Why Work In Retail, Its A dead End Job Not

This one is for all the retail workers out there; I am going to start with a story. One that hit close to home, it’s a true story that highlights perceptions that people can have. It shows when sometimes people can think they are being kind when unintendedly they may be being condescending.

So here goes, not too long ago “Lil” was performing her usual job at the supermarket. While working away she approached a customer and asked if she could be of assistance.

The customer was delighted by this and the two then had a little chat, before Lil went back to completing her work.

Now all is well up to this point until a few moments later when the customer came back over to Lil and asked a question. Now this question had no malice involved and was asked with good intentions.

The customer asked, “I was wondering If I could give you $5 because you do a great job and don’t get paid enough. Lil politely answered “No”.

The customer then asked, “Are you sure” with Lil replying with “Yes trust me I do not need the money I get paid enough”.

Lil was very appreciative of the gesture and felt valued however what the customer didn’t realise was that Lil actually earns a high salary equivalent to above the Australian average.

There is a big misconception out there that retail is a dead-end job with no future and little money involved. Retail workers are consistently looked down upon and even sometimes shown pity.

The truth is retail can be quite rewarding; it has many career avenues and pays quite well if made into a career.

I write this specifically to all the retail workers to say you add value and are no less successful than anyone else.

So, what does this have to do with ‘Retirement Rehearsal’ you ask.

Well doesn’t matter what you do for work, it doesn’t matter where you come from, If you put your mind to it anything can be achieved.

This includes early retirement through smart choices.

Also, the next time you see that person pushing trolleys don’t automatically assume they are not where they want to be as maybe that’s just their own form of retirement.