Pros
I love the people that I work with. Sure, there are a few that I could do without, but overall, I have a great time at work. We're always joking and pulling pranks on each other. I'm sure our pay and benefits are above our competitors. I make $8.20 an hour (after 1 year - I started as a cashier at $7) and get to take off pretty much whenever I want as long as my manager approves it. The 401k is a definite plus because I know that it is important to start saving as soon as possible. I was not expecting a grocery store to offer things like medical insurance and retirement plans and I have to say that I am impressed. They are always very flexible with scheduling, especially during the school year. Usually at the beginning of the semester my manager will ask me what my availability is and whatever days I need off.
Cons
It seems like a common problem that store managers are not the most fun to work with. I completely agree. 2 out of our 3 are amazing and I really appreciate and respect them. However, the other manager is very strict and has a sort of "better than thou" attitude. "On call" - the two words I hate. I am a person who likes to have a planned schedule as far as work goes. I dread being on call because I never know if I will have to go in or not. It has happened in the past that an employee will call in to see if their help is needed and they are told that they do not need to work, but a few hours later are called in to work. This is a major kill joy. If this ever happens to me, I fully intend to tell them that I am no longer available to work, and that I called in at my assigned time earlier in the day. While this may not be a straight shot to a promotion, it is completely unfair in my eyes. Every once in a while the store managers will get it in their heads that it is vital to cut hours. I understand that they need to cut costs and such, but leaving each department with barely enough people to function and expecting them to do an above and beyond job is pushing the envelope.