Sorry, I Can't Make it. I Work Retail.
How to navigate the invitations you can't attend
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After working in retail for two decades, my family got used to me not attending any events in November or December. They graciously left me alone, knowing that I’d emerge in January and come for a visit.
We make a lot of sacrifices working in retail.
Weird hours.
Working on holidays.
Missing out on family events.
I did it because I loved the work. The rush of holiday - every day - every hour - was a small victory. I adored team building and was proud to work on the sales floor during the busiest times.
However, our families don’t always get it.
They may give us a hard time for missing out or say the most dreadful sentence ever: “When are you going to get a real job?”
Here are a few thoughtful ways to navigate the rest of the year.
Watch the Complaining - Your Complaining
When you’re invited to a party, and you know you won’t be able to make it because you’re working, respond like this:
“Thank you so much for the invite! How cool! This is going to be an amazing time. I’ll actually be working this evening but I hope to make the next event. Cheers!”
If you start to throw around phrases like:
“UGH, I have to work.”
”You know how retail is. I’ll be stuck at the store.”
Your friends and family may prod you more to come to their party.
Sometimes, complaining about work seems like the easy way out, but it’s actually the opposite. When you complain, others dig in and encourage you even more to “get a real job.”
However, when you lean into the positive, people don’t have anywhere to go.
“My team is so awesome this year! I can’t wait to help them out this week.”
What is anyone going to say?
“Your job is stupid, you should quit.”
Not usually. It’s a jerk move.
It’s All Cheaper in January, Anyway
We’ve been raised to believe that retail isn’t a real job. It’s sucky, unimportant work that “anyone can do.” But that is false.
Is retail tough? Yes.
Are some companies literally the worst? Also, yes.
But we see that in all work.
It’s just more tangible in retail because everyone in the world has been shopping, so they think they understand the industry.
So, this holiday season, lean into the positive. Say, “Thanks for the invite”! And make plans to catch up in January.
The restaurants are less crowded then, anyway.
Fielding the desires of friends and family is not easy. Everyone wants your time when you have the least of it to give. Lean towards the positive, rest when you can, and celebrate the holidays in January when everything is half off.
MAILBOX
This entire article is in response to a DM I got.
A retail leader messaged me about their family, giving them a hard time about missing out on holiday events. So, I wrote this.
I hope it helps.
LEVEL UP
One thing you can do today to be a more effective leader.
Jump in.
Does a cashier need a break? Jump in for them.
Is someone swamped in the shoe department? Jump in.
Phone ringing? Grab it!
Too often, leaders sit back, observe, and nitpick.
“We’d like to see you all answering the phones faster.”
Oh, would you?
Let me give you some advice. You will earn 100 times the respect if you jump in and do the thing. There is no more significant action to motivate a team. If they see their boss on the floor alongside them, doing the same work they do - forget it. The store will crush it.
Try it and see.
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Based in Southern California, Kit Campoy is a former retail leader turned freelance writer. She covers Retail, Leadership, and Business.
Head to her website for more information or to work with her.
I have never worked retail, but I admire anyone who can make a career of it! It is one tough gig. I could never do it.
how enlightening; again Kit you are helping to open eyes and spread appreciation .....way to go