Motley Moose – Archive

Since 2008 – Progress Through Politics

Confessions of a Retail Worker

Confessions of a Retail Worker: When poverty hits the fan.

Hello everyone,

Note: Retail breakrooms nowadays often have microwaves, which is a blessing, to be sure. But not of all them do. Nor do subtracted employees (cleaning crews, or temp staff) always have access to the “staff” break room either…

But anyway….

The economy is pretty bad out here these days. I am working all the hours I can get, and I am fortunate insofar as I do have access to kitchen facilities. But that’s not how I know….

You know that you work in the service or retail industry with desperate poverty all around you when your friends are excited about air dryers in the company bathroom.

Because they bring their food with them….

And carefully place their food under the air dryer, balancing carefully.

Because if the air dryer runs long enough, it will heat up the food. And thus, they will be able to eat at least one hot meal during their day.