A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:This isnt so much a relationship question, but more of a question thats definitely going to help my life out business wisr.Here is my dilemma. My man is a manager at WalMart, and I want to pursue the same thing. Please dont tell me hos my goals are low. I love retail, and working with people, so this is what I really want. I am in school pursuing my associates for business management.My question to you guys is; I work at dollar general okay. Now I am wondering, should I try and move up to a management position here, or stay here for a year and go to Walmart, that way when I get my degree, I already have a year plus the 8 months I was at WalMart before under my belt? My friend said it would be better to try and go to WalMart with management experience under my belt, but the thing is 75% of WM management moved up from within the company. And dollar general is such a small store in itself, I am worried that they will think just because I can manage a small store, doesnt mean I can manage a big store. Should I just take a year in retail experience and go to WalMart for the rest of my second year and then try and go up from there? I really need opinions. Thank you in advance. Reply to this Question
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male
reader, CaringGuy  +, writes (24 November 2013):
In my experience, you are always better aiming for something specific that you want to achieve, rather than wasting time on something you don't really want to do. If Walmart is where you want to work (nothing wrong with that by the way, so don't let anyone tell you differently), then it's best to finish your degree and aim for that.
A
female
reader, CindyCares  +, writes (24 November 2013):
 There's nothing wrong with Walmart ? :) Well well well, I am afraid that a lot of people ( not necessarily left wing activists - say, the UN reasearch commissions over exploitation of child labor ? ) would not agree with that,at all . Read " Nickel and dimed " by journalist Barbara Ehrenreich, the chapter where she describes her experience as an ( undercover ) Walmart's employee. It makes for a fascinating reading, no matter what your personal opinions on social issues are.
Just saying- for the sake of objectivity. Not tryng to stir up a political controversy- hey, I don't even live in USA anymore.
Anyway- kudoos to the OP for having a definite goal set in front of her, the drive and enthusiasm to achieve it, and a well studied plan to reach there. Yours sounds like a good plan, - if you accrue experience in retail / management somewhere else, yes at Walmart they may think it's not enough to make you a manager in their company right away, but you'd still have the advantage of experience over people who applies without even your kind of training .
I just a have a curiosity, i.e. How big is the role of your bf and inspirer in your decisions. Would you still want to become a Walmart manager, if you had never met him ? Would still want to become a Walmart manager, if you should break up tomorrow ? How much of this dream is your dream ... because it's yours, regardless- and how much it is because you'd be following the steps of someone you love ?
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (24 November 2013): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionWell, I have worked for WM before, and had to quit due to personal reasons. They are in good standings with me, but I have to wait 6 months to apply again to work there. I want to work at DG, just for more retail experience. That way when I ho back to WM, I will have atleast 1-2 years retail experience. I definitely do not want to stay at DG. Even if I did become manager. WalMart is my goal. As I said, my SO also works as a manager there. He is my inspiration. I'm thinking taking a year at DG, run with the extra year of retail under my belt, and finishing the rest of my degree time at Walmart, I'll have 2 1/2 years of retail and a degree to try and move up with :)
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (24 November 2013): If Walmart is ultimately where you want to be for sure, then I think you should start there and work your way up. Let them know during the interview process that you have long term goals with the company and was willing to set aside another job at another retail store to pursue your dreams of moving up the ladder. Of course you may already know if you are in school now Walmart may or may not be flexible for u to attend school and work its really based on how well your supervisor like you. If you are currently in school and dollar tree is flexible with working around your schedule with school u may want to stay there until u finish. I've had a friend who worked at Walmart and her supervisor was not flexible with her knowing she was in school. So consider the risks and just ask yourself can u be more flexible if asked to come in or dedicate more time to Walmart then u were originally planning. Best wishes
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A
female
reader, Honeypie + ♥, writes (24 November 2013):
 How big do you think (realistically) your chances would be to manage a Dollar General any time soon ? If it's not something you think will happen easily, then maybe trying Walmart might be a good idea, they have a LOT faster turn over then DG (because there are more stores/bigger stores).
But here is the biggest thing, WHAT do you really want?
I would go talk to your career counselor (if you have one) they are perhaps better at giving advice on this.
PS there is nothing wrong with DG or WM! If you enjoy your job it's a GREAT thing. Too many people HATE their jobs and it shows. So be proud of what you do and don't let anyone tell you it isn't good enough.
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