Looking for a job

[theC&E's]

Anyone work in retail?
How hard is it to juggle work and family with crazy hours? I want a job I like and I like doing stuff, not just sitting at a desk all day (been there, done that). Don't get me wrong, I liked parts of it, but I would rather be moving about, talking to people and helping people. I'm just worried that the hours would not be good for someone with a family.

[lovingHim]

I have not worked in retail as a mom, but I used to in college and high school. I know several moms who have or are currently working retail. I think it depends on the store or the manager; if they want to make it work for you, they usually do. Meaning, if you interview and tell them the hours you are available, they can probably tell you up front if they can work around that or not.
The only real problems I have heard of are: the schedule varies week to week, so it might be hard to plan ahead (but it might make it easier to ask off for a field trip, etc., in advance); they probably would not like it if you had to take off unexpectedly for a sick child; a manager might play favorites with scheduling.
I think the best way to handle it is to figure out before applying what hours you want and what hours you would not be willing to work. Then, at your interview, talk to the manager about scheduling and what hours you are hoping for, and where your flexibility is. That way, you both know up front what will and won't work and what your expectations are of each other. The job has to be a good fit for both you and the employer.

[theC&E's]

Thanks, Loving Him, those are some good things to think about. I suppose it would depend on the manager. My manager in the place I used to work was very good, but I know that is not always easy to come by.

[kochservices]

Merchandising jobs are pretty flexible. You can look at narms.com for those kind of jobs. )