New Challenges

I did not do particularly well with my job training today. I am not picking up how to use the cash register quickly and I feel frustrated and slow. The 20-year old who was working with me refused to tell me what to do when I was stuck and I got short with her and told her to tell me. I didn't know the answer - there was a line forming - I was making the current customer wait. So what was the point of her "tough" attitude? I am used to a slower, more relaxed work atmosphere. And one in which I am confident because I know what I am doing. I took this job in retail because it offered more hours and the potential for advancement over work in my social services field - but now I am beginning to doubt my decision. Except I don't have much of a choice at this point. I have to get it and catch on here. I need the job and I need the income. I feel displaced - old and rusty. Most of the others in training have recently worked in retail and are familiar with how to use registers. I have been told that they push you quickly and basically throw you into the fire to sink or swim. In my opinion this is a silly plan. Why should someone who is not ready be forced to handle a job they are not fully trained for? Mistakes are sure to be made and customers will get upset. The training so far has not been thorough. In any case, I am someone who has to do a task before understanding it. Sure, they've told me how to do something and run through it once in training, but it hasn't stuck with me. We'll have to see how tomorrow goes. I actually debated not going back after my morning today - I left with a migraine and much discouragement. But I just have to try and make this work out. Besides, I do want it to. Obviously, with practice I'll get the hang of things. I definitely do not agree with their training methods. Or maybe I'm just not cut out for this line of work. There has been too much to remember and keep track of - all while going at a quick pace. As I drove home I just kept thinking that I wouldn't be facing this pressure if my husband hadn't died. This is just another crummy obstacle to have to face and get through on my own. I have tried not to be rude in these posts but right now I just want to say that this totally SUCKS!

Today I am grateful for:

1. Having enough decent clothes in my wardrobe that fit for Spring.
2. Ditto for shoes.
3. Patient customers - hopefully they'll be extra patient tomorrow.
4. Second chances - I hope this job will give me one (they might even need to give me more).
5. OTC migraine medicine (which wasn't even available until a few years ago - unfortunately, since my husband's death I pop way more of these pills than I'd like).