Anyone work(ed) at Walmart?

[Kathryn Merteuil]

I did a looooong time ago. I can only comment on Walmart not the family part. As a cashier, it is a pretty pleasant job. The majority of people you encounter will be very nice and it isn't stressful at all. I always liked BIG orders, it bumped up your scanning average and made time go by faster when you are busy.

Whatever you do... I would advise you against working at the service desk. If you are good as a cashier, the are likely to want to train you for that and call it kind of a "promotion". When you are at the service desk, you will see how that kind of thing brings out the worst in people. Many (if not most) customers already have an attitude when you greet them. They are either already mad because they bought something and it doesn't suit them, or they are trying to pull something over on Walmart and they are ready to fight.

 

[alievans719]

I worked there two years ago, for three and a half years. I started as a cashier and went to a CSM(customer service manager). Cashier work was fine, CSM was a nightmare. There were some great times with my coworkers, but for the most part, I hated dealing with the customers. I was cursed at, screamed at, threatened, embarrassed and treated like a child(I am younger, but it was still unnecessary. It was also in front of my nephews, which made it worse). So while customers can be awful to cashiers, they're 10x worse to csms.

My dad still works there, and has health problems due to the stress of the place. My boyfriend's mother is finally leaving after 18 years. They've burned her out.

The only nice thing I will say about Walmart is I met my boyfriend there. We both worked as CSMs together, were friends, now dating for 3 1/2 years. So sometimes good stuff happens from there, haha!

 

[Vernie822]

My fiance's mom works for Walmart, she works at the jewelry counter, and my fiance's brother used to work there as an assistant manager. The assistant manager position I'm sure is much different than a cashier in terms of availability and stuff - he had a set schedule and I think he was salaried so he worked at least 40 hours a week.

She likes it. She is in a small town and I'm sure her experience at the jewelry counter is different than someone who is a front of the line cashier. I think every year she gets a % off at Christmas, so she loads up on stuff for Christmas dinner and any gifts she needs.

 

[rszdtrvl]

Thanks everyone! I am sure I will do great, and the family will adjust just fine. It will be a giant change for us all though.

 

[SC Minnie]

OP-- You'll do fine. Stay calm and try not to get flustered on the register. And I agree 1000% on the good shoes. You may have to go through a couple of pair and inserts to find the ones that work for you.

Your family will have to adjust and step up to help out.

Let us know how your first day went!

 

[rszdtrvl]

Made it through 4 hours of training and was a hot mess. I kept getting teary eyed and I just had a really hard time with the entire thing.
Got my schedule, and while I realize it is training, I am working 4- 9 hour days each week for the next 2 weeks.
I got home and burst into tears and have been that way all day.
DH works from 3a-12N - my schedule is 12N-9p for the next 2 weeks.
I don't think I can do this - I don't think mentally I am ready to go back to work yet.
Next training day is 4 hours on Monday, so I am going to re-evaluate everything. I don't think I am Walmart material.
Maybe keep looking until I find something I truly think I will enjoy that is not open 24 hours a day.
I am disappointed in myself.

 

[bsblady01]

Made it through 4 hours of training and was a hot mess. I kept getting teary eyed and I just had a really hard time with the entire thing.
Got my schedule, and while I realize it is training, I am working 4- 9 hour days each week for the next 2 weeks.
I got home and burst into tears and have been that way all day.
DH works from 3a-12N - my schedule is 12N-9p for the next 2 weeks.
I don't think I can do this - I don't think mentally I am ready to go back to work yet.
Next training day is 4 hours on Monday, so I am going to re-evaluate everything. I don't think I am Walmart material.
Maybe keep looking until I find something I truly think I will enjoy that is not open 24 hours a day.
I am disappointed in myself.

those are long shifts for someone just starting out. I would give it another chance on Monday

 

[indygirl99]

Made it through 4 hours of training and was a hot mess. I kept getting teary eyed and I just had a really hard time with the entire thing.
Got my schedule, and while I realize it is training, I am working 4- 9 hour days each week for the next 2 weeks.
I got home and burst into tears and have been that way all day.
DH works from 3a-12N - my schedule is 12N-9p for the next 2 weeks.
I don't think I can do this - I don't think mentally I am ready to go back to work yet.
Next training day is 4 hours on Monday, so I am going to re-evaluate everything. I don't think I am Walmart material.
Maybe keep looking until I find something I truly think I will enjoy that is not open 24 hours a day.
I am disappointed in myself.

It can be hard after being a SAHM for a long time to get back out in the workforce.

Most jobs hiring for seasonal/part-time during the holidays are going to be evening or night hours and more full-time than part-time.

What about a cleaning job? A lot of people who don't have someone clean their house routinely will have it done for the holidays and maybe a cleaning company in your area would be happy to get someone for "seasonal" help this time of year. And cleaning houses can be done during the day.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Don't let it get to you. The first day or so you will be shadowing somebody who is experienced. She will show you the ropes. By the time you do that, you will be ready. It is a lot easier than it looks. It is just 2 hour chunks at time . You can do this.

 

[hegsag]

Is it 9 hour days just during training?

 

[descovy]

Made it through 4 hours of training and was a hot mess. I kept getting teary eyed and I just had a really hard time with the entire thing.
Got my schedule, and while I realize it is training, I am working 4- 9 hour days each week for the next 2 weeks.
I got home and burst into tears and have been that way all day.
DH works from 3a-12N - my schedule is 12N-9p for the next 2 weeks.
I don't think I can do this - I don't think mentally I am ready to go back to work yet.
Next training day is 4 hours on Monday, so I am going to re-evaluate everything. I don't think I am Walmart material.
Maybe keep looking until I find something I truly think I will enjoy that is not open 24 hours a day.
I am disappointed in myself.

I work for Wal mart's competitor. I don't know the answer why but routinely trainees get a fuller schedule for the 1st 2 weeks and then it tapers off. So give it a chance if you can!

Best case, the time will allow you to learn while still fresh. Add a little extra for your piggy bank too.

To give an example, I am available 7-3 daily. That's 37 hours a week max. My average hours are 25.

When my kids were too little for school, I worked 6-close. My dh got home 5pm. But I only wanted 20 hours a week so it wasn't like it was every night. But yeah at first they did work me a lot.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I worked for mart for 4 years and sometimes still miss it... I was part time and easily worked my schedule around my needs for school/life.. Sometimes it was awful but others it was fun and I felt valued most of the time -

I'd force yourself to work at least a month to give it a fair try..

 

[Mizzoufan]

I'm really lost by OP post. The walmarts I worked at the first few days is CBL Computer based learning. I don't understand how that could be stressful

Made it through 4 hours of training and was a hot mess. I kept getting teary eyed and I just had a really hard time with the entire thing.
Got my schedule, and while I realize it is training, I am working 4- 9 hour days each week for the next 2 weeks.
I got home and burst into tears and have been that way all day.
DH works from 3a-12N - my schedule is 12N-9p for the next 2 weeks.
I don't think I can do this - I don't think mentally I am ready to go back to work yet.
Next training day is 4 hours on Monday, so I am going to re-evaluate everything. I don't think I am Walmart material.
Maybe keep looking until I find something I truly think I will enjoy that is not open 24 hours a day.
I am disappointed in myself.

All the Walmarts I know of you do CBL for the first week or so. T hen they move you to the cash registers. Are you having a hard time with the CBL?

 

[alievans719]

I know that as well, if you're doing a 9 hour shift at Walmart, you're also given two 15 minute breaks, as well as an hour lunch. So you're paid for 8 hours, then two breaks each day. For the first few days, you have to go through orientation, then CBLs. That'll last...maybe one to two days, hopefully. (As a CSM, I saw some people really struggle and take longer). Then you'll be put on to shadow for a day or two, then you'll be shadowed. There's at least a week or so of time with another experienced cashier.

 

[Mrs.Malone]

I'm really lost by OP post. The walmarts I worked at the first few days is CBL Computer based learning. I don't understand how that could be stressful
All the Walmarts I know of you do CBL for the first week or so. T hen they move you to the cash registers. Are you having a hard time with the CBL?

OP has said she's stressed by the fact that change is hard for her and going back to work is a big change. It doesn't sound like the actual job is what's bothering her, rather the stress of realizing that she isn't able to be present for her family at all times like she's been accustomed to. It's just a big change. I get that because I recently went to work part time after being SAHM for over a decade. It was hard at first, but we all adjusted and I'm so glad I took that leap. OP, I suggest circling a day on your calendar, perhaps six weeks from now, and tell yourself that if things aren't better by that date you will allow yourself to give notice or start looking for something else.

 

[anniemae]

Well that was not a good update! Hang in there OP and try not to throw in the towel yet. See how it goes this week, maybe it will be better and once the training is over you can see about the reduced hours. Update us when you get back today!

 

[NewRVLady]

DH works from 3a-12N - my schedule is 12N-9p for the next 2 weeks.
.

No way I could not see my dH for 2 weeks-that is not great hours at all

But its classic Wallyworld

 

[usnuzuloose]

Made it through 4 hours of training and was a hot mess. I kept getting teary eyed and I just had a really hard time with the entire thing.
Got my schedule, and while I realize it is training, I am working 4- 9 hour days each week for the next 2 weeks.
I got home and burst into tears and have been that way all day.
DH works from 3a-12N - my schedule is 12N-9p for the next 2 weeks.
I don't think I can do this - I don't think mentally I am ready to go back to work yet.
Next training day is 4 hours on Monday, so I am going to re-evaluate everything. I don't think I am Walmart material.
Maybe keep looking until I find something I truly think I will enjoy that is not open 24 hours a day.
I am disappointed in myself.

Don't be disappointed in yourself. Retail takes getting used to. I worked in a gas station as a manager for 8 years, and they took advantage of us working 60-70 hours a week based it on salary until they got sued and had to pay us back pay for 5 years. Maybe a gas station would be a little better. You could just work part time.

 

[momz]

OP, why were you teary eyed during your four hour training shift? What was upsetting you?

Four hours is a very brief shift, I'm wondering what could have been so bad.

As for your schedule being not to your liking, hopefully that is a temporary thing. Training has to happen during the hours that the "trainers" are working. You cannot expect your trainer to change their schedule to accommodate the new hire.

Of course you can do this job. It is an entry level cashier job at a mass retailer. You are not in a position that typically allows the employer to cater to the employees needs in regards to scheduling. But...if you can get through this, you may not remain at this level for long.

Trustworthy and dependable employees will be rewarded with steps up on the employment ladder. But tearful, needy employees have a harder time and don't tend to last long.

You can do this! If it is important to you, you will find the courage within yourself and you will make it through this training. Before you know it you will have mastered the tasks and be training others.

 

[anniemae]

OP, why were you teary eyed during your four hour training shift? What was upsetting you?

Four hours is a very brief shift, I'm wondering what could have been so bad.

As for your schedule being not to your liking, hopefully that is a temporary thing. Training has to happen during the hours that the "trainers" are working. You cannot expect your trainer to change their schedule to accommodate the new hire.

Of course you can do this job. It is an entry level cashier job at a mass retailer. You are not in a position that typically allows the employer to cater to the employees needs in regards to scheduling. But...if you can get through this, you may not remain at this level for long.

Trustworthy and dependable employees will be rewarded with steps up on the employment ladder. But tearful, needy employees have a harder time and don't tend to last long.

You can do this! If it is important to you, you will find the courage within yourself and you will make it through this training. Before you know it you will have mastered the tasks and be training others.

I think she said she was working 4 nine-hour days per week for 2 weeks. I agree she should give it some time then see if she gets the hours she needs once she is trained. OP let us know how it went today!