The Departed

ONE DAY YOU WILL LEAVE. Whether it be because you quit, you were fired, you moved up the ranks, or because you were dragged out, kicking and screaming when you turned 69 years old. Any way it happens, you will leave the counter. And once it does there are several things you are socially obligated to do (and not do) amongst your cashier brethren.

If you quit, don't hold grudges. Don't forever glare at that one guy who always made you do his share of the work. Don't make mean remarks to the lady that left the store a mess every shift. And especially don't make it known that you are unhappy with your ex-boss. Just let it go. This step takes time if your job was particularly horrible, and that's natural. But don't let them see you grind your teeth. Making their lives easier (if you have to go back there on a regular basis) will make it easier for you to move on, because, honey, "ain't no one gunna" miss you for long. Maybe if you were a really awesome person to work with, or if you were the only one strong enough to change out the soda for the machine, but you can (and will) be replaced.

If you were fired, the same thing applies. Also, don't make life harder for the one hired to replace you. They don't care about you; all they know is that you made it easier for them to get a job. And once again, just let all of your anger go. There is no sense in losing your mind.

If you moved up the ranks, please, please don't forget what it was like pushing buttons all day. Or stocking shelves. Or sweeping the floor. Or smiling at rude customers. It sucked, remember? Don't make it worse by creating asinine policies that are detached from real life.

And finally, no matter how you left, why you left, or when you left, there are three words you need to keep in mind. No one cares. It's harsh, know, but no one cares that you had once stood where they do now. No one cares that they have it much easier than you did, or that the procedures made much more sense back then. And one more thing: don't assume that what you know is even somewhat relevant to what they have to work with now. The other day I had an old man trying to tell me that I was doing the lottery wrong, refusing to believe it was a much more modern machine than he used fifty years ago.

HOWEVER, to those who run into ex-employees, listen to their advice. They may have a precious gem stored somewhere in there that will make your life so much better. I have learned many a thing that I wouldn't have otherwise from a woman who comes in all the time.

Next up on Wednesday is an article addressing the bit of the population who has never held a register job. And after that, I have an interesting idea to share! And finally, after that, I think I will be able to break the week up into categories. More on that bit next time, however.