Last night I dreamt I was an actress/ model and I lived in a mansion. Then I woke up.

To everyone who has ever held a retail position and hated it:

I work at Staples even though I have a Bachelor's Degree. My boss literally treats me like shit. I've been looking for another job for God... what has it been... seven months? I've never been fired from a job, my GPA was above average and I know I work pretty damned hard because every customer I encounter wants my help and tells whichever manager is there how helpful I've been.

I finally got another job this week- well, two jobs. Retail.

But, they've got to be better than Staples. In order to get Employee of the Month over there, they would make you clean the toilets just to see if you would actually do it, and if you did, then you get a prize! A piece of paper with your name on it!

Perhaps I am complaining. At least I had a job right?

I came close to just quitting twice- without having another job to rescue me when rent was due. The general manager, sales manager, and a previous supervisor have talked down to me so badly I actually ended up crying. My GM and sales manager have both cursed me out- together and my GM has even gone on to tell me that I have no street smarts when I first started just because I am educated and "book smart" as he calls it.

Oh believe me, I am filing a complaint! If I could, if I had the money and the time, I would file a law suit.

I've held many jobs and never complained about them or felt the need to go to counseling because I couldn't handle something work related. I've always had pleasant, if not, decent experiences. This is the first time I have felt absolutely traumatized.

To STAPLES: I don't know how you choose your managers to run your stores. I've heard that my GM isn't even the worst there has been (with Staples) and he's already got enough complaints against him to put several managers out of work. You need to get your act together and start hiring people who are committed to fair and equal treatment in the workplace or you will be sued for all the money your customers once gave you but decided is better spent with Best Buy and WalMart. If your own managers can't create a positive work environment for both their customers and employees, why the hell are you still in business??

Signed,
Your Ex-Journalist

P.S. I am boycotting Staples and hope that everyone who reads this does too! By the way, that $5000 gift certificate survey is a lie. There is no winner for that. It's just to get you to take a survey on the customer service of that store so their points can go up. Also, I don't know anyone who actually got money back on any of the rebates in that store. That is also a lie!
P.S.S. If you aren't purchasing a protection plan on a desktop or laptop and you are suddenly told that the location you are in doesn't have it, don't assume it's the associate helping you. Sometimes, the managers tell you to hold out a sale on the customer. I would like to add, I've always refused to hold out potential sales just because a customer doesn't want a stupid warranty.

My location was in Ozone Park, NY.
Store Number # 1797