Pros
The pros to working here are as follows: - The company is good at developing smart and hard working employees into managerial roles - Highly flexible in giving employees the chance to transition from one division of the company to another makes it a decent place for college graduates to work because it allows them to remain with one company, while they figure out the type of work they want to do as a career (Manager Trainee -> Store Operations, Analyst Trainee -> Corporate Operations) The opportunities are endless. - The feeling of helping Guest's solve their problems is also personally fulfilling, and camaraderie amongst employees - When compared to the benefits that my parents are offered with their employers (also a retailer), Menards actually fairs pretty well
Cons
- Working a shift schedule is disastrous for being able to plan things outside of work, and required open availability of all full time employees. Most manager's who have kids are upset that they can't spend more time with their kids. I get frustrated working a closing shift because I know that's a day I can't enjoy with my friends, and opening shifts are frustrating because I'm up so early that all I want to do is sleep when I get done. I also worked 28 of 31 days this past December, so be aware that you may be 'asked' to work a lot. - Some Guest's are really frustrating to deal with. They could be having a bad day, and because they know I have to be polite to them, (or else they'll report it to corporate) I get yelled at for taking time to think about how to solve their issue..instead of instantly knowing the resolution. - Bonuses are a joke, and so is the profit sharing. It acts as a motivation for everyone to do their job, and do them well..but when taxes eat about 35% of your bonus or profit sharing. I'd rather having a slightly higher hourly rate or improved benefits than ips/bonuses - Vacation also takes a while to accumulate if you don't go through the Manager Trainee program.
