I worked my last Monday in retail today. Let’s just say I won’t be missing it. And oh boy, what a Monday. Too much to do, not enough time to do it; you know, the usual. Oh, and it was way too humid in the warehouse.

Interestingly enough, I’m not the only one that’s leaving. Several other people are moving on, mostly to other branches within the same company. But combined with the general low morale that’s been seeping through the store, I’m starting to feel like a rat on my way off of a sinking ship.

How do I know morale is low? Well, there have been signs besides by own malaise. “Sick” calls have been increasing, even reaching up to the forklift drivers. Several people are calling in each week, often multiples a day. Even my boss is feeling the stress: they commented that “if They wanted to burn everybody out, They’re doing a great job.” Not exactly inspiring words from a superior, eh?

Things seem to have definitely taken a downward turn since the new(ish) store manager. Staffing is getting cut to threadbare levels, managers are doing more menial jobs, and the general level of polish around the store has fell significantly.

In light of all this, I think I’m getting out at the right time. Not just for my own needs, but for general work quality and satisfaction. And even better: tomorrow is my last early morning! Everything’s coming up Milhouse!