In the last post I discussed the most desirable jobs at Costco, according to a recent article (Best and Worst Jobs at Costco (Part 1 of 2): Best Jobs). In this post, I will discuss what the article lists as the most desirable jobs.
Worst Jobs
Front End cashier
Costco stores can get very busy. Customers can slowly linger in front of items, fill multiple carts, leave these carts in aisles, and then go checkout. Waiting on long lines can be difficult and overwhelming for members but likely even more so for the cashiers. These employees have to deal with the fast pace and stress, need to be careful despite feeling pressured by customers to work quickly, have to be accurate and scan each item, check IDs for alcohol and have little room for mistakes. These employees are also on their feet for long periods of time. In addition, the article points out that the constant interactions with customers means that these are likely not good jobs for socially anxious individuals. Furthermore, although these positions pays well, it is not easy to become a full-time cashier.
Cart Attendant
Although this position has the benefit of being one of the easier ones for which to be hired because it is an entry-level position, it does not pay much in comparison to other jobs at Costco. In addition, the article mentions the disadvantages of the position, including being physically demanding (although for some workers, the high amount of walking may be viewed as a positive aspect of the job), and sometimes physically dirty due to the many Costco members who leave trash inside the carts.
Greeter
According to the article, the Greeter position is both physically painful and boring. In addition , despite it being unpleasant much of the time, Greeters are the first interaction for members. Therefore, these employees are expected to be friendly and smile at each customer. Therefore, the author says that they are likely to have both sore legs and sore cheeks when they end the workday. Greeters often also have to deal with unhappy members. For example, members may have forgotten their cards but not want have to go through the process to get a temporary card or non-members may arrive and want to shop which may end up needing a supervisor if they become argumentative.
Supervisor
The article mentions that there are positives aspects to being a supervisor. For example, supervisors earn more than lower-level positions and have high status due to having been selected as people who can handle responsibility. Despite these positives, these employees are primarily tasked with dealing with personnel problems, thus putting them in the position of often being yelled at by shoppers, employees, and management. They may also be often micromanaged (or even bullied).
Maintenance
Maintenance workers are responsible for emptying trash cans, sweeping, cleaning break rooms, and scrubbing messes. They are also expected to constantly be working, despite the physically demanding nature of their work. In addition, because these workers are less specialized and are considered “”lower down”, some are expected to work after closing time, thus not getting to leave until 10 pm.
Food Court Attendant
According to the article, working in the food court is often the way for people to start working within the company. Although typically not where employees want to work long-term, it is an entry-level position and pays decently well. Other jobs mentioned in the article are viewed negatively for being physically demanding (e.g., cashier). Although working in the food court can certainly take a physical toll, it is described as “psychologically stressful. These employees may be expected to carry out several food production tasks at the same time as they are taking orders and working the cashier. The author writes that two employees working during the shift may serve 200-400 people in an hour during busy food court times. Adding to the stress, some of these customers may be hungry and impatient. Another limitation of this position is that these employees are working with food in a hot environment . Thus, they may leave work sweaty and dirty, in addition to tired. Finally, these workers are hidden in the food production area and therefore tend to get overlooked and underappreciated.
Do you agree that these jobs do not sound desirable? If you worked at Costco, would these be the positions you’d least like to have?
Cruising Costco 