I've been working in retail on and off for retail for a decade now and it's shaped my adult life in ways that I would have never expected. Here are the many lessons and observations I've gathered.

This industry attracts certain types of people

Working weekends will give you FOMO

It's better to shop on weekdays

Taking nothing personally, even if they make it personal

People will weaponize their incompetence

People can show their real selves - or not

If you don't have a life after work, you'll suffer

Sometimes you need to have a straight face (you can't smile all the time)

This place can be a stepping stone UP or OUT 

Don't let the job determine what kind of person you are or will be

Appreciate the genuine connections you make, even after leaving

I will go into more detail about each part, but here they are in simple list.