The People of Retail

Working retail is a strange occupation. On one hand, you must focus on the assigned work and completing necessary tasks. On the other hand, there is this sincere desire to find what people need and to connect with them.

Help a person find shin guards for their daughter and matching pink socks. I smile, if I had the chance to play as a child, I would have asked for both pink socks and shin guards like her. Or the old people who have a far off, loving look in their eye. Who give advice. The old man who says, "Thanks Brooke." And says to his grandson, "see, she smiles when I say her name." And as he approaches the door he says, "it's something you pick up on over the years."

Working through clothing to be put away, shelves to straighten, and tags to place is a sort of drudgery similar to household chores. Necessary to daily store operation but not the favorite. However, the connection to people seems to be the reason that it is worth it.

It seems that the quiet and insane simplicity of retail work allows time for the mind to wander. Though there is constantly music blaring, I find myself pondering on life's issues. Schooling, family, money, the direction the world is going in, or people in general. It seems the same conclusions pop into my mind.

I realize I have a better memory than I thought, or that old friends just happen in. Short conversations in an effort to keep up on the work, but knowing that they still care about me. Seeing that people care about each other as they share coupons. They may never cross paths again, yet they want to be of assistance.

Even the homeless people, for the most part seem to have good in them. Though their lifestyle of begging is potentially controversial, it is clear that they are trying to get through the best way that they know how.

Each day at work will get long or boring, but then something small will happen. A small gesture by a person asking how my day is going, the use of my name as it is visible on my lanyard, or a coworker will crack a joke. Small things that show we each care about each other and make an effort to improve another's day.

I guess, too, the realization that as other's work through their own personal pain, they need to be loved. Imposing personal beliefs upon a person will not aid the situation. People just need love. Though sometimes a hard lesson to learn, it is entirely necessary to be a good human being.

In conclusion, I have learned throughout my life, but especially lately, that we need to love others, but also accept their love and care for them.