BigBox Outdoor Retail Store Called Today about MGMT Position

[89MJComanche]

I got a phone call today from a regional Outdoor Retail Store to inquire about my employment status as they have an Operations Manager position avaliable in a store that is less than 2 miles from the house that I have been living in for the past year in the suburbs of Pittsburgh PA.

 

I have a ten year resume in the Outdoor Industry that spans Professional Ski Patrolling, Ski Area Management and Safety, White Water Operations, White Water Guiding, Fishing Guiding, Outdoor Retail Management at Hudson Trail Outfitters in Washington DC area, Yakima Rack Dawg car rack installation program developement in implimentation, and the online retail sites that I have been running that my company owns that I started about 1 year ago that are making enough money to pay there own bills.

 

I also own the Spray in Liner business that I have hired people to work for me as I don't want to spend 6 hours a day sanding and spraying and getting all that crap in my lungs and hair and under my finger nails.

 

So I am going to goto this interview. Even though deep down in my heart I hate BIG BOX RETAIL because it suffocates the little knowledgeable man who built this industry. Right now for the next six months or year I can use this job as a re-entry to the business after 2 years out of the business. I need the insurance, it is close to my home where I have become fairly comfortable the past year with my living arraingment and other things. Through outstanding leadership of people, and the wealth of knowledge that I could bring to the table if properly compensated.

 

So what do you guys think??

 

Go with the flow?? Put effort into the interview to really impress the hell out of them?? Or just go about it in a what ever happens kind of way.

[Bonkers]

I have found little benefit for working for box stores except stability of the company itself. If you decide to go this route establish working scedules and expectations before signing paperwork - most multi-million dollar retail companies hire professional slave drivers to milk every last cent from your paycheck. When I worked for Service Merchandise they had a pay system that actually decreased your pay the more hours you worked. It was so bad that if you put in 75 hours per week you actually made less than a 40/hr week paycheck. Lowe's likes to kill your home-life - they'd schedule you Monday from 12-11pm give you Tuesday off, then schedule you 5am-4pm Wednesday. You never got two days off back-to-back, ever.

 

It's like joining the army - make sure you read the fine print before you sign anything. I for one couldn't be paid enough to return to that life though.

[whowey]

I have worked for small businesses, and super large corporations both. Personally, I prefer small businesses, usually your skills are rewarded. But they don't have the financial resources needed to be competitive with large companies.

 

My answer would depend on your personal life more than a career choice. I have a family to look after, so for ME I would choose the job that better suited their needs. If I was a single-guy I would flat out choose the one that I wanted more.

[87manche]

I think it really depends on your situtaion now.

If you're happy doing what you do that can make up for not making as much.

No one likes getting up in the morning and hating going to work.

[Stumpy]

i've worked for a big box company for 8yrs and for the past 4yrs as management and it kinda sucks in reguards to personal life because of the hours i work..ie hardly any weekends off. i'm only staying for other 4-5yrs maybe until my bro gets out of the service and we opening an offroad shop. i make pretty good money for not having special schooling. but money aint everything so when we get the shop going it'll prolly be rough at first but atleast we will love our job!!

[4play]

I agree with Stumpy, money ain't everything. If you are paying your bills now and are generally happy with work, I wouldn't change.

I've had jobs that payed almost twice my current income, but I was miserable and my attitude poured out to the family. I make less money now but enjoy my job :D , and my family enjoys me (I think ;) ).