Though I’ve worked in the fast food world as well as a small town convenience store, I’ve never handled customers in a department store or other retail setting. What is it like in this type of job? Maria*, a Customer Service Associate for a large nationwide store, shares some insights.

How long have you worked at your store?

Since high school, so about six years.

That’s a long time—did you plan to stay at this job?

No, it’s actually my first job. I went to college while I worked, but nothing really ever opened up in my area. As I worked, I just kept moving up, so it made sense to stay here, at least for now.

Do you enjoy working here?

Sometimes. I made a lot of friends here over the years. We like to think that one section [of the store] is haunted, so that’s fun. But I don’t like some of the management, and customers can either make you love them or really, really hate them.

What have you learned at this job?

I’ve learned to fold clothes really well! I hate it though, so my husband does it at home. I’ve learned a lot about people, especially what they will do to save money or try to return something. It just gets ridiculous.

How so?

We have a few customers who try to return things every single week. Depending on the manager working, they might get money back or a gift card or nothing. It pisses me off because it makes us lose money but they don’t care. They just want to try and get free stuff. They’ll return used stuff and try to get new items instead.

What else have you learned?

That parents can be really mean to their kids. I hear people threatening to whip their kids or tell on them to their other parent all of the time. I just want to tell them to grow up.

What about positive things? Have you learned anything that you can use in life?

Sure. I definitely manage money well, and I’ve learned some good communication skills working in different departments. Time management can be important in my job, too.

What is the worst thing about this job?

Aside from rude customers and a few coworkers, my budget suffers from working here. I get a good discount and use coupons and sales, so I’m always buying stuff. I don’t need a lot of it. I’ve gotten a lot better, though. I used to be a shopaholic.

*Names have been changed to provide anonymity.