So, t’was my first day of work today. I was a little anxious to begin with, but the feeling soon passed after I stepped out the door on my twenty minute walk to work. That feeling changed to a feeling of annoyance, knowing I was going to be there from 11am till 6pm. 
I had my training from 11 until about half 1ish, which consisted mostly of being told how to use the checkout tills, then using the checkout tills, while a supervisor watched over me. My actual shift, which started at 2, was very much the same thing, except the guidance from supervisors.
My main fear (or worry, rather) was fucking up. But after being told that they would’ve been surprised if I managed to make the whole day without making some sort of mistake, that soon dwindled away. I never even came across any bothersome customers (although, having only worked there for a day, that observation is probably a little redundant, as I’m sure to get bombarded with loads in the coming weeks, what with it being Christmas and shit). Whenever I had to do something quite slow, or get a supervisor from the next checkout down to help me, people were surprisingly patient (even the elderly, who are apparently notorious sometimes for… well, not being patient). Such a shame I’m not going to be able to just smile and say “I’m new, sorry!” forever.
“Yeah, sorry about that, I’ve only been here for six months, so I’m still learning the ropes!”
Still, from what I’ve experienced so far, it seems like a fairly easy job, even if I do sometimes get confuddled with the lottery machine and the massive shelf of cigarettes. The only thing I’m really worried about is the whole selling “underage people stuff” thing. I try to dispel the worry by reasoning that if, I’m 18 and only shaving I do regularly is bum-fluff removal and some wiry hairs, surely that guy with a massive beard and a bottle of Strongbow must be legal to buy booze? Right?
It’s just they keep banging on about how test purchases are always being conducted by underage volunteers, and how important it is to ID anyone who looks under 21. Which is fair enough: I don’t want to get an £80 on-the-spot fine. And the Co-Op getting fined thousands and me getting fired wouldn’t be too great either. I only had to actually ID one person today, and I felt a little embarrassed when it turned out she was like, 25.
But still, life goes on. And I get to do it all again tomorrow, barely 2 hours after finishing college. Yay(!).
Also, my shirt is ridiculously oversized. Wish they hurry up and get these new uniforms in.
Nellie Says:
I once ID’d a 35 year old woman when I was working as checkout operator. I’m so glad she took it as a compliment or I would have felt so stupid. The fine for selling to a minor for individuals is $1000 here… so I wasn’t going to risk it!
Kaylee Says:
I’m glad you had a good first day 
I’ve been thinking of getting a part-time job during school, and working the cashier is one of the most likely options, so this was interesting to read.
I’ve always thought that older customers (i.e. seniors) would be more patient; they seem to enjoy chatting to the employees a lot. Other people are always in a hurry.
Wendy Says:
I have always been nervous on the first day of work as well. There was once I worked in a cafe as a barista and I was so nervous I ended up serving the wrong drinks and mixing some of them wrongly. But once I told the customers that it was my first day, most of them were pretty understanding about it.
And of course, it got better from the second week onwards…I think supervisors kinda expect new employees to make mistakes every now and then during the first week.
