Archived How do you deal with the stress?

[Flabbergasted]

For those of you in what you or others may consider to be a "stressful" position, how do you deal with it? I know a TL who binge drinks on occasion, when things are particularly stressful. Of course, that's not how I'd recommend you solve the problem but everyone has their way.

As a GSA, the stress gets almost unbearable at times, and there are moments when I want nothing more than a voluntary resignation form in one hand and a pen in the other so I can get the hell out. I come back to my senses eventually but let's just say I never felt this way when I was just a cashier.

I'm posting this thread because the stress is really getting to me and is starting to affect my life outside of work.

 

[Sickofspot]

I used to binge drink, like the above mentioned TL. Spending time with friends is great, if we can all coordinate.

Honestly though, anti-anxiety meds/anti-depession meds and therapy helped me survive my last year with spot. I hope you don't have to go this route. Probably not the answer you were looking for-sorry.

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

School is important for you. Focus on that, you might want to do an LOA to get your grades up. We did try warn you about the gsa position. Running away is not an escape, unless you have another job lined up. Patient and tolerance is one way to handle stress, think it out or take a break away from the event. Like walk to food ave & say hi, for ex.

 

[BRMember]

The stress of being a leader, and all that comes with that, in my mind was not worth the extra few bucks an hour. So the way I dealt with it was to demote myself. Now that I'm a team member life at target is so much better, more fun, and easier.

 

[Flabbergasted]

So the way I dealt with it was to demote myself.

My STL forbids this. TLs/GSAs/PAs who wish to demote must resign entirely. You cannot go back to TM once you're down this rabbit hole.

We did try warn you about the gsa position. Running away is not an escape, unless you have another job lined up

I'm not trying to run away. I wanted this job. I still want the job. I just strongly dislike my STL. He makes it miserable.

 

[BRMember]

My STL forbids this. TLs/GSAs/PAs who wish to demote must resign entirely. You cannot go back to TM once you're down this rabbit hole.

Wow I didn't know they could do that. I'd be pretty upset if I wasn't able to do it at the time

 

[iVibe]

Make a diary, and write how you feel. Sometimes it helps to ramble and get your thoughts out

 

[TallAPGuy]

Exercise. I don't do it nearly as much as I should, but when I am feeling particularly stressed out, I go for a bicycle ride, to the gym to swim (or the local river during the summer), or to one of the regional parks and hike. Anything really that gets my blood moving that I can be relatively isolated.
I would also suggest a hobby you can focus on. About this time last year I took-up fly fishing (again) as a way to deal with the stress from my (now) previous job, in particular due to a fellow supervisor who was actively undermining my authority, and it has be extremely relaxing.

 

[Dr Laytex]

Take it out on the customers.

 

[commiecorvus]

Of course, I'm only recommending this to people who live in states where it is legal but the occasional hit from the bong has been known to be good for what ails you.

 

[dannyy315]

I start kicking things and throwing merchandise at the walls.

 

[SlapHappy]

I walk. Sometimes just around the parking lot for a few minutes but it helps. I also try to find a moment to be alone, take a few deep breaths, and paste my fake smile on again. Dealing with stress of work and life in general is a real issue for a lot of us.

 

[Retail Girl]

Our store backs up to a field. So I will go scream at the field on my break or lunch when needed.

 

[Kartman]

Spot doesn't stress me a bit, but I'm not a TL or GSA and that's how I'm gonna keep it.

From what I've heard, the minor pay bump just isn't worth it.

 

[Top Dollar]

Weed

 

[RedMan]

At the end of the day, all we do is sell toilet paper. When your exec or your team lead get all pissy or a guest is yelling at you, just remember that. This is not a life altering occupation you've chosen. If the guest doesn't get that Lilly or your TL doesn't get his way or your exec doesn't like the color red you're wearing, so what? No one's gonna die or even care in an hour. Tell them you're doing the best you can and then do the best you can.

 

[Dying Sun]

I just get really quiet and keep my thoughts and emotions in check. As im known around my store for always vocal, everyone has learned that if i get really quiet all of a sudden just back off and come find me about two hours later and im back to my old self.

 

[RXninja]

I was going to suggest a self imposed demotion, but it sounds like from your follow up post that your STL will make that impossible. Even so, I would talk to your ETL-HR about stepping down, or maybe moving into another role (plano, pricing, PA, etc.). But only if you feel comfortable talking to your ETL-HR, most are in major cahoots with the STL.

Another option could be transferring to another store as a cashier or salesfloor, check other store openings. If you are in good standing, your ETL-HR shouldn't block the transfer.

Before there was a GSA position, I did fill that role for about a year. It was the most stressful period in my Target career. I received no pay increase, little recognition & only ever took my lunch breaks (no 15 min breaks). After all of that, I was benched for awhile. Applied for the GSA position, they gave it to D-bag. Later, we both applied for GSTL. They again, gave it to D-bag. The whole experience was so disheartening, I asked to get more CO shifts & they stopped scheduling me for GSA/GSTL shifts. The kicker was, after they pulled the specialist positions, they pulled my supervisor access. Now D-bag is gone but I will never put myself through that garbage again.

TL/DR:

I hope you find a balance that is right for you, they don't pay us enough for the stressful situations they expect us to deal with on a day to day basis. Hang in there, do whatever is necessary to make school a priority.

 

[Quattro]

Backstock the freezer. Or yeah, binge drink once in a while.

 

[Triscuit]

I dont let spot stress me out. Im only here to do my job and make money. Anytime I feel like Im getting stressed I just remember that I have a college degree and it will get me somewhere ... one day. and I will be in a better position some day

 

[SeniorAP]

Really take time to put things in perspective. One day you'll look back on all this and laugh at how worried and stressed you made yourself for no reason. The store isn't burning down, nor is the world coming to an end. For $9/hour, the world isn't on your shoulders. Do what you can, and for the rest-- let the ETL's/STL sweat about it!!!

 

[Kompa]

Not care.

I really have to question normal TMs that let this job get to them. If you're not a TL or above, there's no way you should be stressing over something like Target

 

[salesfloor10]

I exercise pretty regularly and it helps a lot.

I also leave work at work. It's better to walk away knowing you've done all you can do and leave it there. If work issues are stressing you out, partner with an ETL or TL to address whatever is making your job more difficult (staffing issues, performance issues, etc.) If they're worth anything as a leader they will at least hear you out and at most try to help you find solutions.

 

[Redzee]

I plot harmless pranks. Plot only. Usually.

 

[MrBullseye]

Same thing I said last time...I got a dog.

It gave me something to care about outside of work and a reason to leave after 10 hours instead of sticking around and working from 630a - 730p. (ETL)