I decided after 8 successful years moving up the retail ladder with Macy’s, I resigned on my own terms. I was benched/being groomed to be a store manager which would have brought me into 6 figures, but I made the decision to walk away.
Why? You will probably think it’s because retail is dead. It is not dead, it has changed due to how to how the customer shops. Brick & Mortar retail (department stores/standing retail stores) is not what it used to be, I will say only specific specialty is working. For example, Home Depot business has been amazing in 2020 due to the US staying home because of Covid-19. Since you are sitting at home, you have the urge to update your home. Since you cannot travel, many people took their vacation money and renovated parts of their home.
Another retailer that is working is Target. Target is a convenience type of department store since it offers everything for affordable prices. Everything is in one location from pharmacy, beauty, groceries, bedding, electronics and more. It’s hard shopping there, because you always come out with something you were not planning to buy.
Furlough
In April 2020, the majority of Macy’s employees were furlough for 3 months. I was one of them. I was shocked and felt a bit betrayed, but I accepted it and decided to make the best of it. Here’s what I focused on:
- My Parents – My parents are retired so everyday I would visit with them and spend time. Working retail I never had a lot of time and due to furlough I took advantage while I wasn’t at work.
- My Dog – Yes my dog. Eli is his name. I not only love my dog but he also put into perspective what it would be like to have a baby. Eli is a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously, I realize that he thrives when I am around more and the same concept would be when I have a child. I want to be around.
- Dad – My dad is a ex-Miami Dolphin player and played in the National Football League for 10 years. He was very successful, however he is suffering with dementia and Multiple Sclorsis (MS) now in his later years. MS affects the nervous system so his walking has worsen and it is harder for him to get around. It puts a lot of stress on my mom and I want to be around more to support.
- Other life career goals – I have been interested in understanding social media and wanted to maybe start a blog. My parents helped me make it a LLC, pay for the site and much more. I am extremely grateful for the support and excited to see what will unfold for me in 2021. Also, I signed up for the John Maxwell Leadership course to become a possible professional speaker. Very humbled and pleased to pursue to lifelong dream.
With having these 4 focuses at the center of my priorities during furlough my entire view on life changed when I returned to work July 7.
After Furlough
When I returned to work, the job was different and the stores had less people working than before. I understood the job cuts and everything to stay above water financially, however it was still tough to see so many not with Macy’s anymore. The expectation was taken to another level when it came to in-store initiatives that brought some stress and transitioning back to work became a bit of a challenge for me.
Next, the workload increased, more busy work, excessive virtual meetings and tighter deadlines with less hands to execute. With all of that happening I started to slip on the 4 focuses from the furlough completely. I missed it and I knew I had to make a change.
The Final Decision
What made me realize that I was ready to leave was when one of my vendor partners called my phone 8 times to set up a call to discuss a Fragrance display that was not positioned in the location they wanted. They kept calling and complaining about it even though their business was the best in the entire department.
As I drove home that night, I thought to myself that they are complaining about a fixture placement and we have people in our country dying of Covid, hunger and just depression from not having work or income coming in. I realized that I need to move on and work some place where I can make a difference in society and have time to focus on things I enjoyed.
The End
Last, I was hired away by a close friend’s company named Service Now. They are a up & coming tech company and they are just expanding their departments in recruitment, intership intake, community outreach, diversity and inclusion to name a few. I am excited to work remotely so I can be the better version of myself and have a little more time to be available for my family, husband and possible future career opportunities.
What I learned through all of this…you have to be happy and put every aspect of your job in a fair assessment if this is the right career for you. I was built for retail for 12 years total and now I am excited to move on and try something new.
Did you learn something about yourself during furlough or this past summer during Covid 19? Please share below…
