Anyone work(ed) at Walmart?

[rszdtrvl]

I just got hired on as a cashier at Walmart and start training tomorrow.

I have been a SAHM for the better part of 13 years, and my son just started community college with a wish to transfer to a 4-year after 2 years there.

I am so nervous! Not necessarily about the job, but more about the family dynamics changing. The most nerve racking part (so far) about the job is the thought of getting too many hours (I definitely don't want close to 40 - I would be thrilled with 18).

I tried to verify when I was hired whether I was permanent or seasonal (prefer seasonal at the moment, just because I have no idea about how I am going to do with this job) and she said that everyone was temporary for 90 days.

I know that I am capable of doing the job. I know that my family will appreciate the extra $ (universities are expensive!) and I know that I need to get out of the house once in a while.

Anyone care to share their experiences working there (past or present) to help ease (or make it spin even faster) my mind?

 

[TAX GUY]

I just got hired on as a cashier at Walmart and start training tomorrow.

I have been a SAHM for the better part of 13 years, and my son just started community college with a wish to transfer to a 4-year after 2 years there.

I am so nervous! Not necessarily about the job, but more about the family dynamics changing. The most nerve racking part (so far) about the job is the thought of getting too many hours (I definitely don't want close to 40 - I would be thrilled with 18).

I tried to verify when I was hired whether I was permanent or seasonal (prefer seasonal at the moment, just because I have no idea about how I am going to do with this job) and she said that everyone was temporary for 90 days.

I know that I am capable of doing the job. I know that my family will appreciate the extra $ (universities are expensive!) and I know that I need to get out of the house once in a while.

Anyone care to share their experiences working there (past or present) to help ease (or make it spin even faster) my mind?

Hours are typically hard to come by, especially being new. With their schedule system, get your requested time/days off in sooner rather than later. Cashiers are evaluated based on accuracy and speed. The will also have "incentives" from time to time with in house promotions (things like getting customers to sin up for the Wal Mart credit card, etc). They are VERY strict with breaks. If you do NOT clock out in the allotted time, you WILL be reprimanded (at it will reflect poorly on your record). Too many of those and you will be terminated. I hope you have thick skin, because some customers can be outright mean and nasty. And, they won't hesitate to pull a fast one on you either. Pay attention to the training and listen to the managers.

 

[eliza61]

I worked at Wally world a long time ago. you really don't want to know my experiences, lol. Let me put it this way, I do not shop there specifically due to that experience but as I said it was over 15 years ago and they supposedly have changed their practices thanks in part to a bunch of lawsuits

 

[rszdtrvl]

I am a smart cookie! I am very hard-headed though, but am also very thick-skinned. I would be one who would likely be told to not be so blunt with the customers.
I am horrible about things like store credit cards because I hate the thought of people going into debt, so I already know that will be my weakest point.
And I know that I need to keep firm with the hours I said I was available to work, unless I decide that I am available more, as they will continue to schedule me outside of my available hours (my younger brother works at a WM an hour away).

Hours being hard to come by is a bonus actually, as I do not want to work a lot of hours. I already have a list of days I need off, one being a Friday and Sunday (with the Saturday separating them) and one being a Sunday right before Christmas (I know, doubtful I will get it off, but I have to try as we have tickets for a football game - go Seahawks!).

 

[rszdtrvl]

I worked at Wally world a long time ago. you really don't want to know my experiences, lol. Let me put it this way, I do not shop there specifically due to that experience but as I said it was over 15 years ago and they supposedly have changed their practices thanks in part to a bunch of lawsuits

Oh, do tell!! I have been reading employee horror stories for the past few days!
I know a lot of times they try to get you to work off the clock (have read that).

 

[TAX GUY]

Oh, do tell!! I have been reading employee horror stories for the past few days!
I know a lot of times they try to get you to work off the clock (have read that).

While some of those stories are true, its not the norm in all stores. A lot has to do with the supervisors and management. Most of my dealings were positive with the exception of a few personality conflicts (think power trip). Good luck. It shouldn't be too bad, and if it is, I'd suggest moving on to another store (not another WM but something else retail).

 

[eliza61]

Oh, do tell!! I have been reading employee horror stories for the past few days!
I know a lot of times they try to get you to work off the clock (have read that).

Absolutely.
For example, I worked the boys/men department. one of our jobs was to make sure the dressing rooms were cleaned and the return carts were empty. but they also wanted you to replenish stock ( which was suppose to be another position). anyway if the cart wasn't empty at the end of your shift, my store would make you clock out and then empty the cart. basically making you work for free. anyone who dared to say its illegal would either have their hours cut or get written up.

Now once again I have heard that they really retrained their store managers, so I hope that is true. I know they did a huge marketing campaign to address the rumors.
I started there during Christmas holiday, we were treated horribly. I personally saw cashier leave in tears. I lasted 4 months

 

[TAX GUY]

Oh, do tell!! I have been reading employee horror stories for the past few days!
I know a lot of times they try to get you to work off the clock (have read that).

While some of those stories are true, its not the norm in all stores. A lot has to do with the supervisors and management. Most of my dealings were positive with the exception of a few personality conflicts (think power trip). Good luck. It shouldn't be too bad, and if it is, I'd suggest moving on to another store (not another WM but something else retail).

 

[rszdtrvl]

While some of those stories are true, its not the norm in all stores. A lot has to do with the supervisors and management. Most of my dealings were positive with the exception of a few personality conflicts (think power trip). Good luck. It shouldn't be too bad, and if it is, I'd suggest moving on to another store (not another WM but something else retail).

Jobs are VERY hard to come by in our community. People drive from an hour away to work at our Walmart. I was shocked I was hired so quickly, not having really worked in years and having such a horrible resume.

I am attempting to go into it with an open mind, but cautious at the same time. Like I said, I am very hard-headed, and that can be either a good or bad thing. LOL

 

[lovemygoofy]

I am a smart cookie! I am very hard-headed though, but am also very thick-skinned. I would be one who would likely be told to not be so blunt with the customers.
I am horrible about things like store credit cards because I hate the thought of people going into debt, so I already know that will be my weakest point.
And I know that I need to keep firm with the hours I said I was available to work, unless I decide that I am available more, as they will continue to schedule me outside of my available hours (my younger brother works at a WM an hour away).

Hours being hard to come by is a bonus actually, as I do not want to work a lot of hours. I already have a list of days I need off, one being a Friday and Sunday (with the Saturday separating them) and one being a Sunday right before Christmas (I know, doubtful I will get it off, but I have to try as we have tickets for a football game - go Seahawks!).

I'm not trying to be negative Nancy regarding your new job, but maybe you'd been better off with a small shop. The hours are more manageable and typically less pressure than what you will expect at Wal-Mart. I'm also confused how you are already requesting days off due to having football tickets especially when it is about to be holiday shopping season. I'm guessing you are also wanting particular hours and not overnight or night time. Did you discuss any of this in your interview?

 

[rszdtrvl]

Absolutely.
For example, I worked the boys/men department. one of our jobs was to make sure the dressing rooms were cleaned and the return carts were empty. but they also wanted you to replenish stock ( which was suppose to be another position). anyway if the cart wasn't empty at the end of your shift, my store would make you clock out and then empty the cart. basically making you work for free. anyone who dared to say its illegal would either have their hours cut or get written up.

Now once again I have heard that they really retrained their store managers, so I hope that is true. I know they did a huge marketing campaign to address the rumors.
I started there during Christmas holiday, we were treated horribly. I personally saw cashier leave in tears. I lasted 4 months

I saw an employee walk over a pile of clothes on the floor, tag something on the clearance rack, walk over the pile of clothes again, and go to the fitting room area.
I was in shock. As a customer, it took everything in me NOT to pick up the clothes, but to see an employee not do it, I was flabbergasted. And it was not even busy at the store.

 

[rszdtrvl]

I'm not trying to be negative Nancy regarding your new job, but maybe you'd been better off with a small shop. The hours are more manageable and typically less pressure than what you will expect at Wal-Mart. I'm also confused how you are already requesting days off due to having football tickets especially when it is about to be holiday shopping season. I'm guessing you are also wanting particular hours and not overnight or night time. Did you discuss any of this in your interview?

I said that I would be needing some days off right after start work and asked if she would want to know them (during my interview). She said that it would not be a problem and that as soon as I was hired I could discuss it (I still had not passed the drug screening). As for the day in December, we may end up selling those tickets, but not the ones in October.
Around here, you are lucky to even find a job, much less one that has "flexible hours".
Oh, and I also discussed my availability, which is pretty much open but does not include late night or overnight shifts.

 

[eliza61]

Try it out. I know Ive heard they really worked on changing the culture.
Lol think store discounts

 

[rszdtrvl]

Try it out. I know Ive heard they really worked on changing the culture.
Lol think store discounts

I'm thinking "paying for college".

 

[Mizzoufan]

It's about what you make of it. When you filled out your app It ask what days/hours can you work. What did you put? When you did your interview did you tell them you only wanted 20 hours a week?

 

[LisaR]

I'm thinking "paying for college".

If you can pay for college working 18 hours a week at Walmart, you are definitely doing something right!

Hope you enjoy your new job!

 

[yoopermom]

My DMIL75 has been a WM employee for at least a decade (maybe more, I lose track ...). She worked deli for years, and is now in the bakery. She only has a h.s. education, and minimal job experience, but has what WM values most in their employees: she shows up on time, does her job to the best of her ability, and doesn't drink/do drugs/call in constantly. In return, after all these years, they let her work only between 10-5, no more than a four hour shift, no more than four days a week. However, that took her years to build up to, in the beginning she had to put up with what she was given.

The best thing you can do, is look at it as a stepping stone, someplace to practice being a good employee, so that when something better comes along you are ready for it.

Terri

 

[rszdtrvl]

It's about what you make of it. When you filled out your app It ask what days/hours can you work. What did you put? When you did your interview did you tell them you only wanted 20 hours a week?

I said that the options were limited on the app. but that I was looking for part time or seasonal part time. On the application, the only choices were : full time, part time, or full time part time seasonal. I was told that everyone is considered temporary or seasonal until the 90 day probation is up.

 

[phamton]

If you can pay for college working 18 hours a week at Walmart, you are definitely doing something right!

Hope you enjoy your new job!

I got the impression that she is wanting to supplement the family income not take on the entire burden of college expenses. Good for you for trying something new and planning ahead for future expenses. Good luck with your job.

 

[rszdtrvl]

Maybe it will be great. I am not a fan of change, and like I said, I am very family oriented, and I am worried that the dynamics will change not in a good way, even though DH and DS are adults.

I am, a big worrier!