10 GIFs That Accurately Describe Working In Retail

Working in retail can be a serious drag at times. That being said, here's a list of GIFs that accurately describe that experience.

Working in retail isn’t easy. Everyone’s in a rush, trying to barge past everyone to find what they’re looking for. Talking to customers isn’t always bad, more often than not they’re really lovely and genuinely just want help. But sometimes, there are the odd few who like pushing things too far. Retail is usually the job you have whilst you’re biding your time in university or volunteering. Most people don’t want to actually be there. But like any job, it has both it’s pros and cons. Here’s are 10 gifs that accurately describe working in retail.

1. The face you make when a customer is describing a product.

The amount of people who walk into a shop without knowing what they want is staggeringly high. If you’re browsing, that’s perfectly fine! But then there are the difficult people who still ask you over to give you a vague and cryptic description of something you’re pretty sure doesn’t even exist. The worst part is, you have to actually try and find this non-existent thing! Good luck people, good luck.

2. When you’re counting down the minutes until you can leave.

If someone tells you that they enjoy working in retail…they’re lying! It has it’s moments but it’s also incredibly stressful. Half of your shift is spent counting down the minutes until your next break and then finally, until you can finish. Clocking out is the best part of the day.

3. Trying to beat the till at maths.

Never bother trying to do the maths. Your brain just gives up before each shift and there’s no room left for numbers. There might be the odd occasion where the tills stop working and you have to pretend you’re Einstein, but otherwise, just leave it to technology.

4. That feeling when the section you just cleaned is a mess again.

One of the biggest annoyances of any retail employee, is seeing your section being destroyed right before your eyes. There comes a time in every employees career, where they stop making an effort and just do a quick clean because they know there’s no point. If you’re going to do a deep clean, do it at the end of your shift. It’ll only break you otherwise.

5. Dreaming about when your next break is.

Especially during an early shift, all you can think about is food. Whether you’re waiting to run and hide in a near-by coffee shop, or you have prepared food at home, all that’s on your mind is when you can go eat. It’s a good break from customers and the best part of any shift. We need food to refuel or we’ll go insane!

6. The feeling when your best friend isn’t in.

The worst shifts are always when your favourite colleagues aren’t in. You have to pass the time by yourself and have no one to rant to. You have no one to shout at when a difficult customer makes you feel like crying and no one to talk to when you’re on break. It’s sad. You might as well not even go in without them.

7. Trying to stay calm when talking to a difficult customer.

There’s always that one customer who thinks they’re right and has no problem with trying to catch you out or make you cry. No matter how much you smile or try to be helpful, they will always ask for the manager and moan at how long it takes to find them. Why? What do you get out of this?!

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8. The realisation that your weekends are ruined.

Your weekend no longer belongs to you. Accept it. They’re hell and extremely busy. Either go in with a hangover or accept that weekends will no longer be fun. It can be soul crushing when you start making plans then realise that you’re actually in work during that time.

9. That time of year where you have to prepare for Christmas.

Most people who work in retail inevitably become the real-life versions of The Grinch. Christmas means longer shifts and changing stock around. Christmas isn’t so cheery when you have to re-label everything, move shelves and stay past closing hours. Most end up working Christmas day anyway so not like we can actually enjoy it.

10. The relief of finally getting home.

The best part of any working day is going home. After hours of being on your feet, it’s so nice to clock out and leave everyone else behind to suffer.

Please treat employees with respect whenever you go shopping, especially around the holidays. Chances are, you’ve been there too at some point in your life. No one enjoys working in retail, so please spare a thought for those of us still there.