Checker Training

Yesterday I finished my checker training. Eight hours of learning how to scan items, enter coupons, verify WIC checks, and other things has left me a bit overwhelmed. While they answered every question we could possibly ask, I didn't get the chance to ask any questions. I learn from forming my own questions and experience. The first was out the window, and I thought my other option wouldn't come until later. I was wrong.

Because we had been doing so well, our manager decided that we should get a shot at the real deal (the majors, the show). High fives were passed around. We were finally moving up a small rung on the real-world business ladder. What were we waiting for?

I was less enthused. What was the rush? To me, our manager's faith in us was overly-optimistic proposal that would no doubt end in red-faced customers, smoking computers, and traumatized employees issued for months of psychiatric treatment.

However, I could see she had a point: I would gain real-life experience. The pressure cooker of real-life would force knowledge into my head faster than listening to standardized employee lectures. Every "Hi, how are you today?" would be followed by a new experience, one to be recorded and stored for future use.

Trying to look on the bright side of things, I woke the computer screen, signed in, and flipped on my blue '9' light. Immediately (though I'm not sure why, because 7:30 on a weeknight is not the most popular time to shop), a pair of bearded, grubby men appeared at my register. To make a long story short, my very first customer had his credit card flash a big, red alert saying "INSUFFICIENT FUNDS" on my screen. Luckliy (I did not want to deal with a pair of men twice my size if I had to tell them I could not sell them their milks and Barbie), he had another card. To my dismay, this one flashed a red sign saying "CARD UNREADABLE," forcing me to call over a manager to help me. Finally, everything became straightened out, and I could breathe a sigh of relief. I also took a moment to pray that not all transactions would be that difficult.

Someone must have been listening, because aside from not being able to find a birthday on an ID card, the rest of the night went smoothly. I told all of my customers that this was my first day, and they kindly lied, telling me I was a natural. I didn't run into any yelling men, robbers, or an exploding computer- I consider the night a success.

I hope I can say the same for my checker days to come.