Pros
Varied work day Pay is not bad for the job Discount at Waitrose, John Lewis and many other benefits through their intranet Subsidised food at work Yearly bonus for being a partner The other staff are generally very nice and most people know everyone
Cons
Long hours, especially at Christmas time. More competent partners have to pick up the work of others as the managers don't always pick up on the fact that some people just don't have the right skill set for the section. Lots of young people hired with no skills which can be frustrating at weekends or holidays - I found that at my branch they were usually put right on shift as another body when really I needed someone else on as well to so I could help train the new starter. I found it difficult at my branch to progress as I was considered an asset to them as I could work several sections they only cared about me picking up ad hoc shifts to cover the overtime then letting me have a full-time role and working towards team leader. This led to me leaving after asking several times for more responsibility and progression. They actually asked me to continue working weekends after I left which I declined - proved to me all they wanted me for was to cover other people's shifts.