Survive Long Hours as a Cashier
Working eight hours is tough enough... but as a cashier, sometimes your days can go up to twelve hours on your feet! Getting through those long hours is tough, but with the right preparation and attitude, you can survive and thrive.
Steps
- Eat well. Eat a good meal before your shift. Having low blood sugar can make you feel depressed and frustrated. It's hard to provide service with a smile if you don't have some energy in you! Bring a water bottle and pack a healthy lunch.
- Pack your pockets for survival. Bring candy or snacks that make you happy and keep you energized. Also remember chap stick, and keep a small notebook with you to write down important things or just doodle. If you're in school, put 1 to 3 sheets to study in your pocket.
- Dress for comfort and climate. Wear comfortable shoes, tied snug but not too tight. Add shoe inserts for padding. Wear two pairs of socks. Dress in layers, particularly if you're working close to a door where the draught and outside weather can really affect your comfort.
- Take care of your body. Move your feet, ankles and knees often to avoid getting stiff. Maintain good posture to keep feeling awake.
- Deal with aches and pains if needed. Take an anti-inflammatory with lunch or half-way through your shift; it helps with foot pain and back aches.
- Stay entertained when work is slow. If you have access to the Internet, read something interesting during downtime. Read poetry, the news, jokes, etc.
- Take care of your health. You're coming into contact with a lot of people every day - and potentially being exposed to their germs. Don't touch your face without cleaning your hands.
- Do not let any customer or employee's bad attitude get you down. Just do your best and know that you are appreciated. Some people take their anger out on us and that has nothing to do with you. Kill them with kindness.
- If you do have an awful experience, as many of us have, just excuse yourself to the bathroom and take a breather.
- Try to make friends with your coworkers. It is so much better to work while talking or just enjoying each other's company.
