my new work space

Since last August, the fifth floor where I work has been under a major renovation.

On Thursday it opened.

It is modern, youthful, and energetic. Bright lights (literally), music, gorgeous large dressing rooms (and many throughout the floor), lots of new merchandise, great seating for husbands and children and tired shoppers, art I'd like for my apartment, an open floor plan, and even  a new name (from Contemporary to The Collective).

Every associate wants to be situated near the front of the floor. That way, you can approach customers as soon as they come onto the floor. The closer to the escalators, the better.

There are many associates on the floor to help. Many associates to quickly offer assistance. It is unusual for a customer to not link up with an associate within minutes of being on the floor.

It used to be that the department I worked in was in the front of the store. It also used to be that there were many common areas in which any associate could approach a potential customer. But all that has changed.

In the new environment, everything is zoned. There is no more common space — no more open aisles. And, associates can only approach customers within their zoned area. Great if your zone is toward the front of the store, horrible if it's not.

Vince, the department where I work, is located in the very back. Saturday and Sunday combined I earned $57.90 (before taxes). 

Marlin (my great boss) is aware of the situation and is looking for a long-term solution. it's only been a week. I am trying to be optimistic. 

But after working so hard and earning nothing, it is very upsetting. It's not just the money (although that's a big part of it) — it's the idea of working hard in a physically strenuous job, and then having absolutely nothing to show for it. 

This weekend I earned far below the minimum wage. $3.62 to be exact. And while some days I earn a lot more, it doesn't make the awful days any better. And lately the awful days have been outweighing the good ones. In the past two weeks, I've had over $12,000 in returns, thus wiping out all my sales for two weeks.

But on the plus side, I am thin and my legs are in great shape. And, my beautiful mom is in town for Passover. Now that's something to be happy about.