I'm a cashier for a living, how many think this is fair...?

Question

July 4th weekend is here. While most people are excited cause they get a four-day weekend, I have to work every day this week and will not have the extra money for a party.
But that's not the point. I always hate holiday weekends because, for cashiers, it means one thing: we have to sell more booze. So today, while smelly drunkards came in buying cases of beer, I came to a point where I got tired of it. I don't even like booze. My father was an alcoholic, he died from the effects of it to his health. I can't stand the smell of it, and I can barely stand to touch it.
Now at this point, I know what people are thinking: if you don't like it, find a new job. But I ask you, what new job? Being a waitress? Being a flight attendant? Clerking in a gas station? I'm an unskilled worker, the only jobs I can get are customer service. And going to college is not an option right now, trust me.
So what's left, doing fast food for minimum wage? Why do I have to choose between my morals and my paycheck

lemme put it this way, I tried to go to school on financial aid. my mother lives in a trailer and makes 20,000 a year, and I was told we were too wealthy for financial aid.

Answer 1

Its a tough thing-- I know exactly what you mean because I was a cashier for years.
All I can tell you is that those people all have free will to destroy themselves with alcohol if they wish. They would buy it whether you were the one checking them out or not.
Since college is out of the picture, you could check into finding a customer service job at a department store, or someplace where there will be no alcohol. Anything that involves customer service is going to have its drawbacks in terms of the way the general public behaves.
Keep your eyes open, and apply places you think you might like.
If you have a university in your town, they OFTEN need library workers and such, they pay well and sometimes give you a tuition break and hours off to attend classes.

My best to you and I hope things get better soon!

Answer 2

I understand completely. Some of the population is not able to get a higher position, however there are things you can do to change your situation. Perhaps you could see about working at the service desk in your store, or stocking or bakery, or deli, or any other department where you would not necessarily come into contact with alcoholic products. I hope this might help, and good luck with your situation. Also, sorry about your dad. By the way, if college is an aspiration, maybe it's not as far out of reach as you think, I am a single mom of three, but I went back to school when I had 2 kids and was pregnant with the 3rd and got my degree. I know that sometimes timing is everything, but if you don't try you'll never succeed. There are a lot of great programs, grants, l9ans, and other sources available, you just have to want it, and most schools will help you find all the money that is possibly available to you so you can go. Again, GOOD LUCK, and GOD bless you for having a job in these economically challenged times.

Answer 3

Fair? ANYTHING that you do to earn your money legally is right, is correct, is "fair". Granted, the pay isn't what you'd want, but most things in life turn out this way being realistic. As long as you don't "burn your bridges", and have a good work record I think you are looking at life with blinders on. I agree with the person that suggested looking for a cashier job in a different field, especially in a larger place where you may be able to work your way up, waitress - sounds worth a try, and my particular favorite (because I did not go to college either) is being a bank teller. I really loved it - but then I'm a perfectionist, and at the end of every day you balance your own drawer and can know right then and there how "on" you were. I'd personally go back to that when the time comes, plus with banks there is upward movement if you're work is good. Life is tough, no doubt about it - but you don't have to give up your morals --- NEVER do that for a paycheck. (Again, personally speaking, I am a stay-at-hom mom that finally got rid of the domestic violent husdand, however, we are more broke than ever but I try my best to keep my hopes up, pray, keep fighting the system that in this case works for him, get counseling...)

Answer 4

i know it sucks to work in customer service jobs. that's the only jobs I've had and i hate how you don't get to celebrate holidays with your family cause you got to be there to help all the people that do get to be off. and unfortunately choosing between morals and a paycheck is the way of the world. everyone has to work, and sometimes you do have to stand up for your morals but we can't make choices for others. if they want to buy the booze that's on them. all you can do is live your life the way you see fit and keep on truckin. as for going to school. there are ways, even if it seems like there's no way. you can look for grants and student loans and then you may be able to find a job where your morals and need of money don't collide so much. good luck to you.

Answer 5

I understand your plight. It isn't easy making ends meat. You need to obtain a better education to get a better job. Many City colleges are affordable, so look into this. You can always get a student loan if you do not qualify for financial aide. Yes, you will have to pay it back but it pays off in the long run. I was a cashier for 4 years while in High School and part of college. I went to a City University which was (thankfully) affordable. I then took out student loans for post-graduate work. It's no picnic but we must sometimes sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.

Answer 6

All I've been doing is being a cashier. I love to play with money. I was a clerk at a gas station, it wasnt bad at all. Got paied every week with a nice check. Anyways, you can do alot with custmer service. every job everywhere has it. An one thing dont give up on school. There are some jobs that will help you with school. All I'm saying is dont give up on your morals, just...... keep trying at things, and you'll get what you want.

Answer 7

Why don't you get a cashier job at a different place that does not sell alcohol? You had to know before you took this job that the store sells it. Try waitressing-it's tough work, but it's cash every day plus if you get in a good restaurant you can easily make a couple hundred a shift.

Answer 8

My heart bleeds for you. I'm in a similar situation. College is not an option because you probably can't afford it. I'm in Canada and I could go to school except I would have to apply for O.S.A.P., I think that stands for Ontario something, something, something. But the problem is that I would have to pay it back with interest, probably. I understand that you might be feeling like your loosing hope. But please, for the sake of your future don't give up. If you give up then you'll lose out more then what you think you are right now. Hope, may be the only thing you have right now so hang on to it as tightly as you can and keep your head up. As the saying goes; A situation has to get its very worst before it can get better, but trust me it will get better just as long as you keep beleiving in yourself. I beleive in you because I see a little bit of me in you. Look for opottunities. Like employees that are willing to train you for a job that you've never done before. Aquire skills, little bit by little bit and eventually you'll begin to see change. I just got my fork truck certification and it cost me two hundred and fiffty dollers, I had to save my money to get that! Their are opportunities out their you just have to reach out and grab them. For the longest time I lived by the analagy, "I see what I want exept its inside a glass safe with the key hidden". It seemed so difficult for me to get any where. I was on the brink of hoplesness and I just felt like I had reached rock bottom and I felt like I didn't have the energy to get back up agan. Please don't quite. I hate to hear about sad stories of people that could have made a difference in their lives but instead decided to quit. The homeless people on the streets that you may see from time to time, how do you think they got their? Keep your head up, its a new day tomarrow.

Answer 9

i used to be a cashier and I got moved up to cusomer service. It's not so bad. I don't like cashiering cuz you can't get an attitude w/ the b*tchy customers. Maybe you can get promoted and like your job a little better. best of luck!

Answer 10

Your life is a choice....you Choose to be what you are. The only thing stopping you from something better is you. Go to college....you can get student loans and defer the payments until you graduate.