Supermarket Work

[zoe76]

Has anyone ever worked in a supermarket? If so, what was your experience of it?

I could get a part time job which would be paid work rather than work that I'm doing at the minute - clerical work and support for people with immigration issues which is voluntary.

The reason I'm asking is every time I go in a supermarket the staff never seem happy, most are miserable and the rest willing to help but they might as well have a recording of what they say and just play it to everyone to save them moving their mouth

[inksplotter]

Try doing freelance work at ODesk or Elance if you enjoy clerical work, though you will lose money to start off with.

[Old_Geezer]

It may depend on the supermarket. I've not worked in one but know folk who have. It probably depends on your personality too.

The work is low paid. Shelf stacking sort of mind numbing. If always smiling and talking to strangers is not your thing then you won't be ecstatic over the job. Your co-workers might prove to be bitchy if you are unlucky. It's not a career choice, but can give you some extra income.

[stoofur]

I have worked in a few supermarkets over the years. I have enjoyed it at all of them. Sometimes customers can be a bit difficult but I always had a smile for them. I always hated working the checkouts and having to ask for ID for alcohol purchases. It can be quite intimidating having to ask for ID or making a judgement call.

[zoe76]

Inkspotter thank you, but it's the clerical work I'm mainly fed up of, it's too repetitve, also I'm tired of working with dozens of people offering support and helping them when 90% of them are imo not genuine. But I am passing your links to a friend who is also looking for work and she is wanting clerical so big thanks for that as I've never heard of either of those companies.

Thank you OldGeezer, yeah thats kind of how I was thinking, robotic and zombie inducing lol But as to my personality, I'm friendly, quite energetic, easily approachable, quite a lot of patience.

Thanks stufoor, I hadn't thought of that situation and I guess it would happen often on the check out with alcohol, movies, games etc. I can imagine it could be intimidating having to outright ask but I would probably do it light hearted and say they didn't look old enough can you give proof kind of thing

[black_cat51]

many supermarkets have alreadt taken on your idea of "hey might as well have a recording of what they say and just play it to everyone to save them moving their mouth"
try "unexpected item on bagging area"

[Scarlett]

I worked in Tescos as a student then Asda a bit later on. I was always part time as I had other things on, but I had a real laugh working there. It was fun- great camaraderie, made some good friends. It was just a job- not much job satisfaction, fairly mundane, but I enjoyed it.

[Eve]

I worked in a supermarket while studying and enjoyed it for the most part (most jobs have their moments). I did a range of things from the deli counter and checkouts/kiosk mainly to some other bits round the place.

Lots of really nice people working there, lots of students in my place too.

It can get a bit repetitive and you do kind of go into a bit of an autopilot mode sometimes as you're doing the same kind of thing for hours.

I agree about the ID thing, can be difficult, especially if they don't have ID as you then can't serve them which can provoke some angry moments (especially if stuck on a kiosk waiting for a supervisor to come as a second check).

One thing I found is that you can get talked down to a bit and some people can be quite rude.

I loved the tannoy, got told I sounded too cheerful once though! :)

[gingejbee]

No, I haven't...but if I were to work in a supermarket, I think it would have to be Waitrose. Their staff ("partners") always are helpful, seem happy in their jobs and enjoy lots of benefits. I suppose it helps that they actually "own" the business and enjoy large bonuses the more successful the store is!

[ummmm]

I think I could happily work in a supermarket. The time flies when you're busy.

[zoe76]

hehe black_cat that is so true!

thanks to everyone for replies, I've taken the job and start Monday :)

[ummmm]

Good for you. Let us know how you get on :-)

[zoe76]

Thanks and I will. I went for induction type meeting earlier, bit of health and safety, shown around, big canteen for the size of the place - medium size Tesco Express, we don't have a set job, eg, checkout only or shelf stacking only so I'm hoping it will be interesting and I 'know' a couple of the staff from nipping in when I'm going to mums house so it's not as nerve racking as I thought it may be :0)

[gingejbee]

You'll be glad it's not Aldi or Lidl...the staff there seem to be expected to do three jobs at the same time...while eating their lunch! The Germans know how to get value for money from their staff.

[knittynora]

And a fourth job when you get home. I think you're expected to sort out your own income tax too.

I know people knock Tesco's but as I understand it they pay better than Asda and Morrisons

[Scarlett]

By the way, I first worked in Waitrose when I was 16 and found it snobby, stiff, distant and unfriendly. I lasted a month and then got a job in Tescos which was great fun, down to earth - and I stayed there 2 years. Waitrose may be great for the customers but I preferred Tescos to work for!

[DJHawkes]

Type Your Answer Here...working in retail these days you are expected to do the job of 3 people for minimum wage and treated as either a number or a robot, avoid at all costs

[Jeza]

As a young un I worked on the tills at Tesco. The worst part was seeing couples arguing about what to buy. As in, I'm not paying for your beer or Why do kids have to have choc biscuits etc etc. I Didn't last long I often went home suicidal.

[Prudie]

Years ago I had a summer job on the tills in Fine Fare when you actually had to key the prices in, loved it but irrelevant experience to go on today. My daughter did the same in Tesco and they treated her really badly in comparison with my current civil service job! All holiday had to be booked way in advance, really hard on sick leave and warnings etc etc. Probably better if you get established and higher up the ladder. have to agree that many of the staff in my local Tesco are grumpy and disinterested.

[zoe76]

Thanks everyone for latest replies.

Comments about doing work of 3 are sadly true! So is the one about sick leave and warnings, according to rest of my work mates, but they (workmates) are brilliant, fun, down to earth and so far I'm enjoying working there, well, except for a couple of regular customers who I could cheerfully throttle lol