self-interview

I haven't been writing because I don't want to keep writing about the same stuff that's been consuming me of late. Even thinking about it is tedious.

My conversations with myself go pretty much like this:

What's going on at work?
Well, recently the floor I work on was renovated and my department was moved to the back of the store; it used to be in the front. By the time customers get to the back, they have already been helped. In fact, I did an analysis of my sales, comparing the three weeks I've been on the new floor to the same period year ago. My gross sales are down 22% but my net sales (that's sales minus returns) are down 39%. I am paid off net sales. So I'm doing pretty badly. My returns have more than doubled, going from 17% last year to 35% this year. I am working hard and making next to nothing. It's very upsetting.

Why do you think your returns are so high?
I have no idea but others have seen their returns increasing as well. Tourism in NYC is down and that may be a factor. People who live in the states can (and do) return more than people who don't.

How would you rate your performance overall?
Well, I just got my review and for the year, I achieved 32% above my target. That was all before moving to the new floor. So I know I can sell; I just need customers to sell to.

Would you consider working full time?
Not in this job. It's an incredibly physical job. I walk over 20 miles in the three days I now work. And that's on a cement floor with no carpeting, and not in running shoes. My body couldn't do this job more than three days a week.

Could you move to another department?
I'm trying.

You seem to complain a lot; why don't you just quit?
One. I can't afford to. Two. I really like the collateral exercise. I weigh 126 pounds and eat a lot. If I quit, I'm afraid I'd quickly gain ten pounds and nothing would fit. And three. When I'm selling, I really like it. Oh and four, the discount.

What do you do on the days you're not working?
Worry about what I can do to earn a fair salary.

Anything else?
See my friends. Talk to them. Laugh with them. And feel lucky to have them. They keep me grounded, and conscious of all that I do have.