Jo-Jo

Making it work at The Warehouse

My Case Manager talked me into giving this retail program a try. As it was a combination of theory and practicum each week there would not be too much class room work and I would probably enjoy it. It was full at the time that I applied but she went out of her way to get me on it and a week later I was enrolled. 

I had a hankering inside myself that I wanted to do more with my life than be a solo mum on a benefit. I have one daughter who had settled well into school and at age seven I thought now was a good time to give something a go. I had lots of anxiety attacks during this time, wondering if I was doing the right thing and how would I manage?

I found the program exciting and exhilarating. I was in the company of others that were on the same journey and all of us wanted to get off the benefit and become financially independent. The course gave me lots of confidence as I started to gain qualifications. and learn many new skills. The thing that stands out for me was the friendship of the others in the group – supporting each other as we found ways to overcome the issues of childcare after school, managing family commitments and getting organized on time. 

The Warehouse store in Cameron Road, Tauranga, was exciting and busy; so much to learn and do and many of the people who worked there had the same issues I had with work and home commitments – it was comforting and reassuring. Loving the friendliness of the store and customers I wanted more.  The Warehouse responded to my request for additional work and as Christmas was approaching I was able to increase my hours.

The down side of this was managing after school care for my daughter and it was hard on both of us as we adjusted our lives to manage. I was feeling guilty that our time together was changing although the compensation was having money to buy her the things she really wanted like, new shoes, stickers, art and craft activities and CD’s. and she was gaining more self assurance and confidence without me doing every thing for her.

I thrived on having a new life at The Warehouse. The Management team was wonderful and gave me lots of opportunities to learn new skills, checkout operations, merchandising, stock management, stock taking, price variances, recovery, display, ticketing and so much more – customer service and customer loyalty, health and safety, stock security and with twenty one departments to choose from I learnt how to market and sell big ticket items, clothing, home wares, music, toys, gardening and manchester to name just a few.

Before the program was finished I was in paid employment. It was such a relief being in a good job with a company that looks after and appreciates me. With the family assistance package I was able to consolidate my debts and now most of the stress and anxiety I was experiencing has gone. My daughter and I are even better mates and we enjoy the many benefits we have gained from having emotional and financial freedom.

My goal is to work hard as a team member and be the best I can be so one day I may be lucky enough to become a team leader or checkout supervisor.

Do you want to share in Jo-Jo's success?  Click here to find out more about retailing with The Warehouse...