Tuesday Thoughts About...

...Target!

Target is deadly for me. I simply stay away---most of the time. But when I need to shop---it's my "go to." Yesterday, I stopped by to pick up a few "necessities." As I approached the store, I noticed that they are hiring "sales associates." That's just a fancy name for "cashier." You can't fool me!

I worked at Target 50 years ago. Yep, it's been that long. Back then, you had to take a math test when you applied. I aced it. There was nothing to tell you how much change you had to give back. You actually had to figure it out. It was really pretty simple. Now-a-days, there's nothing to it---unless you don't know the difference between denominations of bills, or coins. There's really no thinking involved--especially when the customer uses a card---no such thing back in the day---cash was king.

When I saw the sign, my first thought was, "hmmm. I've been looking for something since a couple of my formerly retired friends have gone back to work. Maybe this is it. Wouldn't it be cool to say that my first job was Target (well, not really, but that sounds good) and my LAST job will be Target!" In fact, I started the conversation in my head of how I would approach the "human resources" person (there was no such thing back in the 60's). I'd hit him (or her---must stay PC) right off the bat with, "My first job was at Target and now I want my last job to be at Target!" I'd continue with, "you will never find a more responsible, reliable or hard working person than me." I might even pull out my 50 year old Target credentials. "After only two weeks, I was promoted to "head cashier." No telling what they call them now. Then I'd add, "I even volunteered to work Sundays (the stores were closed on Sundays back then) to do that most dreaded, boring job of taking "inventory!"  I remember having to count nails in the hardware department! Ugh! I don't think they have to do that in today's world of computers.

Then, I hit myself with a dose of reality. Do I really want to work for 10 bucks an hour and have someone dictate my schedule? Two crummy weeks of vacation? Uhh, I don't think so. Plus, knowing me, I'd want to re-organize the whole place and tell them how they can do it better. I know I would.

Still, my early working days at Target were full of fun memories: that popcorn; those smoking breaks; the boys! I got some of the craziest questions from customers like "where are the rubbers!" As a naive teen, I was shocked. When I said, "uh, that would be the pharmacy department," the man said, 'no, for rain!' " I swear, I'm not making this up. It was all good.

My BFF, Reenie worked there too. Besides sharing rides, we also shared a boyfriend! No---not at the same time! She had him first. This job came AFTER our first REAL job. Ahhh, but that's another story!

I love Target, but I don't think I'll go back to work there any time soon. Seriously, I'm thinking UBER! The young drunks in downtown Nashville could use a grandmotherly type---don't ya' think?