I'm a part time cashier at a big food emporium. [View all]

[no_hypocrisy]

Lately, I've had two revelations:

1. I understand now why I'm exhausted at the end of my shift, sometimes eight hours. Obviously it's the standing, but it's also this: to be effective as "customer service," I need to be a variation of a cashier that adapts to whatever customer I'm working with. They're all different. Some want to talk. Some don't. Some are cheerful. Some are looking for me to mess up so they can complain. I need to read each customer as I check them out. Let's say I've processed 60 customers that day. I've been 60 different cashiers. That takes a toll.

2. On top of #1, my performance is being observed and judged by the people who are companions or parents or whatever of the customer as well as waiting customers. I have an audience, not just the customer I'm working with. If I'm warm and cheerful, they see that. If I'm detached and merely processing the order, they see that too. And they judge the store by my demeanor with other customers before their turn.

To all DU cashiers, NEVER SAY "I'm just a cashier."

It is NOT an "easy job".