Pros
Publix gives me a steady job with a predictable income. The people I work with are helpful, friendly, and we work together well as a team. I basically put away the fruit and vegetables that come into the store on a regular basis and help customers find the products they want; it is an enjoyable interaction with the public. The job has little or no stress. Insurance benefits are quite competitive in today's world: health, dental, and vision insurance is offered and the policies are typical for this day and age. You also have the option of purchasing long term disability insurance and term life insurance. The quarterly bonus is nice (based on sales and inventory) . Paid vacations and sick leave accrue after one year of service; fortunately I have been able to request and get needed days off (for doctor's appointments, family visits, and similar situations) as needed.
Cons
Each week workers have a different schedule and the work schedule is usually posted by Thursday for the work week beginning on Saturday. This makes it difficult to plan events for the following week. We are on our feet for the entire shift so a comfortable pair of shoes is a necessity. There is a lot of lifting of heavy products including 50 pound bins of potatoes and onions, 4 to 4.5 gallon cases of juice, and 40 pound boxes of bananas. You want to have a department manager with a team approach, not one who looks at your position as one to help enhance his/her chances for success. Working the cutbar (fresh fruit) is like an assembly line factory job requiring you to cut, package, price and label the fruit as quickly as possible. Employee benefits and perks are designed to help the long term employee, if you are looking for rapid pay increases and long paid vacations in a short term, then you're with the wrong company.
