13 Reasons Why I’m Retiring From Retail (And yes, Some are Petty)

Written By Keonna Nelson

Turning 30 and finding myself without a job due to a company’s bankruptcy has made me realize that retail, with its constant instability, low pay, and lack of long-term security, isn’t a career path that offers longevity or promise for the future. Sigh. Now, I’m taking a more thoughtful and strategic approach to job searching, focusing on opportunities that provide stability and growth.

Here’s some reasons why I’m retiring from retail.

1. Low Pay:

Despite the hard work, the compensation in retail doesn’t match the effort put in. This makes it challenging to sustain a comfortable lifestyle.

2. Barely Any Benefits:

The lack of comprehensive benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans has been a significant drawback.

3. Downfall of Businesses:

With businesses going bankrupt or closing down, employees are often left with little leverage and minimal severance, creating an unstable work environment.

4. Policy Changes Affecting Employees/Customers:

Constant shifts in company policies create confusion and stress for both employees and customers, disrupting workflow and customer service.

5. Rude Customers:

Dealing with rude customers daily takes an emotional toll, making it harder to maintain a positive attitude at work.

6. Customers with No Decency for Clothing:

Many customers show no respect for the merchandise, leaving clothes everywhere, dirty or damaged, making it exhausting to constantly clean up.

7. Clutters in Fitting Rooms:

The constant mess in fitting rooms, with customers leaving piles of clothes behind, makes it challenging to maintain order.

8. Customers Who Don’t Understand Return/Exchange Policies:

Many customers act as if they don’t understand simple return and exchange policies, causing unnecessary frustration and confrontation.

9. Customers with Time Blindness:

Some customers completely disregard store hours, expecting to be served before the store opens or long after it closes, which is both stressful and disrespectful.

10. Misunderstanding the Difference Between Retail and Outlet Stores:

Customers often don’t grasp the distinctions between retail and outlet stores, leading to confusion and misplaced expectations around product quality and pricing.

11. Confusion Over Discounts/Promotions:

Customers frequently fail to understand how discounts and promotions work, which leads to constant arguments over pricing at the register.

12. Customers Claiming to Know Company Policies to Get Their Way:

Some customers attempt to manipulate or bribe employees by falsely claiming they know company policies, creating unnecessary conflicts.

13. Complaints About Styles/Brands:

Despite being a retail associate, many customers blame you for the store’s clothing styles or brand selections, as if you have control over it, leading to frustration over things out of your control.

Bonus: Customers Stealing:

The constant threat of theft not only adds stress but also leads to tighter, often inconvenient, security measures, making the retail environment feel even more challenging to manage.

While my journey in retail has ended, I’m very optimistic about new beginnings and career path. I love to write so hopefully my creativity can take me far! I’m committed to finding a career that aligns with my long-term goals and values.

Thanks for reading! :)