I worked in one of the largest grocery store chains in the US for about 8 years before going full time into a PhD program. Almost very problem we had to deal wi

I worked in one of the largest grocery store chains in the US for about 8 years before going full time into a PhD program. Almost very problem we had to deal with was caused by one of three things: not enough work hours scheduled, supply chain issues, or not being able to say no to a customer. I actually really liked my job - I got a lot of joy out of making nice displays (I worked in produce), cleaning, organizing, etc. But being forced to be a servant to every customer, no matter how rude, abusive or unreasonable they were, and never being able to confront them without first talking to management was the most dehumanizing part of any job I’ve ever had.