28 December 2006

Work and more work

Believe it or not, I'm at work right now. Yes, I know, surprising right? Me, work? Well, it's not really very serious, just to gain experience and some money. ;)

I started work on the 23rd, 2 days before Christmas. So what the hell do I work as? Well, just basic cosmetics promoter for SK-II. Yup, that skincare product from Japan. I am just a temporary worker anyway, and I'm placed in empty spots where some permanent worker cannot make it. My first day was in Midvalley Metrojaya, and being the first day of my first job, I don't know anything. I asked the guy who called me up for the job ad he said I should wear all black (can you imagine?! I mean, whoever wears all black these days?!? I'm not saying black's out of fashion, but if you wear it alone, it's a bit dull isn't it? Then again, maybe that's the whole purpose) and a collared shirt or t-shirt. So I did. He didn't tell me about shoes however, and the fact that I have to enter through staff entrance. So I arrived and had to buy new shoes(after having to ask everyone where the staff entrance is). Then, for some twisted reason, the staff can't bring handphones in. So I had to give it to the officer behind the desk to keep, with heavy reluctance. Seriously, can you imagine 8 of your waking hours without handphone? I bet you would quit the job right away or try to smuggle it in. Then, I found out that I have to use staff toilet only. And, if I want to get out of the department store, I have to go through the staff entrance everytime (which is super far because I'll have to get out f the building and walk a quarter of a kilometre and go in the building again, up the stairs). So lunch is a total torture. Another thing I found out is that I don't have to use collared shirt. Lots of their other workers only wear round neck tees(baby tees). SK-II has, like, 30 products or more and I have to study them all and memorize their prices. That totally sucks. I mean, it has 10 types of mosturisers alone and I have to know the prices and what each of them do and how long will they last and for what skintype they're suitable for. It's exhausting(note that's for only the mosturisers). Then I have to know the promotions. Most customers will go to the counter and ask, "what's the promotion going on now?" the first thing. Can't blame them I can't afford th product without ppromotion, too.

So after Metrojaya Midvalley I have to work in Parkson KLCC. Here, I found out I have to wear a bun in my hair and if I want to wear something not collared, I have to wear it long-sleeved. The staff entrance is not so bad however. It's right outside the main entrance of the department store. But I do have to go up three floors to get there, and once I get in, I have to go down two floors. This was also the first time I was at the counter alone(without one of the permanent staff helping and teaching me. I was reaking scared! Plus, I had to do the store closing since my shift was untill 10. That was seriously scary. What if I forgot to do something? Or did something wrong? That counter also offered facial services so I had to learn how to take appointments and reconfirm them(By the way, it is full for this month and the next and the weekends on February). I think everything turned out fine in the end. One thing I learned is that the promotion for every SK-II counter is very different. That sucks. I have to memorize every counter's promotion and the department store promotion plus any type of special occasions promotion(and when will they end). I also have to keep up with new and upcoming promotions. A little too much don't you think, for a 'school holidays' job?

Then, when I thought things couldn't get any worse, I was transferred to Isetan KLCC. This counter is terribly busy where customers are never-ending. The worst part? I can't SIT!!! So for 7 hours I had to stand there waiting and walking around. Oh, and did I mention the shoes I bought in Midvalley are high-heels? Imagine walking on the balls of your feet for 7 hours. Ouch. Even the permanent promoter has this pained expression on her face. Can't blame her, I know how she feels. After that, when I desperately needs to go to the toilet, I found out something new: toilet cubicles are locked. When any of the staff needs to go do the 'business', she or he needs to look for the keys first. Then, in the toilet, the cubicle doors are labeled 'Shoes', 'Handbags', 'Cosmetics' and things like that for staff who work in different departments. With such rules, I thought the toilet would at least be clean, but it's worse than the customers' toilet. Then it hits me. If the toilets are locked, how would cleaners get to clean them up? Furthermore, the tap water is just a tiny tinkle. I mean, a rat could piss faster than that!

More on my work adventures later.

LoVe~

MzP<3





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