Pros
+ Good Salary + Good Company to have on your resume + Great Management experience + Nice discount especially on groceries + Rotating weekend & week schedule is better than most other retailers + Good 401K / pension package
Cons
- Attractive salary to new graduates but realize that most of your time is spent on the salesfloor doing manual labor. Think about your future career goals, and don't be lured by the high salary because in this economy it's hard to move into another industry after working a long time period in retail management. The high salary will not compensate for the number of hours that you are working. - Extremely long hours, plan on at minimum 50 hours but realistically it's closer to 60-65 hours for an average week, 70 hours for holiday/peak weeks. In addition, you will be doing leadership tasks (paperwork, email etc.) from home. -50% of the time is supposed to be spent on leadership tasks but you will end up spending at least 70% of your time doing manual labor. It's nearly impossible to meet all standards and expectations especially in a low volume store with the amount of payroll headquarters allocates without doing some of the team member's work. Also if you aren't meeting sales you need to cut payroll by sending team members home or by cutting their shift. YOU will be the one doing their job so your store can make that month's payroll and so all expectations are being met as you are being held accountable to leading your team to those high results. - Not able to have time off during holidays and peak times. Feel guilty when you take vacation time, never seems like there is a good time to take vacation. - Performance is hardly considered in this position, it's your ability to speak to the business even if it's not the correct information. - Not enough recognition to those who know the business inside and out and run solid green areas. You will not be valued/appreciated/looked at for promotions if you are solid at running your areas, it's your ability to "speak." - Networking is a MUST to move up in the company, it has to be done on your own time or your day off. - Team member expectations are exceptionally high especially for the amount of pay they earn and very small pay increases. - Perception is everything, be prepared to be doing excellent at your job and receiving positive feedback but then maybe the next day, week or month your store team leader, district team leader will change and then you could be considered a bottom performer. - Health benefits are not the best compared to other employers. - Poor work/life balance - position consumes your entire life.... forget having a family life and seeing much of your friends.