When I transferred to this store in July, I was told I would be an associate in the Hotel, our boarding facility. My old store hadn't had one, so while I was nervous, I was also excited to be learning something new after being with the company for a year and a half.
When I finally came to the store after moving, the whole place was in an uproar because we were expecting a visit from a high-up corporate manager, the Regional Vice President, whom realized I had actually met once before when they told me his name. So I spent the first week pricing, facing and cleaning. RVP ended up not showing until several weeks later. In the meantime, rather than putting me in the Hotel as planned, the management in charge of making the schedule seemed to have decided they would rather have me in a customer service-based position. I became a cashier, which is what I was before my promotion so I was comfortable there. After being a manager for roughly two and half years with two different companies, it was strangely nice to call on someone else to help with difficult tasks, such as dealing with grumpy customers or tricky returns. I had the skill set, just not the keys---or the title, which is what it takes for customers to finally hear you saying "No". There were also many times that I would have gladly traded and taken my keys back. My favorite thing about being a manager all that time was that I didn't have to ask for help with most things. I could let myself into the office for a radio, or receipt tape, or get change for my register instead of bothering someone else.
However, the plus side that gave me relief every time I thought of it---I wouldn't be a manager this holiday season. What a blessing.
