I left my full-time retail management job at the start of the new year. I mentioned earlier in my previous posts I decided to take time away from work to refocus on myself and to reconnect with my values. I understand that not everyone has the luxury to stop working thus this current time in my life is extremely special on different levels. My heart is filled with gratitude as I navigate through this new chapter of self-determining time.
I have been doing retail for almost 8 years and it’s been a wild ride but overall, it’s been good to me. People are really what made my career journey worthwhile. I learned what matters the most are people, simply take care of your team and your customers, it is the foundation for a healthy workplace culture to thrive. Unfortunately, at the beginning of my career I lacked compassion and patience, those two skills came with time and guidance of my leaders. Learning how to invest and inspire people isn’t something everyone chooses to do. If I wanted to have a “successful” time in retail, I needed to brush up on my soft skills of communication and empathy.
Fast-forward, I am thankful for every good and bad experience I ever encounter as it has shaped the leader that I am today. Hitting target goals and beating LY maybe the typical indicators of success for retailers but I rarely remember those milestones: I remember interviewing as I get to know someone new, first day/ongoing training, the feeling of completing touch base with my team, Tuesday morning leadership meetings, and making a customer’s day with small chat while they shopped. I avoided quite dull days by taking every opportunity to interacting with those around me. The most satisfying part of retail for me was simply connecting.
I don’t know what is next for me, but I do know I value the human connection. I truly feel I have met the coolest, kindest, and most hard-working people throughout my retail career. I know that I can look back fondly on my time in each store and feel love for the craft. I dream for my new chapter to involve face to face interactions with opportunities of team and self growth. This is truly the time to be more mindful and aware of where I currently am and where I plan to go next. I hope the days ahead continue to be kind to me as I figure what is best for me to explore. So far, I have yet to regret any of my choices.
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