<p>Well, I seem to be getting a job at KMart. I’ve heard horror stories of how these big corporations treat their employees (few hours, minimum wage) but that really doesn’t bother me. During school, I won’t need that many hours and, for me, minimum wage should be enough.</p>
<p>However, I’ve also heard other horror stories about KMart. I’ve applied to over 10 places and KMart is the only place who has scheduled an interview with me. Do any of you have experience with Kmart (with your S or D maybe?)? </p>
<p>I’ve completely run out of places to apply. I’ve even applied to several fast food joints. Kmart seems like a step (albeit small) up from that. What should I do?</p>
<p>I know, but nobody is hiring in this economy. I need this job just to pay for gas (a car is a necessity here. Very rural) and the cell phone. :(</p>
<p>Retail isn’t easy … and many times it will seem that you are just an unappreciated cog in the wheel. However – if they are willing to pay you minimum wage, and give you enough hours to fill the gas tank and keep the phone line humming go for it. Retail has very few cushy jobs – but to keep the store humming there are lots of hours for people who can actually help keep the store humming.</p>
<p>As a retail store owner, my suggestion to you is to think in terms of aligning yourself with management – with the people within the organization that are thinking positive, productive thoughts. If you think in terms of how horrible the organization is and how they are taking advantage of you … it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you go in there intending to deserve every penny they pay you, learn everything they can throw at you, go the extra hour, the extra day, the extra step, the extra yard, and the extra mile, good things should happen. You just can’t listen and associate with the complainers if you want to do well.</p>
<p>Its fine for a HS student, as long as you wont be operating heavy eqipment like a fort lift. I’ld worry about kids working at a 7-11 or small place more suspetibul to stick ups. I am agaisnt walmart, becuase where I live they have been fined for having underage kids operate dangerous equipment (mechanical binders, etc that can result in permenant damage if not done correctly). There is a reason we have laws with age limits for operating dangerous equipment.</p>
<p>I don’t see anything wrong with them and you should look upon them gratefully so far since they hired you. They’re taking a bigger risk with the employment than you are. It’s a part-time job so you don’t need to get too worked up over it. I suggest you do your best, learn from those around you, learn how to interact with others inclduing co-workers and customers, and be happy you have a paycheck. If you don’t like it you can always leave and try to find another job. </p>
<p>Forget the business about ‘big corporations’. These companies generate a lot of jobs, employ a lot of people, pay a lot of taxes to the area, and provide services people want. And again, if people don’t want to work there, whether it’s K-Mart, Walmart, Penneys, Sears, or anywhere else, they can always leave.</p>
<p>I worked at a large retailer in HS and it was fine.</p>
<p>You should take the job (assuming you get it) and be the best employee you can be. You never know when one job will provide references for the next one.</p>
<p>I worked for minimum wage and tiny raises in college. It’s not the end of the world and certainly better than nothing.</p>
<p>Retail is often very convenient for high school students because you can work year-round. </p>
<p>Both of my kids worked in retail stores. One liked it enough to work through two summers and the school year in between; he quit only because he was going away to college. He earned quite a lot of money during that time and was glad to have it. The other one worked retail one summer, hated every moment of it, and never did it again. Different people; different preferences.</p>
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