This may be a bit of a rude or a stupid question, but I’m curious: Why did you apply for a job at Walmart because the company has always had a bad reputation as a bad employer?
Honestly, I couldn’t apply for a much better place with my resume, I thought people were exaggerating and that the bad stories about Walmart were overblown, and I wasn't planning to stay here long either.
6 replies (most recent on top)
I needed a job to take care of my family. You do what you have to do to make sure you provide for your family regardless. Put your pride and ethics aside.
Realize that no one grows up dreaming of being a Walmart store associate. So those that are there are there either because they have no other choice, or, they are old timers that remember what the company was before 2005ish. Yes, the company has changed a ton since Sam left the business. Lee Scott tried to carry much of it on, but even he was pressured to bring in more profits and gain. And now, It’s a completely new ball game with dividends, share price and market share ever more important to the street. But this is the new retail, it’s now E-retail. Or mobile retail. Or something. But this is clear: working at Walmart is not a career anymore. It’s a temporary stop while you work things out on your way to a better job.
When I started 29 yrs ago it was a very family oriented company. I loved working here. I live in a very small town and walmart was the best choice at that time. I stayed because I was grandfathered in. I couldn't leave and make the same money or earn as much pto anywhere else near me. I still stay because I've put so many years into this place and I don't want to start over at almost 50 yrs old. This company is a totally different company than it was 30 yrs ago. I keep hoping things will get better, but every new manager is worse than the one before. I'm just trying to get through the next 5 yrs so I can retire. I've been able to save a good nest egg thanks to my husband's job working for the state and I don't want to start over. So here I am, miserable, but at least I'm working.
I replied to a similar question many years ago. People's circumstances vary. Someone might live in a small town where WM is pretty much the only game in town and they don't have the means to relocate. Another may need some extra cash on a temporary basis and join WM was some extra money. Someone else may have a family emergency and have to pay a credit card down by getting that second job.
As the folks have already here, WM used to be a decent place to work. Now? It's the bottom of the barrel of jobs - the last resort of the (now) desperate of new hires. You used to be able to make a career at WM. Now? It's usually a temporary job that turns into longer than expected. You're expected to do the jobs of 3-4 associates. WM is stripping benefits from all their associates. WM is ensuring you can't hours to get full time status benefits. Employment is usually a two-way street. For WM, it's become a one-way, our way or the highway, mentality with no regard to the associate's time and family. Respect for the individual has disappeared like a fa-t in the wind.
In summary, if you are in dire need of a job and get hired at WM, make it temporary and continue to look for something better.
I started 20 years ago; it was a different company. I retired.
Never thought it would be bad when I started I guess. It wasn’t as bad as it is now when I started in 2012. They took a lot away from employees as far as perks go and they continue too. Management was also not horrid when I started. Now the mangers are rude and disrespectful and treat employees like $hit. They used to have coverage. Now one cashier until 10:30-11 daily. You are running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I had enough when they said I couldn’t work my availability that I’ve worked for almost 10 years. Started applying other places got a lot of calls back took a job making A LOT more. I have been so happy since I left.