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Hear the discussion of this chapter free on YouTube: Five Gratitudes
I am grateful for my job as a cashier. Though it doesn’t pay my bills, it gives me the ability to pay $300 a month for decent insurance. Giving me $500 back into my pocket. But my two-week salary motivates me.
- I am grateful for my job, where I can rub shoulders with the beautiful and wealthy.
- I am grateful for my health and vitality. Maybe standing and walking for 8 hours has benefits
- I am grateful that my relationship with my kids gets better and better
- I am grateful that I have skills and a college degree to eventually move along
- I am grateful for the feedback my job provides.
I might be in the perfect job for this very moment. I might meet my next partner in the organic grocery store. A woman yesterday told my bagger, “He is a very attractive man.” We were talking about writing and pleasantries. Her comment wasn’t to me, but it was for me. In my philosophy of dating, I advise getting out there and going where you think your ideal partner might be.
Yesterday I saw her. She waved me over to her table outside, where she was eating a leisurely brunch. We were familiars. She was happy to see me. She was wearing a white on white tennis dress that contrasted with her smile and her warm skin color. I asked her about tennis. We exchanged some witty banter.
I see around 100 pretty women a day. Of those, 10 are in my wheelhouse. Point of order, this is not my dating job. I am not actively looking for a new partner. However… She’s probably nearby and shopping for bubble bath. I see potential in everyone. Not being in the “hunt” gives me a more balanced perspective.
I was not hungry for the two women giving me signals yesterday. In fact, I was a bit surprised by the attention.
This job, however, is about paying attention, being a confident communicator, and providing excelent customer service. That’s still my job. Adding humor and banter into the mix is my special sauce. Perhaps the factor that has eliminated my opportunities to move up, so far.
Also yesterday, I wanted to speak with the Team Lead. “I’m starting to apply for other jobs again, just to keep you informed.” I didn’t say it. What would the point be? Am I asking him to consider me for the job and the $2 an hour raise? I would be begging. Pushing my agenda. I wonder, being that he’s GED educated and this job is probably the height of his potential, if my “elitist” college-educated vibe is what keeps him from considering me.
No, I think he’s merely incompetent. Oh, I did win a gift basket at work. It’s Team Member Appreciation Week. And now I’m off for a few days. Yesterday was my Friday. Today, Friday for everyone else, is my Saturday. This retail life is disorienting.
Good morning, have a good time at the store. I’m sleeping in.
[Listen to the Deep Dive explore the concepts of The Happy Cashier.]
The hope I see in others
becomes the hope I have for myself,
my life, and my own journey.
– The Happy Cashier
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ALT: Botisatva’s Bookshelf | The Happy Cashier Podcast
RESOURCE: Roadmap for Retail Workers from the Happy Cashier
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