I try...and I try...and I try...and I still hate retail...

[szycag]

If your anxiety keeps you from working the kind of jobs that would give you stable income, you could apply for social security disability. You could still work as well.

I don't see how even managers at Gamestop make their living wages.

[Koa Zo]

Koa Zo, forgive me for going off like that, and others as well. I know that you guys care or you wouldn't respond and I do appreciate that.

No prob. Nothing to forgive.
I appretiate that you speak your mind. And indeed, I wasn't going to hit "Submit" because I knew it was harsh, but then for realz when I saw this thread got bumped and then saw the new post was you not getting hours again, I'm just like "Why the fuck does he still work there?!"
But really I do care, and you should start applying to new employers asap.

Also, getting Unemployment Compensation has nothing to do with "fairness". The state provides this benefit to support workers in times of economic hardship. If your employer is unable to provide the living standard that you had been accustomed to, then the government (at least in Pennsylvania) will assist you for a limited time. The money is there waiting to be handed out in circumstances like this, you'd have to be stupid or lazy to not look into it.

[dave4shmups]

Well, my anxiety is MUCH better, Praise the LORD, as a result of getting off of Seroquel, which actually increased my obsessive thoughts.

I did an interview with Best Buy today, but it's the same deal as far as hours go with them and with GameCrazy. I just don't know how to break out of retail.

[benstylus]

I just don't know how to break out of retail.

it's called a 'college degree'.

[EOJ]

Dave has a college degree.

[bay]

I just don't know how to break out of retail.

it's called a 'college degree'.

Dave has a college degree.

benstylus: epic posting failure.

note to ben: read entire thread before making smart-ass remarks

another note to ben: don't take this personally but you're an idiot.

[dave4shmups]

Well, I've been hired by Target to work in electronics-it's a seasonal job, but could turn into a regular one! I went to give 2 weeks notice to my boss at GameStop, but his hours are actually getting worse for the holiday's, (since the hire-ups treat him like a dog, even though we are the #1 store in our region) so he told me I could start whenever I want.
My boss marked me down as having good rehire status, but I'll never go back to GameStop. I accomplished what I wanted to on my resume; I have no regrets.

So, I'll be attending a training class either Saturday or Tuesday. I will get better pay, and more hours, so Praise God!! The lady who did the second interview said that she was "excited" about putting me in electronics due to my video game knowledge, and I've never had any employer say that they are excited about me! So that's a confidence boost!

I am a bit worried about how much I need to know about HDTV's-I still don't know if all PS3 games or Blu-Ray movies upscale to 1080p, or if any 360 games do. I do know about HDMI, and component cables. Also, do I need to know what the numbers before p stand for? I think it means, in the case of 1080p, that there are 1,080 vertical lines on the screen(?) I do know about progressive scan and the differences between LCD and Plasma, for the most part...

So, advice on HDTV's would be appreciated!

[jpj]

great news dave, let's hope the position becomes permanent

games will have what resolution they can run at on the back of the box (i woulda thought you'd know that). 1080 is how many horizontal lines there are, ie 1920 x 1080, 1920 vertical lines and 1080 horizontal ones.

pick up some high-tech gadget magazines, or find a gadgety forum/wiki. don't worry about knowing everything about everything, you'll pick it up as you go faaaar more important than detailed product knowledge is someone who can approach people confidently, and give good considerate (and sometimes honest) customer service.

being in an electronics department though, i'm guessing you'll have a lot of targets set for you with "link-up" sales. ie "dave, you sold 5 TVs this week, but zero HDMI cables. your target, blah blah..." (small add-on sales with 50-100% margin) and you may have to get pushy with people when it comes to extended warranty schemes. i'm not sure how much you'd enjoy that side of stuff

anyways... goodluck

[Specineff]

Congrats, Dave. If you want a bag of flaming poo to be delivered to your Ex-Gamestop's door, just give me the address.

J/K. Anyway, congrats. Good luck with the holiday shoppers. Make your bosses proud!

[RackGaki]

So, is the bag going to be on fire when you mail it, or does the post office have to do it upon delivery?

[BulletMagnet]

So, is the bag going to be on fire when you mail it, or does the post office have to do it upon delivery?

I'm sure they offer postage options for both.

Good luck on your latest venture, Dave.

[dave4shmups]

Thanks for the encouragement guys, I really appreciate it!

[TLB]

Good job, Dave. I've read this thread on my phone during my free time over the past few days, and it was good to see it turn out well for you. I know how it feels to be in a position you're not well suited for; I'm a shy kid, and for whatever reason, I was hired at my local Piggly Wiggly as a cashier a bit over a year ago. It was hell on ice at first (and still is at times), but I've stuck it out as you have, and I think that it was surely the right decision. I feel really bad about you having trouble getting hours, though; we've got hours to throw around at our store (I usually get 10-15 working on weekends because of school), and I'm still in my last year of high school and don't snatch them up. I don't have to worry so much about being a salesman (people don't stop buying food, even in an economic decline =P), apart from making sure people use their store cards so corporate can learn all about what people want to buy, but I imagine I wouldn't feel too great about selling people shit I knew they didn't need or want. The Gamestop nearest me has the coolest employee I've ever known anywhere (he also happens to be the manager =D), and I'm next to sure I could be hired there, but I've got a pretty good gig going and I'd rather not throw it away if I don't have to (one big perk: I, being a cashier, am in direct contact with beautiful coworkers all day), but that's one Gamestop that actually has several knowledgable and cool employees that I wouldn't mind working at.
Anyway, I lost my point somewhere along the way, but I'd like to congratulate you and wish you good luck, Dave.

[rolins]

You made the right choice, Dave. I used to work at Target in the logistics department and I thought it was great. The pay was definitely better than my computer tech or research assistant jobs I've had in the past. I basically worked during early mornings (11pm - 7am) pulling out palletes and replenishing the sales floor. Its physical labor but it was easy work and its not mentally draining compared to dealing with customers for 7 hours straight. The supervisors were all cool, most of them pretty relaxed but if you slacked off they'll let you know. Overall I loved the job even if it was a deadend carrer. Your constantly on the move and you can to talk freely with others while you work, 8 hours will pass so quickly you'd think you've been there half that time.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Good job, Dave. I've read this thread on my phone during my free time over the past few days, and it was good to see it turn out well for you. I know how it feels to be in a position you're not well suited for; I'm a shy kid, and for whatever reason, I was hired at my local Piggly Wiggly as a cashier a bit over a year ago. It was hell on ice at first (and still is at times), but I've stuck it out as you have, and I think that it was surely the right decision. I feel really bad about you having trouble getting hours, though; we've got hours to throw around at our store (I usually get 10-15 working on weekends because of school), and I'm still in my last year of high school and don't snatch them up. I don't have to worry so much about being a salesman (people don't stop buying food, even in an economic decline =P), apart from making sure people use their store cards so corporate can learn all about what people want to buy, but I imagine I wouldn't feel too great about selling people shit I knew they didn't need or want. The Gamestop nearest me has the coolest employee I've ever known anywhere (he also happens to be the manager =D), and I'm next to sure I could be hired there, but I've got a pretty good gig going and I'd rather not throw it away if I don't have to (one big perk: I, being a cashier, am in direct contact with beautiful coworkers all day), but that's one Gamestop that actually has several knowledgable and cool employees that I wouldn't mind working at.
Anyway, I lost my point somewhere along the way, but I'd like to congratulate you and wish you good luck, Dave.

For m3tall1ca,

Isn't it nice to work in a grocery store with such beautiful female co-workers with the usual T&A? There are bound to be some at the grocery store chain corporate office level as well. That's a given. ^_~

-------------------------------------

For dave4shmups,

Congrats on getting hired with Target. Like with any new job, you will gain the experience and knowledge to do well. Good luck...

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Specineff]

So, is the bag going to be on fire when you mail it, or does the post office have to do it upon delivery?

None. I will deliver the bag myself and then set it on fire. An operation of such precision cannot be trusted to a third party.

[bay]

So, is the bag going to be on fire when you mail it, or does the post office have to do it upon delivery?

None. I will deliver the bag myself and then set it on fire. An operation of such precision cannot be trusted to a third party.

indeed. definitely a "do it yourself" situation. this is the real reason i am coming to denver this week.

[dave4shmups]

You made the right choice, Dave. I used to work at Target in the logistics department and I thought it was great. The pay was definitely better than my computer tech or research assistant jobs I've had in the past. I basically worked during early mornings (11pm - 7am) pulling out palletes and replenishing the sales floor. Its physical labor but it was easy work and its not mentally draining compared to dealing with customers for 7 hours straight. The supervisors were all cool, most of them pretty relaxed but if you slacked off they'll let you know. Overall I loved the job even if it was a deadend carrer. Your constantly on the move and you can to talk freely with others while you work, 8 hours will pass so quickly you'd think you've been there half that time.

Yeah, most everyone there seems very friendly and helpful. This is only a holiday job, but I do have the opportunity to stay on longer if I go above and beyond, which I have every intention of doing.

Even if I get cut in January, there's just no way I'm going back to GameStop,; there's nothing there for me in terms of hours.

Oh yeah, during a 15 minute break we had during orientation, I walked by a vending machine room that had a BestGames Midway cab in it that was filled with old classics, like Robotron 2084, and Sinistar! AND it's free, so I know what I'll spend most of my breaks doing! That was also my first time playing Robotron with dual joysticks.

I went down to the store today, to check out electronics, where I'll be working, and it's a pretty nice department! There's a ton of Blu-Ray DVD's, and I was drooling over this Olevia 1080p HDTV that was $649 on clearance! Too bad I don't even have that kind of money; AFIK that's a good brand. I picked up a "How to choose an HDTV" pamphlet that should help me on my HDTV knowledge. They have no plasmas at our store, only LCD's.

[Matsunaga]

Good job getting out of Gamestop, I hate that place, all the employees are always so miserable and clueless. If I had read your post earlier, I would have suggested 3 letters: CDL. Truck drivers make good money, and when you're on the road, you are your own boss. My job is damn easy and I get paid more than a lot of college type friends I have. Also, if you have a CDL, getting a job will never be a problem.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

For dave4shmups,

That BestGames Midway mini upright cabinet that you mention of inside your Target store breakroom, it was for sale at Target stores nationwide back in 2006 at the MSRP of $499.99 USD. Eventually, it was marked down to $299.99 USD on clearance. The joysticks on it are crappy but they get the job done. It runs on some customized emulation software specially coded for the BestGames cabinet and isn't Mame emulation anyways -- still better than nothing. ^_~

Yeah, it was a hoot to play dual-joystick mode of Robotron 2084 on that BestGames Midway mini cab when it was set up for customer demo purposes in the Electronics department of Target back in Christmas shopping season of 2006. Still got my ass kicked by the crazy fast Grunts, Progs and bullets from the Brains. The Tanks are especially notorious for shooting out numerous bouncing bullets at you. Playing on the real Robotron 2084 cabinet is quite something -- it has a 12" CRT-based RGB monitor.

I got to play the uber-rare prototype Robotron 2085: Blaster (sequel to the orginal Robotron 2084 arcade game) arcade cabinet at a local 7-Eleven store back in 1983 or 1984. I've never seen it since then...must've been one of a kind arcade Robotron 2085 prototype indeed (because it had a custom marquee that was different from the standard Blaster cabinet that Williams released back in 1983). Plus the fact that you could credit-feed it and play all 30 different stages (as opposed to the standard 20 stages of the regular Blaster arcade game). The prototype Robotron 2085: Blaster cabs -- Williams only made a handful of them and their current wherebouts are unknown at this time. It has neve made an appearance the yearly California Extreme show either...that gives me an idea of how rare it really was back in the day. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[dave4shmups]

I'm in training at Target, in electronics, and it's hell. There's only two of us to cover the entire department in the daytime, which is when they want to use me, and, while I'm knowledgeable about games and TV's, I don't know squat about digital cameras, or i-pods, something my trainer knows about.

On the weekends, there are more people in the department, but, again, it's all highschoolers who know all about i-Pods and digital camera's and cell phones.

So, I'm thinking of leaving. One of the people in HR says to give it more time, but I'm multi-tasking as fast as I possibly can, and my trainer pleaded with me to learn more about the electronics I don't, or 4 thquarter this year will not be fun.

I JUST WANT OUT OF RETAIL! It's not me, I've known that for quite some time, but what else can I do?? I'd love to drive for a living, as long as I don't have to be nomad for life, but I don't know if I'd qualify for one.

[Pixel_Outlaw]

I think Dave needs a forum hug in a totally non gay way.

Dave the best advice I can give you is not to quit without finding another job. I've been forced to work retail at two different places and it was stupid to just quite one cold without having another job lined up.

[Never_Scurred]

I know this is four pages late in the game but it must be said.

I came to pharmacy with no prior experience. Before I got hired, I was the hospital janitor and a year before that I was working in food services. I tried 4 years straight to get a transfer to the nurse's assistant job, but no go. I tried everything, even going so far as to get profiled in the hospital newspaper as a potential nursing student. Eventually, I got tired of sitting in housekeeping so I went up to the Rx department and spoke to the manager about perhaps doing some shadowing. 2 weeks later, i've got the job. What have I learned, its all about who you know. Learn to network.

[junkeR]

Dave, a good starting job would be washing cars for the rental agencies (Hertz, Enterprise,etc.) I did that for three years and it's great money, plus you don't have to deal with people. You're left to clean the cars by yourself as long as the quota is met for the rental people back at the store.

I also worked a few years at Subway - that was a fun time and I have some good memories. Subway it great cause you're not flipping burgers or dealing with fast food. It's fun making custom sandwiches to peoples order all day long. That job never really got old, plus I enjoyed the food.

Maybe get a paper route for the local newspaper? Sorry, most of my suggestions are typical loner jobs without much interaction, but that's just the way I like it.

[power UP]

If you have a lot of spare time you could also try making some cash on the net. There are millions of opportunities out there. Some of the obvious ones are affiliate marketing, both mainstream or adult. If you want to know more I can hook you up, just send me a PM.
And yes, you shouldn't spend so much time thinking how miserable your life is.. Rather spend time finding a way out.

You may also want to check out "The Linden Method", it's a book or something, I got it as an ebook once.
Basicly what it says it that anxieties are just thinking pattern and habits in your mind. Realizing this is the first step to recovery. Then there are some simple methods like relaxation and just thinking positive, I know it sounds silly but google the book.

[TLB]

Dave, a good starting job would be washing cars for the rental agencies (Hertz, Enterprise,etc.) I did that for three years and it's great money, plus you don't have to deal with people. You're left to clean the cars by yourself as long as the quota is met for the rental people back at the store.

I also worked a few years at Subway - that was a fun time and I have some good memories. Subway it great cause you're not flipping burgers or dealing with fast food. It's fun making custom sandwiches to peoples order all day long. That job never really got old, plus I enjoyed the food.

Maybe get a paper route for the local newspaper? Sorry, most of my suggestions are typical loner jobs without much interaction, but that's just the way I like it.

Between your Big Boss avatar and liking loner jobs without much interaction, you seem pretty cool, junkeR =)

Dave, if you were still in school, I'd suggest you just stick with it; the hell with the job not being you. I'm still doing it =) However, I'm not going to suggest that. If it were me, I might find learning about the electronics I have no use for interesting (though the people thing would still get me =P), but since that doesn't seem like much of a good idea...Anyway. You're hearing an echo: The only useful thing for me to say is that you definitely should not quit your job until you already have a new one. It's probably a bit of an extreme example and not likely to happen in your case, but I quit my old dishwashing job and didn't get another one for a year or two (it was either one or two; I have no idea =P I just know I started both jobs at the same time of year in different years, and quit the first one a year and a week after starting). I really do hope you find something you like =/

[dave4shmups]

I've decided to leave Target, I'm still in my training, and I need to cool my jets for the rest of the year. I've GOT to figure out some way to get into a job that isn't retail.

[dave4shmups]

If you have a lot of spare time you could also try making some cash on the net. There are millions of opportunities out there. Some of the obvious ones are affiliate marketing, both mainstream or adult. If you want to know more I can hook you up, just send me a PM.
And yes, you shouldn't spend so much time thinking how miserable your life is.. Rather spend time finding a way out.

You may also want to check out "The Linden Method", it's a book or something, I got it as an ebook once.
Basicly what it says it that anxieties are just thinking pattern and habits in your mind. Realizing this is the first step to recovery. Then there are some simple methods like relaxation and just thinking positive, I know it sounds silly but google the book.

Doesn't sound silly at all; I appreciate the info! I get emails about making cash on the net, I'll describe some of them tomorrow. Legitimacy is what I'm worried about; I don't want to get into a scam.

[jpj]

dave, just move to the UK and i'll hire you - you can even play border down all day

what about the writing? is that going anywhere?

[TLB]

jpj, where the hell do you work/what do you own O.o An arcade lol?

And PC Engine Fan X, what did you mean there lol? You kinda lost me somewhere along the way =)