-time job for a year like that I would wait tables. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Costco has a very good reputation as an employer. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Trader Joe's - everyone who works there that I've met is happy. Ikea - I have known people who worked there - they say it's a good place to be. Costco - Their employees rank highly on happiness and they pay well. Jo-Ann's - I've heard good things and it's a very female-positive company. Many grocery stores can be good as well - depends. I know where I'd avoid too - everyone says Target is horrible. Wal-Mart is infamously horrible. I've heard negative things about Bed, Bath and Beyond and Home Depot. I've worked briefly in clothing retail and it was the pits, but it probably depends on the place... Oh, and of course, Lululemon is a cult, so not there... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I'd personally pick a coffee shop or a yarn shop because I like coffee and yarn. I find that people that come into those establishments are usually in a good mood because they're about to get their fix of yarn or coffee. Why doesn't anyone own a coffee bar/yarn shop? Brilliant! It could double as a tapas/wine bar at night! ;) What do you like? What interests you? That might be a start. Too much spilling on the knitting materials! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Too much spilling on the knitting materials! Agreeing. Why, then, does Barnes & Noble allow people to go everywhere in the store with spillable drinks and grease-marking foods? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Go with what you love. My aunt worked at a jewelry store in the years between kids leaving home and taking care of grandkids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrixieB Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 You read my mind. Possible problems with this, though: (1) Do you need to have insurance? Might not be available because size of company does not meet the required threshold. (2) Do you need guaranteed vacation? Might not be built into the job. (relatd to #1) (3) If you have to take time off, is there someone at the company trained/available/willing to cover for you? Definitely think about these. Also, there can be pay differences between small stores & big retail. A lot of big retail is union with a set pay scale. Small businesses could pay more or less, and they may not have a set salary increase schedule, which could be a good or a bad thing. It all depends on the owner. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I have considered working for trader joes. I have spoken with their employees and they are all very happy at my local store. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in FL. Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 If I needed a job like that my first choice would be Publix. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplejackmama Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I worked at Target years ago. I enjoyed it. Red & Khaki are my colors :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I'd pick something with an easy commute that was willing to work with my hours. I'm not sure the actual place would matter quite as much to be honest, but I might ask current employees what they thought about working there. When we were earlier in our marriage and I needed something to work, I picked a local grocery store that was open 24 hours so I could do the night shift 3 - 4 nights per week and avoid needing a sitter or day care. It worked out quite well. It was probably just a mile from the house we were renting, so I didn't spend much time or money commuting. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PIE! Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I'll second trader joe's. I had a close friend who worked there and loved it. Great people to work with, great benefits, and a lot of understanding with life's complications. My friend is diabetic and her boss had no problem with the occasional issues she had from it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Agreeing. Why, then, does Barnes & Noble allow people to go everywhere in the store with spillable drinks and grease-marking foods? Most of them have gone out of business around here. That doesn't answer your question, but they seem to be a dying industry unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I would avoid Trader Joe's like the plague. Those people are way too cheerful. I can't even stand to shop there. YMMV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I would avoid Trader Joe's like the plague. Those people are way too cheerful. I can't even stand to shop there. YMMV. Hahaha...yeah I probably couldn't get hired. I'm not that chipper. Maybe the DMV would take me. 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 My 22yo is working at Kohl's. She has really liked that they have generally given her 20-25 hours/week. Occasionally she has an 18 hour week, but that's not typical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Hahaha...yeah I probably couldn't get hired. I'm not that chipper. Maybe the DMV would take me. I actually think I would like working at the DMV. Being among downers doesn't affect me; in fact, sometimes it makes me nicer. I think that's because downers are usually quiet....Maybe that's the problem. If Trader Joe's employees could be happy but keep it to themselves, that would be awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livetoread Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I have considered working for trader joes. I have spoken with their employees and they are all very happy at my local store. Depends on how you feel about loudly breaking out into song at random moments. It seems to be a job requirement at the one near me. Not that I mind hearing it :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsMommy Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I worked at Target years ago. I enjoyed it. Red & Khaki are my colors :) I worked at Target right after dh and I got married, before I foun a "real" job, and I loved it! If I needed to get a part-time job now, that would be the first place I'd go. On the other hand, I worked at Kohl's in college, and it was a horrible experience. I would never work there again. A small franchise within a bigger chain, like Hallmark, can also be a fun place to work, depending on the local ownership. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I actually think I would like working at the DMV. Being among downers doesn't affect me; in fact, sometimes it makes me nicer. I think that's because downers are usually quiet....Maybe that's the problem. If Trader Joe's employees could be happy but keep it to themselves, that would be awesome. I don't mind chipper if it feels genuine. Really I'm happy with someone doing their job and being real. No need to pretend I'm your BFF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 This case and the articles that came out around it are why I wouldn't want to work at Target. http://www.businessinsider.com/target-workers-claim-walk-of-shame-is-widespread-2015-2 But really, even for a large chain, I'm sure that there are exceptions. Surely there's a Trader Joe's out there that's miserable with a jerk manager and a Target or two where everyone's super nice. So I think I'd poke around locally. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I don't know - I think anywhere that doesn't actually offend you morally would be okay for a year. I worked full time for Emporium department stores in California in its frantic dying days. It was pretty bleak and depressing, but it was money and I was only there for about a year. Oh, I remember Emporium in California in the 70's! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Trader Joe's or Costco. Have you noticed that they don't have much employee turnover? You see familiar people all the time. I've heard good things about both. I'm probably not extroverted enough for Trader Joe's--it seems you have to be kind of chatty. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 DisneyWorld! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplejackmama Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 This case and the articles that came out around it are why I wouldn't want to work at Target. http://www.businessinsider.com/target-workers-claim-walk-of-shame-is-widespread-2015-2 But really, even for a large chain, I'm sure that there are exceptions. Surely there's a Trader Joe's out there that's miserable with a jerk manager and a Target or two where everyone's super nice. So I think I'd poke around locally. Yikes! I never experienced anything like this. :/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenneinCA Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Maybe a movie theater. There is one close to my house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I would pick a place that pays an hourly wage plus an additional commission on sales. If it is a busy store, you will make more money if you are earning commission on top of the hourly wage. Additionally, I think you should try to find a place that is close to home if you can, and to look for a store that is open for relatively short hours unless you want to be stuck working late at night and all weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I've heard good things about Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, most grocery stores and Starbucks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Yikes! I never experienced anything like this. :/ I live near Target headquarters and have known lots of people who've worked at Target over the years. Both in retail and at headquarters. Most people I know have really liked working there. I don't doubt these incident happened at all. But I question how widespread it actually is. There are probably like in the range of 40 Target stores in the Twin Cities metro alone. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Ikea. I could do this. A book store Nothing where they serve food - just my preference- plus I'm a klutz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 You might consider what you want to put into it. For example, are you really the sale's type? Or would you prefer to just git er done? Maybe you have a particular thing you enjoy like kitchen goods or sporting goods. I've always thought I wouldn't mind working in a fancy kitchen shop in a mall. Except I'd always feel like I was ripping people off because they can buy the stuff literally ANYWHERE else for less money. LOL See I'm too honest for sales. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatechip Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Costco, definitely. A good friend was a career Costco baker until he was diagnosed with cancer and got too sick to work. I've heard good things about Trader Joe's. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Love_to_Read Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Starbucks is supposed to have good benefits. Not sure how people like it, but they're all over the place. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Once again, we do not have Costco...stop talking about Costco. Do you people not listen to me?! (kidding...have to put the disclaimer) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I'd like to work in a good teacher's store--not Lakeshore, because I don't like all the plastic crap, but somewhere like that. I'd go for a pet store (food, not pets) and grooming place, too--I love our store, and the customer service is quite friendly, plus you get to see dogs all the time coming in for a walk around with their owners. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 I'd like to work in a good teacher's store--not Lakeshore, because I don't like all the plastic crap, but somewhere like that. I'd go for a pet store (food, not pets) and grooming place, too--I love our store, and the customer service is quite friendly, plus you get to see dogs all the time coming in for a walk around with their owners. :D Oh! A pet store would be fun. I could go up to someone and ask them, "So, do you want to buy a snake?" Where else could I do that?! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Oh! A pet store would be fun. I could go up to someone and ask them, "So, do you want to buy a snake?" Where else could I do that?! or a weasel! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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