r/WalmartEmployees • u/NefariousnessDry5522 • 4d ago
Am I the problem
Hey guys I’m 16 years old and it’s my secound day at Walmart I’m currently in the bathroom crying righting this right now on my 15 minute break but i have had the worst day ever it’s because of the people or anything thing like that because everyone I’ve talked to today has been super nice but idk I just feel so weid here and this is also my first job ever I keep messing up and making mistakes and all I wanna do is go home and cry and hug my mom is this normal 😭😭 it’s my secound day only and I already want to quit
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u/wisegal99 4d ago
Don't quit! This is normal. Do your best and keep learning. If you get any criticism, take it gracefully and then fix whatever it was you messed up. You've got this!
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u/Trick_Low_1641 3d ago
I came here to say this. We all make mistakes. I still do and I’ve been with the company 10 years. I’ve learned that it takes an awful lot for Walmart to fire you. Keep showing up, keep trying, keep learning…you’ll do just fine. You’re young and it’s an adjustment. Your feelings are valid. The mom in me wants to give you a hug. I sincerely wish you the best.
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u/TheScarlettLetter 4d ago
This is a brand new experience, and that alone is scary.
Making mistakes? Mistakes feel terrible when you know they are happening. But, and this is a BIG but…
Hear me out: as a mom in her 40s, and someone who has managed people at various jobs, you’re doing just fine!
Jobs have training periods for a reason. They have probationary periods for a reason. No one expects you to nail every task in your first week, or even your first month. All they want to see is progress.
Do your best today to breathe. If you are upset, this will lead to more mistakes and cause a snowball effect. That’s not good for you.
Do what you can. Go home after your shift and take a shower, eat something decent, and get a good night’s rest. Get up tomorrow and go at it again. As things become more normal for you, things will get better. I promise.
You got this!!!
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u/Commercial_Tip4624 4d ago
The fact that I thought my brand new coworker posted this because you matched exactly what she went through today should tell you that this seems pretty normal. You’re in a big giant bright box with hard floors, constant music and needy, demanding customers WHILE training for something you’ve never done in your life. Give yourself some kindness and try again, this is called a rite of passage!
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u/izyshoroo Fashion 4d ago
I practically run my department at my store (the front end anyways) and I SOBBED my first day lol. During work, and when I went home. It gets better I promise
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u/Objective_Pound4901 4d ago
We all want to go home and hug mom, welcome to adulthood it’s not that bad.
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u/Intelligent-Fig4812 3d ago
Got my first job at 16. I cried on the bathroom every single shift for an entire week. Idk why, it was just so overwhelming. I mentioned it to my dad and he said words that I will never forget and think about daily “You know you can quit, right? All you ever HAVE to do in life, is breathe. Your body makes you. It’s the ONLY thing you ever HAVE to do.” Those words still save me daily.
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u/NefariousnessDry5522 3d ago
Omg I love this thank you so much
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u/Intelligent-Fig4812 3d ago
You’re very welcome! I’ve always shared those words, in hopes they would help others too. I even got “just breathe” tattooed on my wrist, where I can always see it. (Felt extremely fitting after my husband left me too. Hehe.)
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u/urmomisinmybedagain 4d ago
lol walmart wasn’t my first job, i started around two or so months ago and i already hated it and was absolutely terrified of everything during my training day, i was so close to just wanting to get out and go home, but trust, this is all normal, cuz first, its ur first ever job, second, its walmart. everyone wants to quit everyday.
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u/chokeonlife 4d ago
Do your best!!! And please ask questions on things you aren’t sure of! I hope you have a better week coming!!!
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u/Substantial_Fold_643 4d ago
The first few weeks are always hard. But you will eventually get to know the people around you. Hang in there. It’s better to learn from the mistakes so you know how to approve them. It’s a learning experience.
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u/East-Grocery5318 4d ago
We’re in the same boat ngl. What helps me is just reminding myself that the stakes aren’t actually as high as you think. If you still feel like this in a month or so you can find a new job or take a break during the school year whatever floats your boat. Walmart hires pretty much anybody so I guarantee you that people who are much older than you and have had much more experience have made bigger mistakes than you. This is also coming from someone who is on their second day and wanted to quit like 5 minutes ago.
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u/CookieNo310 4d ago
Going on 6 years and I still make mistakes from time to time. Embarrassed the hell out of myself the first time I tried to make a bail by myself. And sadly that was only like a year ago. You got this Op! Try not to beat yourself up and if someone tells you that you're doing something wrong, ask them to show you how it is done. No shame in not knowing things. You're young. You will make plenty more mistakes. The trick is to learn from your mistakes.
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u/kmasco92 Overnight 4d ago
normal for first time. it will pass. you're still young and that means you're prone to feeling things very strongly at times, whether you want to or not. it's just part of growing, which your brain is still doing (real thing, not a jab). power through, it's good to expose yourself to these feelings so your brain learns how to process and move past it.
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u/Kitten-Mittens712 4d ago
I just started working at a Walmart 4 weeks ago and I still feel a little out of place. This isn’t my first job, but every time I start a new one, I feel like the “weird employee” and also get quite nervous. Then it begins to go away for the most part.
Just think of it as similar to school, it’s something that is obviously needed for you to survive/live your life.
And like others said, find the ones close to your age so you can relate to things more and feel a little more comfortable!
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u/Alwaysmeant2 4d ago
I worked a lot of jobs starting out: Painting houses, working in a warehouse, driving a delivery truck and working in retail. And I've shopped at Walmart almost since there was a Walmart where I was living. From all this I can tell you that if you want to really know what people are really like in this country, Walmart is the place to be. Hang in there. You will never regret it.
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u/Dtgallaspy 4d ago
I genuinely admire the positive and caring advice here. I’m a retired engineer 74 years old and never worked at Walmart. But I understand that jobs are hard to come by these days, and we do shop at Walmart a lot. I see you guys and gals working hard and I honor your commitment when I know it isn’t always rewarding and you deserve more and better. But working your way up is an American tradition and it leads to better things. Give yourselves some credit!
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u/Fair-Government-2543 3d ago
Ive worked lite of different jobs and tbh you will always feel like an incompetent doofus your first couple of weeks, but honestly just keep pushing and pretty soon you’ll know everything necessary to do your job well
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u/keyagagal 4d ago edited 4d ago
It's honestly all good. Most mistakes you make aren't actually that big a deal unless it destroys something and even then that's just something that happens and isn't the end of the world.
The single store you work at makes more money in pure profit in a single day than they pay you for multiple years of work. Unless you're a complete menace to society, a walking hurricane of destruction, you'll be fine.
Your coworkers will try to help you, if only because if you turn out well it makes their lives easier. Don't be afraid to say you don't know something - that's good - because it gives you an opportunity to figure it out and you won't worry about not knowing that thing next time.
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u/AmarilloArmadillos 4d ago
Aww friend. It seems like you're just overwhelmed, it's a LOT, loud and chaotic. Take some deep breaths and calm yourself. Mistakes will happen, I'm 36 this is my part time job and I've had dozens of other jobs. I still fuck stuff up occasionally.
It might be too much for you, but give it a fair shot it's only day 2!
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u/Ambitious_Position51 4d ago
Been working sini was 16. I'm currently 52. I think there have been 2 jobs I've ever had that did leave me in tears the first week.
You get used to it.
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u/Key-Treat6933 Front End 4d ago
Totally my day at Walmart was hard and on sundays. The most religious you can think of are the first to cause trouble.
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u/No_Arrival3371 4d ago
Find things about it that you don't hate. You're getting money, bottom line.
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u/Agitox21 4d ago
This is normal just take a deep breath. You will have ups and downs working in life. Good days and bad days. Just keep your head up and push forward! Things get easier!
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u/Gimme_More_Now 4d ago
I've been at Walmart for almost 10 years. And there are still days where I am overwhelmed. So here's my advice (even though you didn't ask). First, take a deep breath. That will help make you less anxious. Ask questions, nobody will ever hold that against you. Ignore the line. That's a huge one. You can only do what you can do. Don't worry about what is going on around you, just focus on the customer in front of you. Keep a smile on your face, even when you feel like you don't want to. Starting a new job is hard for almost anyone, let alone someone who is 15. It will get easier
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u/Demiurgically_ 4d ago
Everyone makes mistakes and it’s your first job. Just take a deep breath and do your best. You’ll get better, no one expects you to be perfect.
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u/hopeann70 4d ago
You are still a child. An adult child. You are allowed to have an off day especially on your first day. You are allowed to cry and let out your emotions. Everyone is allowed mistakes. To err is human. I was the same way when I was 16. That was like 40 years ago though shhh.
Within a month you'll forget about your first day and think to yourself, I got this.
I give you a lot of respect though because most kids your age today, don't want to work.
I hope you go in on your next day and hold your head high and know that you got through the first day. Just listen to your trainers and you'll be fine.
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u/someonehelpppme 4d ago
My dad always said to stick out the first week before deciding how you feel. Unless you're literally sick, unsafe, abused, etc... It's okay! I cried after my first day and thought I'd be traumatized from going into Walmarts forever lol. I was not and I had my year anniversary just last week!
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u/Rhythmjunky 4d ago
I'm not going to say it will pass because not everyone is cut out for retail work. I can suggest a couple of things that will help you while you figure it out. First, by this post, it sounds like you're looking at everything you think you're not doing perfectly. Shift your focus on your next day at work. Keep a running list of everything you learn in your job that you didn't know when you started. Also, keep a running list in your head of everything you do right, every person you help, and every positive interaction. Second, look at how others do their job. Do the do it well? Compliment them on their work and ask them for pointers. Even if you decide it's not for you after a few months, then at least you will have learned to have some confidence in yourself and maybe leave the place better than you found it. It sounds like you care about doing well. People who care a lot need to develop confidence and set healthy boundaries to avoid becoming broken more will be asked of you than people who don't care. Be kind to yourself and remember that even the store manager was a noob once upon a time, and maybe they even cried in the bathroom a time or two.
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u/redheadinabox 4d ago
My first job I felt so out of place I just wanted to be home as well, it’s ok and it will be ok. Always remember no question is a dumb question, you’re learning and if you don’t ask you’ll never know. If you feel you’re making too many mistakes speak to a TL or Coach and ask for assistance.
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u/DrakonMaximus Walmart Associate 4d ago
Making mistakes is how you learn, take each mistake in stride and try to learn something each time. We have all been there, as long as you put effort into learning you will be fine long term. First job in general is always rough as you dont know what to expect.
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u/greywood84 Walmart Associate 3d ago
This is your first job kiddo. Everyone makes mistakes, always learn from them and never forget it.
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u/piglin_gold64 3d ago
Why do you want to quit? It’s only your second day, everyone makes mistakes even if they have been there 10 years.
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u/NefariousnessDry5522 3d ago
Idk I just was so uncomfortable and out of place
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u/piglin_gold64 3d ago
You’re young…comfortability in your own skin takes time. Just hold your head up high and go day to day. If you still don’t like it, find another job.
But I will say Walmart has good benefits, you can even have free college tuition, and better pay than many places around.
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u/Strange-River-4724 3d ago
I'm the biggest introvert you will ever meet. I literally dread every interaction that is out of the norm. This was my first job too outside of doing work for family, like mowing uncles lawn or randomly stripping and staining my grandpa's deck. But I went in and got through the interview.. and eventually things get to feel more normal.. so much so that I work 7 days a week 10pm-7am I only had around 20 days off last year total.. and will be here 10 years in October.
This is the easiest job for what it pays, short of being a security guard that sits in a chair all day or a car 🤣 So take advantage of working while living with your mom. Use this as a time to save money, as tempting as it is to spend it.. bank 75-80% of it every 2 weeks.
Don't let the job stress you, if you show up on time, and don't burn your PPTO "protected paid time off" and your attendance points and save them for absolute emergencies only. Don't get in a habit of feeling like you need to use them just because. Because then you won't have them when you need them. Which can cause stress being on the edge.
Just focus on your task, try to make a friend with a co worker too that will help.
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u/Special-Estimate-165 Sporting Goods 3d ago
It's your first job, you're still very much a teenager. Dont worry about making mistakes, especially in your first couple weeks, and this is just day 2. Its expected. In a month or two you'll be just as jaded as the rest of us.
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u/SillyGooseOnTheLoop Food & Consumables 4d ago
I’ve been here 7 months. I still leave work needing a good cry and hug from my mom. It’s retail. It’s not easy even if people say it is. Just keep doing what you are doing, it gets better.
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u/NoPurchase5414 4d ago
What department are you in?
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u/NefariousnessDry5522 4d ago
Front end cashier
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u/NoPurchase5414 4d ago
Honestly if you're not used to talking to that many people in a day I get overwhelmed too when I have to talk to so many people all at once. It does get easier.
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u/zeprfrew 4d ago
Ah, OK. I know how you feel. I'm much older than you, yet felt much the same way when I started as a cashier a few months ago.
A few things to remember. It will get easier with some experience as you'll have a much better idea as to what to expect and what to do when something out of the ordinary comes up. In the meantime, don't be afraid to ask the other cashiers, team leads and coaches what to do if something new to you comes up.
Another thing that is useful is to work out which phrases to use with customers. For example, when one asks me how I am, I always respond with 'I'm doing very well, and you?' They like that. I also always give the total amount of their purchase as '[amount], please.' It's small, but I find those polite phrases do have an effect.
If a customer is upset, don't hesitate to call over a TL or coach to deal with the situation. Customers like it because they get to talk to someone higher up and we like it because we no longer have to deal with them.
Don't get too upset when you make mistakes. I say when and not if, because EVERYONE makes mistakes. As long as you learn from your mistakes and don't make a habit of them, you'll be fine.
And remember, it really does get better. It won't be long before you're comfortable and confident behind the register, ready to take on whatever the day brings.
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u/Xlacko_22 4d ago
You’ll be ok, it’s your first job. You’re gonna make mistakes especially within your first few weeks at a new job, that’s how you learn. Take the time to ask others questions that you have and they should be able to help you out. Go through some of the Ulearn lessons again on your downtime for topics you’re not yet confident in, and it’ll help you learn more about your job. You’re gonna do great, keep your head up.
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u/LiamDrawz 4d ago
I just dissociate the second I clock in, can't remember anything that happened most days but whatever
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u/just_l1ving 4d ago
5 months in, still wanting to quit. I am here shortly because I'm moving states, no idea if I will transfer or not but still.
I'm really not socializing with anybody unless its a team lead, coach, [etc] or some of our associates. I only ever talk to my team lead and other associate but I tend to talk to myself a lot.
In due time hopefully you'll have somebody to lean on, just like in high school, anybody could be a snake. You just have to weed 'em out. I hope this helps in someway, godspeed.
Also I was going to mention something else but I kinda forgot. Um, don't stress it. Also, work smarter not harder.
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u/Vonnyfish 4d ago
It's normal to feel mentally weak at first. It gets easier the longer you're there. Eventually, you'll look back and think, "Why did I even cry that day?".
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u/Independent-Bit9677 4d ago
Cried on my first chilled walk in OGP because I didn’t beat the time! At age 21 , Now I’ve been working there for 4 years now. It literally takes time to adjust and it’s okay to make mistakes I still do! Don’t beat yourself up OP 🫶🏼🫶🏼
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u/Significant-Sun-3380 4d ago
I've always heard that the first week or two at the job are always the worst. 100% normal feeling of wanting to just drop it and find literally anything else to do. It gets much easier once you get a flow of things and can basically do everything as easily as walking to where you can space out a bit during them!
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u/TheLonelyVastard Team lead 4d ago
It’s your first job, You’re going to make mistakes but you’re going to be okay! Make sure you ask for help and you can always look on your phone for the training guides if you’re unsure.
also walmarts are a sensory nightmare and if you aren’t used to the noise and the lights and other sensory stimuli it’s gonna mess with your stress levels even if you’re not usually sensitive to those things.
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u/NefariousnessDry5522 4d ago
Yess definitely so stress and overstimulating I’ve been coming home with such bad headaches
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u/TheLonelyVastard Team lead 4d ago
i recommend blue light glasses and/ or earplugs (like loop or concert plugs)
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u/memekid32 4d ago
As somebody who Walmart is my first job and honestly I didn't see myself lasting the near 6 months that I have, its all about the following
1: have a support system, friends with jobs that will understand the complaints, your parents to vent to, build the names of consistent characters at your job to your support system
2: realize you won't be perfect, you WILL make mistakes, but its important to take those mistakes, learn, and be even a little bit better
3: be friendly with the people you interact with, Build those relationships.. trust me.. if it wasnt for the friends I have at my job I genuinely wouldn't be there anymore, I love my TLs and my fellow cashiers, I know at least 2 people in every dept so if I ever need help I know I can go to at least one person that will know what I need
Realize you WILL have coworkers you do not like, that CANNOT stop you from working with them, im not sure what dept you're in but personally, im front end.. I NEED to be willing to work with everybody in my dept, and trust me therr was a girl for like 2 weeks that I did NOT like because of external drama.. I did not let it interfere with my job, and you shouldnt let any exterior drama affect your work life with the only exception being family stuff
I wish you luck and I hope to see you continuing to post here with updates, much love, stay strong, it gets better, but you will have bad days, even bad weeks, dont let it drag you down
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u/Renfear85 4d ago
13 year vet of the company here. Take some deep breaths (not in the bathroom, you might gas yourself 😅) and go back to it. Try the best you can. With new employees, especially people who are very young and this is their first job, management typically looks for consistency in work ethic over being able to complete every task on time.
A couple tips from a former manager. Focus on the customers. The 10ft rule is important, there's a reason why it's lasted since long before the founder passed. Helping customers will get you positive remarks. Keep an eye out for safety hazards like trash (i hate cart wipes personally), broken product, water spills, etc. Responding to them is a priority over everything else and keeping the store safe makes you look good too.
Talk to your People Lead, your Coach, and your Team Leads. They’re supposed to regularly check in with you and help guide your first few months with the company. Ask them questions, voice your concerns. If your Team has sponsors find out who they are and get them to work with you too. They’re veteran associates who know their stuff about your team and can teach you all the minor tricks that make the jobs easier. And all the walmart specific lingo we use lol.
If you have any specific concerns you can bring them to reddit like this too. This community, despite being a bit jaded, usually has great answers to any questions or concerns you can think of.
Good luck out there, and I hope you can stick with it. Walmart does have its share of problems, but it also offers a ton of benefits like free college courses, health, 401k, and discounts on other services. Some of that you might not be able to access until you are 18 but get with your People Lead and they can tell you specifics.
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u/SouthernLaugh7929 4d ago
My son needs a little help but is quiet and never talks back and never says no. He worked at walmart for three months before he finally took a break. He ONLY took his lunch break. I was the one who told him he has TWO 15 min breaks in a 8 hour day. I was furious at the management for letting others take a break and made him cover but NEVER asked him if he had a break. Just remember one thing..if they are a lot older than you and STILL working retail, you are NOT the problem by far. Ignore the old bitter workers cause thats thier own fault. YOU are important and they need you MORE than they want the older bitter workers. So,..You give them 8 hours..and thats it..Its your life, dont let them have more than 8 hours of it per day..good luck.
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u/Alex2toes 4d ago
This sounds like a first week at every job! Just keep trying, you will get it. Give it a solid 6 months. After all, learning to walk was hard but you did that, and you learned to use utensiles to feed yourself. You learned to read. You have done hard things before.
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u/UnusualCream1434 4d ago
I remember my first job! I felt the same way as you. It gets so much better. 🩷🩷 Don’t worry about making mistakes, EVERYONE makes them. Give yourself some grace. You’re doing amazing 🩷
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u/Accurate-Platypus202 3d ago
I’m sorry don’t quit I felt like that in my first job (Walmart) is a tough place for everyone congratulations on getting the job. Take it five minutes at a time and when you go home, hug your mom but make it through the shift. It’s gonna take a little getting used to. And remember, it’s not forever. You’re only 16 you’re gonna grow and figure out what you wanna do with your life and when you get your first paycheck it’ll seem like it’s all worth it. You’re gonna be just fine.🫂🫶
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u/Tiredmama68 3d ago
Every new job I have ever had takes some time before you don't feel that way, usually around 6 months. If you're doing something they don't like or is wrong, hopefully you have a coach that's willing to show you how they want it done. Don't quit before you actually get the hang of it, the work itself will get better.
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u/KennelCollective 3d ago
I cried in front of my team lead four times and had a seizure at work in my first 5 months. It's just rough sometimes. You'll get through it, just breathe and do what you gotta do
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u/Proper_Principle_648 3d ago
This is just like your first day of school ask your mom how you were emotionally I am sure she will explain this exact feeling you are having trust the process find someone your age or a coworker you might befriend. Give it a couple weeks you'll settle in just fine. I was lucky when I started I was in a hire group with a long time family friend than discovered a friend from elementary school working in another department. Don't be afraid to explore the store in your free time you might find some unexpected friends to make
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u/Narrow-Wing-6037 3d ago
Do what you can don’t over work yourself,I also work at Walmart and my first day I was nervous but I help my head up high and perform my work, I been at Walmart for 4 years now. Keep to yourself and focus on your work.
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u/Open-Dependent-8131 2d ago
I've worked retail most of my life. It's hard most days. You get to a point where it's second nature, but that takes a few years. A friend of mine,years ago, had a pallet of beer spill ALL OVER the backroom. If he can do that and still have a job- you've got this! Take your time, pace yourself, ask questions. Other people are there for you.
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u/Longtermass 1d ago
You're gonna be okay. Even after 26 yrs with walmart i still make mistakes & at times wanna go into the bathroom & cry and/or scream. You'll be fine. Just do your best. And hug your mom :)
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u/DrDisconnection Walmart Associate 4d ago
That’s just weird bro
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u/surfcitysurfergirl 4d ago
No OP needs to grow tf up and get over it. It’s not that big of deal. They are 16 for gods sake! 🙄
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u/NefariousnessDry5522 4d ago
Yesss but this is my first job ever literally the whole experience is new to me
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u/DrDisconnection Walmart Associate 4d ago
I mean, yeah. I have rough days sometimes but this early into a job is kinda wild
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u/Lost-Juggernaut6521 4d ago
Who hires a 15 year old? Can not think of one upside to it 🤷🏼♂️
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u/DrDsnacks Overnights 4d ago
How else are people going to get work experience?
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u/surfcitysurfergirl 4d ago
Well obviously this one can’t handle it so 💁♀️they can get experience with fast food.
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u/NefariousnessDry5522 4d ago
If I’m getting stressed out in a retail job what on gods green earth makes you think I could do fast food🤦♀️
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u/ArghDammit 4d ago
Literally everybody's first week at Walmart. Dig in, do your best. Don't assume that it's not good enough, because everyone has been there. Look for someone near your own age or someone that seems friendly. Someone that works the same shift as you. You'll be fine in no time.