How Lockdown Has Changed How We Work Forever

Whoever thought that getting a part-time job during uni could become one of the riskiest things I’d ever do? Here I am, trying to earn a bit of cash and pay off my student loans, and suddenly I’ve been labelled an “essential worker” in the middle of a worldwide pandemic! Armed with only a mask and a bottle of hand sanitiser, here’s a little snippet into what life is like working at a department office supplies store during lockdown.

Aisles and checkout lanes became borderline warzones

Every time new restrictions were announced, my team and I had to brace ourselves for the influx of panic-buying, toilet-paper hoarding, borderline baboon behaving (sorry not sorry) customers that would rush in for some “last minute” purchases. My coworkers and I watched as stock flew off the shelves, as people jostled for the last bottle of hand sanitiser, and as customers death stared our manager who confirmed that NO, we DO NOT keep hidden toilet paper out the back.

People seem to love taking out their frustrations on us (sorry dude, believe it or not we really have no control over the most of the laws here), and fellow shoppers. At one point, the police were even called to my store after a rather tense altercation between customers! My advice? Let's just take a 'mo to be a little kinder 💛

Masks became a blessing and a (literal) lifesaver

Not only do they protect us from those pesky little germy particles floating through the air, but they have also become my new “face shield”. No more fake smiling for the entire shift as I tell yet another customer, “sorry, we can’t do a return without a receipt”. No more putting on my “customer service” face for people who just can’t seem to follow the instructions on the self-serve printers! In fact, the number of times I’ve silently cursed irksome customers behind my mask has seriously got me concerned about what I might accidentally say to someone once this whole thing is over. Whoops, did I just mouth “what a Karen” at a customer with my face on full display? Sorry boss!

You have lost a little (sorry, a lot) of faith in humanity

You really do come across the whole range of humanity whilst working in retail. From the intelligent, to the not-so-intelligent, to the downright “how are you still alive?!”, I’ve certainly dealt with my fair share of brainless homo sapiens. The past couple of years has made me realise one big thing–common sense is a not that common anymore. No more comments on this one.

You have learnt how to assert yourself and have a voice

Never mind dealing with customer complaints on any normal day, pre-2020. Working during a worldwide pandemic introduces you to a whole new species of rude people, to put it politely. Nope, you can’t get a refund for this item you bought three years ago ma’am. Sorry sir, you aren’t allowed to put twenty packs of toilet paper on hold. And yes, you must wear a mask indoors (like you would in any other store). 

I have never been a very naturally outspoken or confident person. In fact, I’ve always been a bit of a people-pleaser, never too keen to tread on anothers' toes. But geez, I’ve learned to stand-up for myself during these chaotic times, and have gotten much more confident in dealing with people and their frustrations.

And finally, you have developed a real appreciation for your coworkers

These are the people who have stuck by me through thick and thin, through lockdown after lockdown, angry customer after another. In fact, my Friday night shifts with my favourite coworkers (as sad as this sounds), has become my new “social” night of the week, during times where I would otherwise be stuck at home in my lonesome. That little eye-roll to your fellow cashier after dealing with a tricky customer, or that cheeky lil dance move you pull with your friend down the end of the aisle, shows that you’re all in this together.

I’m lucky enough to be a part of a wonderful team of beautiful people at my workplace, and I couldn’t feel more grateful towards them (even my managers) for backing me up like the true legends they are. Next time you see your work colleagues, let them know how grateful you are for them during this tough time. Laugh it over; although the workplace and our roles have slightly changed, the craze from customers adapting to this new norm will pass.

Written By Emily Zhou