The Unwavering Reality of Retail Work During Holidays

Holidays in retail are certainly not holidays. If you are unable to commit to being available during these times or being available at least every second weekend, your work-life balance or your job prospects will be affected. Retail roles during holidays typically require employees to be available late into the evening, on weekends, and on public holidays – conditions no one can expect to leave work by 5 or even 6 PM. Instead, one must be ready to work when everyone else is not, facing long days and nights as the industry demands. This was my reality for 11 years.

Missing Out on Family Events

For me, the holiday retail grind meant I missed nearly every family event over those 11 years. Although my family members would try to organize events around my weekend off, my shift often switched or was cancelled last-minute because someone was off sick or had resigned. These rapid changes were the norm. Missed opportunities to be present for significant moments in my loved ones' lives were often unavoidable, and this was a stark reality for me and many retail workers.

Adrenaline and Overwork

Despite the challenges, one thing I found enjoyable about my holiday retail work was the busy pace. If you are passionate about retail, the fast-paced environment during busy days can be exhilarating. The constant flow of customers and busy atmosphere provided plenty of energy and adrenaline to carry me through the workload. I would often sleep for just 4 to 5 hours after a long day and then return to work. Once I finally got a day off after working for 6 consecutive days, I would sleep the entire day away, and then the stress and routine of a new working week would begin all over again.

Some days, the exhaustion was such that I would feel physically ill, walking around in a haze, with every step feeling painful, especially if I had to pick something up from the floor. The workload often demanded that I do the work of two employees, and on some days, I felt lucky to contribute only half that amount. The job demands extreme resilience, and it's no wonder that retail has low employee retention rates due to such demanding requirements.

Support Systems and Colleagues

Working long hours and managing the stress of potential overwork meant having a strong support system was essential. Name badges and the many colleagues I worked with daily became my lifeline. Having a team that could step in and cover shifts when needed greatly alleviated some of the stress associated with being overworked. These relationships were key in helping me navigate the long and demanding retail work schedule.

Conclusion

While the holiday retail experience can be challenging, it also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. It's crucial for individuals considering a retail career to fully understand the demands and sacrifices that come with it.

Keyword: retail holidays, retail work schedule, retail job requirements