Thursday, September 18, 2025
Sometimes my outside job feels overwhelming. This past week included incidents that upset me enough to wonder if I should quit. In a different retail department store, I might have started the process, but my current workplace is so family-like most of the time that I genuinely enjoy being there.
I work in one of the store’s few departments where sales earn commissions. That naturally creates a competitive environment, and my struggles stem from a long-time employee—my co-worker—who, in my view, crossed a line. That left me feeling discouraged and out of balance.
I’m not easily intimidated, but I do prefer to avoid conflict. My goal is simple: show up, do my job as well as I can, and feel supported by management. Most days, that’s exactly what happens.
This time, however, upper managers recognized what had occurred. They spoke with both my co-worker and me, and I felt they truly understood my concerns. They reminded me that competition in sales is never easily solved, but they also reassured me of their support. Their advice was that I learn to defend myself—something easier said than done by one who’s new to a competitive workplace.
Still, knowing management stands behind me eased the anger enough for me to stay and focus on how I can adapt. For me, it isn’t about commissions. It’s about fairness. What makes staying and working on the problem worthwhile is the fairness of being listened to, heard, supported, and encouraged.
At the end of the day, my workplace feels like a genuine family, and I find myself wanting to stay more than I want to leave.
— Diana
Diana's Morning Blog 