I have worked in retail for over seven years now, I've also worked in office type jobs and of course I worked as an IT Administrator/Web Developer etc. for my placement year.
Wherever you work you will encounter problems, from fellow employees, customers or even outsiders. Depending on the type of job you are required to do can require different resources, time, mental ability, intelligence etc.
Lets start with Customers.
Now, I have encountered all sorts in my time. In my current employment there are several types. Firstly we have the elderly with a variety of different needs and attitudes. Some of them expect you to accompany them around the shop and show them where everything is, others expect ridiculous demands of perfection, others are rude and abusive, some enjoy just talking to you. Secondly we have career people who are always in a rush, then families with children in some case riding scooters around the shop or with noisy toys that really piss you off. Then we have the young mothers with babies that scream in unison. Last but not least we have the local alcoholics and drug addicts who attempt to shop lift.
My managers have suffered so much abuse from customers in particular the alcoholics when they get caught. We can't afford a security bloke at our store because it is too small, but the managers are expected to prevent a shop lifter leaving.
On another note, elderly people seem to find our shop an excellent place to catch up on gossip, despite there being several cafes accross the road. This can cause difficulties when moving things around! Also some of them seem to get faint and ill perhaps from low blood sugar. Several people have collapsed and in a few cases, died in the store or just outside in the ambulance. It is really sad when that happens.
Now Employees
There are always in any job people who work hard and people who do as little as possible. Now I admit I like having a chat to my fellow employees but that doesn't stop me working while I do that. In fact I think it helps me work well at times it can get pretty lonely sometimes. In my previous jobs I had some unkind managers one in particular was extremely abusive and angry at me a few times for minor incidents. His temper made alot of people miserable. In my current job, if I've done something wrong they kindly take me aside and tell me without shouting at me. I have found that through their encouragement I have developed some sort of confidence as well as respect. I mainly respect my managers because they don't just stroll around doing nothing, they do exactly the same thing as me and help me with my job.
Sorry for the essay. I do enjoy my job, but I know that it is not the field I want a future career in. However, it has taught me alot about people as well as myself. James, I'm sure in the years to come you will look back and think "I was a machine! I was so cool and kicked their lazy asses". Maybe I work hard because I like my job, or maybe its my sense of purpose, whats the point in being lazy in a job? If you don't like the job get another! I've stayed in my current job for almost three years because the money is bearable, I get a good bonus, discount and have fun people to work with.