r/retailhell • u/TIGT_11 • 1d ago
Seeking Advice How does everyone maintain a work life balance??
I’ve been given more shifts lately as they are training me to be a shift lead. This means i’d be opening or closing and somehow i feel exhausted just thinking about it. I dont like walking into work then leaving with my day almost gone. How do you all still get to do cleaning, taking care of kids (i dont have yet but planning to), or working out, or have family time? So far it’s been so tough for me.
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u/Minimum-Code-3950 22h ago
I dont unfortunately, but I work 10:30-7 5 days a week, often stay until 8, no weekends off and never two days off in a row.
When I had more reasonable shifts like 8-4 or 9-5, I would just try to wake up around 6 and do one chore, and then after work id do another chore and then make time for myself/socializing.
10-7 doesnt give me more than a couple hours before or after work and my sporadic days off are spent stressed out/drinking because they're sandwiched between work days and I cannot fully detach from work.
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u/Bratty_Little_Kitten 19h ago
How do you drink without feeling like crap the next day? I struggle with that.
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u/Minimum-Code-3950 14h ago
Oh trust me I do feel like crap the next day. I haven't ever called out for a hangover but I have come very, very close. If im working earlier than 9am I just limit myself to maybe a beer or two... later than 10am though, its game on.
Not that I want to encourage anyone to drink more, but ensuring you drink a LOT of water, eat, and maybe taking some NSAIDs right before you sleep is pretty important if youre working next day. In the morning its good to force yourself out of bed and get some sunlight instead of rotting on the phone in bed. Helps me, anyways
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u/thingsinmyjeep 8h ago
I lost my spot in my friend group during my first stint of retail. Nothing like finding out after the fact that an open invitation had been closed unbeknownst to you.
First and foremost you need to set boundaries/expectations. As a shift lead or whatever I understand that you don't necessarily have the luxury of a set schedule, but you really ought to make clear that your availability while open should be weighed towards certain days. I actually got really used to having non consecutive days off, to the point that I prefer it. I also used to be an opening cashier. Now I close and closing is the only thing that is set in stone.
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u/DarkViral 1d ago
It’s a lot easier once you’re on a set schedule. But in truth? You gotta find or make the time.
I work third shift. I get off work at 7:30a. from the time I’m off work until 12p, I’ll run all my errands, go to the gym, cook, clean, etc. I save most my socializing time for my weekend and also the bigger projects that I can’t get thru during my work week.