u/Sunshine4736

It's going to be hard finding a childfree partner one day.

I recently left a really bad long-term (10+yrs) relationship, and just realized that I'm the only one my age that I know who doesn't have kids.

I adore kids, I just don't want to have any myself. Lots of childfree people I know can't stand to be around them, but I'm the odd one out. They're adorable, funny, sweet, but I just don't want to create life myself... If that makes sense?

And even the idea of dating someone with kids isn't a 100% dealbreaker possibly? I'd have to explore that more, it's too complicated to be a yes or no. People who are good parents are attractive because they're responsible, patient, and gentle, so there's that.

Being single has been nice though? Lol

I'm going to brag here.

I feel like I struck gold. My managers, supervisors, coaches, leads, EVERYONE. They are all absolute saints. I was shocked joining this subreddit to find so many people having issues with colleagues and management. Most people have been here 10-20+ years.

They're patient, friendly, kind, and very understanding. They praise and reward hard work at every opportunity, and the only time I was given a talking to, was because I wasn't taking long enough breaks. I even got a break extension one day for severe cramps, by my male supervisor.

I've been given rides home because they don't want me taking the bus so late at night, I've been invited to shareholder events, had my hours extended because I'm a good worker- I'm just utterly flabbergasted.

I went into this thinking "Okay. Big box store job, I work cash, it'll be rough, management won't tolerate sub-par, just do well and go home." Nope. Before I even start. Orientation. I get "You’re all new to this. You're going to make mistakes. WE still make mistakes. Just do your best, and don't be afraid to ask for help, it's why we're here." And I thought it was sweet, but I was still anticipating how work life would be.

Training. So many people on here have talked about how they haven't gotten any training whatsoever. They were just thrown into their job role. That was not the case for us. I shadowed for a few days beforehand and my colleagues were amazing, showing me all sorts of tips and tricks to make things easier, showing me all the basics. There was always a CSM present to help with anything.

And because of their efficient training? I was training someone else myself on my fourth solo day of work- successfully (I was called in to do so). They did that the day after I asked how I was doing on my own because I had doubts that I was ready. They proved me wrong.

A CSM and I even figured out the cheque coupons together because he was newly promoted. All management I've met so far have started as associates there too. The cheesey quotes and posters everywhere about teamwork and respect are true to life at this store.

And no, I'm not a kid they're looking out for. I'm 30yrs old, and they hired me with a 10yr gap in employment. They see potential, and respect effort. I love my store, love my colleagues, and love my 20% off days saving me $100 a month on groceries. That alone made me almost break down because I'd struggled so long with cost of living.

It hurts to see so many people here struggling with the daily grind. I've had jobs like that, I do know what it's like. And I hope, at least, you're all able to find that work bestie that makes it worth it.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. If you guess my store correctly, I'll know you work there too. 😂