Christmas is only 11 days away, and as usual, I'm way behind. Retail jobs are the worst when the holidays roll around and there's precious little time or energy left over each day to prepare. Even with the modest little celebration that we have in my house, getting ready for it is always a struggle.
Today is my first day off since last Wednesday. Every single day at work has been between 10-12 hours long, often not ending until midnight. We're super busy; we have four or five times the numbers of customers shopping, needing assistance, placing orders, wrecking the store (the recovery each night is a nightmare) and spending money. Then all that extra cash flow makes balancing tills, safe drops, bank runs for change, and sorting out discrepancies that much more work added to the day. For fun, add in all the big events, like the Harry Potter winter ball we hosted on Friday night (over 100 people showed up for that). We're all run off our feet. My pedometer shows that I'm walking 5 or 6 miles every shift!
After all that work, guess how much energy I have left to prepare for Christmas once I get home....I'll tell you: not much. All I feel like doing is eating a sandwich, drinking a glass of wine, and zoning out over an episode or two of Game of Thrones. And then collapsing in bed!
But the holiday is coming whether I'm prepared for it or not, and I need to do some stuff. I'm off today and tomorrow and the majority of the shopping and the last of the decorating have to happen now if they're going to happen at all. It's going to be a busy two days.
Honestly, I'm just ready for this all to be over.
I never liked Holidays because of all the stress before, i hope that every thing will be ok for you Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteEverything will be fine! :)
DeleteEating a sandwich, and a glass of wine sounds like a perfect way to spend the day, Jennifer. Just enjoy yourself and relax. To hell with tradition !
ReplyDeleteAt least we have very little family (and no kids) to disappoint!
DeleteI too am behind and like you had several health emergency to deal with.
ReplyDeleteThinking that all the stress you have had the last few years with the people of your job is one major factor in your being so tired.
Just have a quiet Holiday with the sweet family and just enjoy the day.
Plus a sandwich and a glass of wine sound just right for me.
cheers, parsnip
Yes, I believe that stress makes a big difference in my energy level. When I worked at Pier 1 I mostly loved my job and my coworkers. Although Christmas was a very busy time, we had fun together and it never wore me out the way this current job does!
Delete"Honestly, I'm just ready for this all to be over." Don't do it Jennifer! Taking your own life is no solution. How would Gregg, the dogs and Marco cope without you?
ReplyDeleteOk, YP. You've talked me down off the ledge!
DeleteMake a list and tick it off...........there thats all there is to itX
ReplyDeleteYou're right, John. List making is underway!
DeleteI do less each year. It makes Christmas more relaxing and enjoyable, but I don't work the way that you do. I understand your feelings.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I wouldn't even mind the extra work if my workplace and workmates were more fun to be around. At my last job, we enjoyed ourselves when the holidays rolled around, even when we were working hard!
DeleteGood co-workers make all the difference. A new job for you is near the top of my prayer list.
DeleteThat is so understandable. People working in retail have a really hard time during the holidays!
ReplyDeleteI wish everyone had to work a full year in retail at least once in their lives. It would be a real eye-opener for many.
DeleteChristmas should be relaxing; not stressful. Forget presents (or just buy 20 packs of chocs), make sure you have a Turkey in the freezer, plenty of booze, halve the amount of decorations, buys spuds and sprouts in advance, and voila! With Christmas day being on a Sunday this year, it should be no different from an ordinary Sunday lunch/dinner.
ReplyDeleteVery sensible advice! There will be plenty of booze, and a ham instead of a turkey, and most important of all, my husband and our dear furry ones to spend the day with!
DeleteFor Christmas, ask Santa for a professional resume service to review your cover letter and resume. Buy books or visit web sites about interviewing techniques. Reconsider who you are using as references. You seem like a really nice person, and this job is affecting your health and well being. Here's hoping 2017 is your year and a better job with full benefits is in the cards. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteThank you Colette! Great advice. I plan to overhaul my resume and cover letter in January and to start the job hunt afresh. Having a professional review them is a really good idea!!! I will do that.
DeleteCro Magnon is right! Make it relaxing; who says you need to do all that stuff you do not want to do?
ReplyDeleteFor years, I worked 50-60 hours a week in the two months leading up to Christmas. By the time Christmas came round, I was looking forward to just sleeping in and NOT going to work for a few days.
I think it is from that time that I started preparing early, so that I would not feel under any pressure at home - the stress at work was enough and could not be helped.
I still prepare early, even though I have a LOT more time and energy left after work, and it makes Christmas and the weeks leading up to it something I truly enjoy. How I wish I could send you some stress-relief!
Honestly, the worst part (for me) isn't being stressed out, it's the fact that I feel like I miss out on so much of the fun this time of year. I WANT to decorate, bake, attend holiday events, and so on, but I just don't have the energy to do all those things after work. Hopefully next year I'll be out of retail for good!
DeleteDear Jennifer, this time last year, I was also immersed in December Retail World, and can easily remember the pressures. This December, when I am in shops, I have so much sympathy for the folks who are there helping the rest of us enjoy our own Christmas preparations.
ReplyDeletexo
When I finally manage to exit Retail World, I will have the utmost sympathy and respect for retail workers for the rest of my life. I already go out of my way to be a great customer, thanking everyone and being as nice and accommodating as possible. And when I eat out this time of year, I try to tip extra generously.
DeleteYes, that's how I feel, Jennifer. Once you've walked in those shoes, you never quite forget what it was like. xo
DeleteAbout 100 (or 200) years ago, I spent one Christmas working in Men's Fragrances at Macy's Herald Square. You have my admiration and my sympathy. You could get the "holiday spirit" sucked right out of you. I hope you find some joy for yourself this year!
ReplyDeleteI spent 5 years in retail during the '70s then surprised myself by going outdoors to become a gardener. Never lost the sales skills I learned indoors and sometimes rely on them in retirement. Whatever work you have in future plans, you'll do well. I'm a relatively new follower on your excellent blog but have a solid impression that you are a very good communicator and a stabilizer in the workplace. Occupational progress and joy are well-begun with a sandwich and a glass of wine. Best holiday wishes to you --in this and all seasons.
ReplyDelete