10 Lessons From Behind the Counter

I have spent the last two years of my life working in retail. I applied for a job the summer of my freshman year looking to gain pocket change and “experience,” but I was entirely clueless as to what that experience would mean. I assumed I would become friendlier, become more independent, and learn what it would mean for me to have more responsibility. Yes, I gained all of these things from working, but the lessons that I’ve learned from behind the counter amounted to so much more than just increased people skills.

1. Most people take pride in their work, no matter what that work may be.

I take pride in what I’m doing, even in the tasks that may seem small to other people. Respect the work that people do and remember that they strive to do their work well.

2. Everyone leads a life as complex as your own.

People walk in and out of the store everyday. Sometimes a customer will make a small comment that doesn’t mean much to them but it will sit with me for the rest of the day. Remember that people have to live with the words you say to them and approach interactions with the knowledge that people are leading complex lives of their own.

3. Sometimes you are the only person there to listen.

It can be easy to feel a bit uncomfortable when someone you have never met begins to share very personal stories with you but it is important to remember that they might not have someone else to talk to. I know that sometimes I have conversations with customers and it will be the only interaction with another person that they have that day. It is important to sometimes put your own struggles aside and let another person know that you are there for them.

4. Please and thank you actually matter.

Using please and thank you seems like a small courtesy but it’s extremely important and often overlooked. It’s a way to let someone know that you appreciate the effort that they are making and a great way to extend respect to a person.

5. Take accountability for your actions.

We’re all taught to say sorry and to realize when we have made a mistake. Taking accountability is more than just recognizing when you are wrong. It means acknowledging the responsibility you have to yourself and to the people around you.

6. Do not dismiss people.

Many times a customer will come into the store without saying a word to the person who is working. They rush through, find what they want, quickly pay and go. I find this interaction more upsetting than dealing with a customer who is blatantly rude to me. I feel dismissed and I feel that I am somehow lesser to the person I am helping. It matters to me when a customer smiles and asks how I am. Treat employees with the respect you would like to be treated with.

7. It’s someone’s job to clean up after you.

Before getting a job, I often took for granted the fact that someone else is responsible for order within a store. Even in our school, kids often leave a mess, forgetting the extra work they are making for our custodians. It’s important to respect someone’s place of work and remember the effort that goes into its maintenance.

8. EVERYONE is tired.

We all have our own struggles and sometimes we get caught up in our own pain. I have learned that for whatever amount of time a customer is in my store, I want to help them to feel comfortable and cared for. I have learned to approach conversation with an understanding that I cannot possibly know what a person is going through. It’s important to treat everyone with kindness and respect.

9. We’re all in this together.

I love to visit Dunkin Donuts when I’m having a long day at work because their employees have been extremely kind to me. I love visiting and quickly catching up with them before returning to work. It instantly makes me feel better. It has taught me the importance of having a strong support system and creating a climate where we strive to help everyone succeed and grow.

10. Recognize situations when it is your job is to help another person before yourself

I have learned how to let someone know that my job is to help him or her. There are many times in our lives when we have to put other people’s needs before our own. It is important to recognize the times when your job is to be there for another person, even if it is an inconvenience.