Okay, Sorry, Have to Whine
We're short staffed at work.
It's no one's fault, really. People have quit. People have transferred stores or department. People have had medical emergencies. It's all pretty standard operating procedure at a retailer, but it's all happened very fast and we're therefore spread rather thin. Management only has so many sources to pull from when it comes to filling in the scheduling holes.
And that's fine. I mean, we're struggling, but our managers are reasonable human beings and expect us to be struggling. They are doing everything in their power - including coming out and pushing carts with their own two hands - to keep us from struggling. It's fine!
...
Except that this week the 50 quart bags of Miracle Grow are on sale.
This is always a popular sale. We have a lot of gardeners in the area, so a good deal on soil will always bring them out in droves. Of course, a good many of these gardeners - I'd say at least 50% - are retirees. Makes sense, right? You've done your time at the daily grind, you like gardening, why not Miss Marple the heck out of the flower beds? I mean, you're at home! You have to look at your yard! Might as well make it worth looking at.
Thing is that retirees tend to also have health problems that make lifting difficult. At home you just get a child or grandchild or neighbor or whatever to help you move the soil.
At the store you have the workers.
At our store, you have the people who help load your purchases. After all, Miracle Grow is a purchase. Why wouldn't we help you?
...with your five, 50 quart bags of potting soil?
...and the next person...
...and the next person...
I know how to lift. My company makes good and certain I know how to lift! Offers to help me hoist the (hopefully dry, because if there is moisture in that bag Heaven help us!) bags is always turned down because it's generally both easier and safer for all concerned if I do it myself.
I am used to this! I have done it every year for dang near a decade!
...
I am used to having full staff. I am used to having at least five people to spread the work between us, not two! My legs are threatening to quit due to sheer repetition!
CURSE YOU, UNIVERSE! WHY NOW? WHY NOW?
I will now sit here and silently pray that we run out, just so we get a break!
