Once worked as a novice bartender and quickly realized I was much better on the other side of the bar... no kidding...
While it isn't retail, as a facility manager for a couple of downtown Boston office buildings that needed to be available year-round for tenants. It was remodeling projects or upgrades to core building systems that would gobble up weekends, including holidays, all scheduled on very tight timelines. I was much happier when an entire floor was to be fitted out for a new tenant or remodeled, the pace was a bit slower until moving folks back in...
There were also the various complaints, " Why am I hot/cold"? Or the fire alarms going off because someone overcooked popcorn in the microwave...No, you can't use that space heater under your desk, it won't shut off if tipped, and doesn't have a timer. You have no idea how many times I wanted to ask the complainer if their mother had any children who lived...
Or, "I'm only parked in the owner's spot for five minutes". Only to get a call from the owner chewing my ass off, as I am obviously failing at parking lot duties, while managing staff, and dealing with a backed-up toilet.
This weekend serves as a reminder that freedom isn't free and the debt we owe those who not only served, but paid the ultimate sacrifice. To all of those folks, I am eternally grateful. Tomorrow, here in Central Massachusetts, the center of the universe, it will be cold and rainy. The least I can do is to attend the parade and ceremonies. It isn't an imposition to schlep on my hiking boots, raincoat, and remember our veterans.