[Sonne]

I work full time retail. In the 5 months I've been working at my current job, I've gained 10 pounds. I used to enjoy jogging but I have no energy for it now. I can't stick to a diet because I'm too tired to prepare food. I'm too tired to even go shopping.

My legs are constantly sore. My back starts to ache or I get this weird pinching feeling in my shoulder blades.

My work schedule this week (Last week? The week before?) has lead me to what feels something like an emotional breakdown. I worked 5 days, had 2 off, worked 5 more, had 2 off, am finishing 5 days of working tomorrow, have ONE off, and then go back into 3 before I (think) I get a weekend off.

I woke up this morning so tired I just started crying in bed. I don't think I can follow this schedule, I've been eating and drinking worse and worse to make up for feeling tired but it's not helping. I think I'm about to snap and I don't know what to do. =(

I've done retail and it's physically taxing especially if you are standing all day. First of all, you MUST have comfortable shoes. If you don't then you MUST invest in a good pair of shoes. Secondly, when you get home, it sounds like stretching or a warm soak would be a good idea. Eating unhealthy food and gaining weight will only make you feel worse. The additional weight will put more strain on your legs and back.

Realistically speaking, retail may not be for you. There are places were you can take courses in office skills (typing, computers, etc.) for desk jobs. I suggest you consider doing that. It sounds like your body cannot stand all day. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Consider making the change.

[Sonne]

I've started putting in apps and I've considered asking to go part time or at least shave some hours off. Unfortunately, the woman who writes the schedules that I feel most comfortable with is out on vacation for a while. I don't know if they'll want to shave some time off my schedule and give it to someone else or not. They're low on hours so I'd be freeing some up...but then they might be unhappy that they'd have to train someone to do a bit more of my job than they have been. They've been relying on me to do the info desk, my department, cashiering, etc. The only other people who know my department are managers and a part timer who shelves.

I recently learned, interestingly enough, that the guy before me was arrested for stealing from the store. The guy before that clocked out one day and didn't come back, just moved away. Not sure about the one before that, we've gone through a lot of people compared to other locations.

[slummerville]

It sounds like you are snapping. Usually I begin to notice behavior patterns when they are already in full swing. Consider weight changes, loss of interest (cooking), increased exhaustion, and being completely overwhelmed with getting out of bed. It sounds like (to me) you might already be depressed.

How long have you been at this job? A reduction in hours might help -- remember don't feel bad for the managers for taking on the extra duties of training someone and filling the hours.. You need to worry about you, especially if you are snapping. If you reduce your hours, would that be a financial risk? Do you think it's the field of work you are in? I thought retail was completely awful and hated every minute of it. I worked slowly but surely on getting out.. Even looking at your resume or looking at other jobs and possibilities might make a difference.

However, if you are struggling to get out of bed and struggling to live at a bare minimum, you should consider talking to someone (doctor, friends, whoever). Remember you are not in a "box".. you are not stuck at this job or in retail or this life situation forever.

I hope you feel better. Retail is notoriously mentally and physically taxing with no sort of compensation in the actual work you do. I don't think it's worth it (for me). Sure, I liked talking to customers and helping them out, but it's not worth the shallow hourly rate or the toll it takes on you.

[Little Lulu]

Good for you for considering your options Sonne. Many years ago I left a job without notice due to stress and even though the job wasn't for me, I always regretted not paying attention to how I was feeling and either tried to work it out with them or give a notice.

Somewhere there is work to be enjoyed that doesn't suck the life out of you ... that actually feeds your soul. Keep talking about it and seeking.