Everyone at one time or another has a job (or if they’re lucky just an errant day) where they feel that their employer has no respect for them–that the company they work for sees them as entirely disposable and easily replaceable. In my experience, most people have said mind-numbing job around college. I had mine during. 

I worked in retail and actually grew to love it. I enjoyed dressing women, teaching them new ways to appreciate themselves. I became a big fan of pride in one’s appearance because being comfortable with my looks gave me room to worry about other things–the more important things. Going to work, in a lot of ways, was relaxing for me. I mixed life with intense intellectual challenges and thoughtless charisma. The only thing that mattered at work was how upbeat and patient I could be. 

Except. That’s not all. The reason I worked at a retail shop while going to college full time was…I needed the money. It’s amazing the crap we’ll take for the bare necessities. I realized over the years after the prejudice, harassment and general poor treatment that being loyal to your job isn’t the same thing as  your company being loyal to you.

Memories of my favorite job came to mind when I heard this story in conjunction with this phenomenal song. Continue reading →