Pros
Acceptable starting base salary straight out of college. Stores close no later than 6pm (in my experience). Usually friendly co workers. Potential to make a little extra cash through the bonus structure. Great benefits including 401K matching dollar for dollar up to 5%. Something different every day. Job security.
Cons
Working 44+ hours per week including most weekends as an assistant manager. Forced hour lunch breaks which put you at the store close to 50 hours/week. Difficult to request time off. Sometimes working 630am to 630pm. On your feet 90%+ of the time. Laughable bonus structure for assistant managers, especially in lower volume stores. Unrealistic sales goals that have to be met in order to break in to a decent bonus. Little consideration for your location preferences (asked me to move out of state right off the bat) Store managers have no problem blaming the assistant managers for problems on a daily basis. Very difficult to discipline part time workers due to policies and procedures. They WILL threaten your career if you are not willing to relocate at the drop of a hat. Weekly "sales call" goals that have to be met, not enough hours in the day. You have to wear many different hats as an assistant manager. Wearing your name on your shirt (Blue collar work environment after earning a stellar education) (Please dont get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with blue collar work, but they were not straightforward with my during the hiring process about how labor intensive the position is.) Having to deal with unreasonable painters and contractors, MOST of which do not speak clear english, makes the job very frustrating if you are not bilingual. I did not go to school to be talked down to by painters for things beyond my control as an ASM. Working for SWP is extremely draining, leaves me with no energy for an acceptable work/life balance. You wont be proud telling people where you work/what you do for a living ie-"I Work at a paint store"