Returning to Retail

When I chose to get a masters degree in public history, I knew that it wouldn't be easy to find a job because the economy was hurting more people than it was helping; however, part of me still hoped that it would turn around before I graduated. Unfortunately, the situation has only gotten worse in the past two years, and I had to do what many other twenty-somethings (including most of my friends) are using as their last resort: move back in with the parents and accept part-time work wherever you can.

Because I want to keep volunteering at the Civil Rights Institute, I decided that retail was my best option for employment. I probably wouldn't have had any trouble finding a job at a call center or a temp agency, but those would require me to work Monday through Friday, and the Civil Rights Institute's archives is closed on the weekends. I was shocked that Target hired me so quickly after I sent in my application, but after just two days I know from first-hand experience that they weren't exaggerating their need for cashiers.

I had my orientation on Monday, and I was shocked when I received my schedule. They immediately had me working eight-hour shifts for the next six days, requiring me to cancel any plans I had with friends this week. However, I'm choosing to look on the bright side. Every hour that I stand behind a register is another few dollars to spend in England, and since Target is in the middle of hiring a lot of cashiers, my schedule should slim down in a couple of weeks.

The work itself is easy enough, since cashiers are only responsible for ringing up purchases. Unlike at CVS, I never have to process film, do returns, or stock product when there are not customers in line. So far I like it better that way, and the register system is a lot better than CVS's too. Everyone I've met has been really nice and welcoming, and I think I'm going to really like working there. Obviously the money's not the best and it's not history, but I can think of a lot worse places to work for the next year or so.