Pros
You can move up fast and use as a great learning tool.
Cons
When I first entered Altar'd state I was excited. I heard about the Faith Base atmosphere and how the company "gives" back. Going in to this job, I didn't read any of the glass door comments because I solely believe in innocent until proven guilty. I like to make my own opinion. Now, I see what EVERYONE is talking about. First off, I was told from my DM about the SM position. At first I didn't want to take it because it was far of a drive. But she assured me this is the way to move up in the company. I began to realize they needed me at that store because no one wanted it. The people who were hired before I got there had zero to little work ethic experience. It made it difficult to "train" or "coach" a staff who honestly just wanted a discount. Also, by the time I got there this store had gone through I don't know how many managers. Yes, the turn over rate is high!! Some of the associates used to be managers but because of how drained they were as managers they stepped down. I can say this company does OVER work you. Your typical day off is messages from your DM, or messages from your DM while you're driving to work. As a SM you are constantly looked at to work like a Hebrew slave. Your associates can have off but NO not the SM. The deserving SM who puts all of her work and even forgets her life, doesn't get any time off. You have to go through hell and back just to get two days in a row off. Then you're doing floor sets which last 24 hours really. Everything is all in the same day. Markdowns and movement of the floor. It's like why not have one week of markdowns, then the next of a floorset. Then don't talk about the holidays...as an SM you have to work 6 days a week before and during Christmas week lol. You're already working 45 hours, now lets add on another day, plus the hours the center/mall has for you, then the labor work,...you're working 60 plus hours during the holiday. It's sad really. Aaron the CEO sent out a message to say "not many people are able to spend time with their family on Christmas, so be thankful". It is great to spend time with family on the Holidays. However, don't come off as if your workers are ungrateful and I guess I give them this day off sense of attitude. We work HARD. I have met Aaron and he didn't come off as butt like most stated. However, I can tell EVERYONE including his corporate team walks on egg shells around him and it makes the visit less exciting. It's like they don't know how to talk to him and if they say one "wrong" thing he'll come bite them like a snake. It just makes the visits depressing really. Then, there are retail companies who work their SM only 40 hours a week and 5 days during the Holidays. Then the pay is not where it should be for anyone. My DM told me corporate said people are leaving because of "training". that's not why this company has high turn over rates. This company is turning over due to these three things: Overworked, Not valued, low balled pay. A person will stay if not trained to LEARN MORE if you show your support, give better pay for their WORTH, and allow people to make mistakes and grow.
