Trader Joe's reviews

The cons definitely outweigh the pros. This is a physically-demanding job so if you don't like standing on your feet for a long period of time or lifting up heavy objects then the job isn't for you. I started about three years back as a deckhand (bagger and cart wrangler) and then worked my way up to a cashier and overall a more involved role in the store. I could definitely see the culture change and probably the biggest change myself and other workers saw was the company cutting back on benefits. And this was a real head scratcher because the company is making more money than they ever had so I'm guessing they are reducing benefits to cut back on spending therefore increasing profit. I also was thrown under the bus a lot of the time and slanderous rumors were thrown around often at me for no apparent reason. Even though most people were cool deep down a lot of them do not like their job because they don't get paid a lot and their bodies hurt and they are struggling to make ends meet with their dismal salary. That is why it is best to get a college degree and shoot for the stars instead of sticking with complacency and repetitious retail jobs like Trader Joe's. It is best to always be careful who you are around because there are about 90 other workers and saying one thing could spread like wildfire. Also do not ever let your performance review tell you that you aren't a good worker it is just a piece of paper and management has to think of at least one flaw in your work. Since I am in college it was a good part-time job but I strongly do not recommend it as a full-time job. Get a degree and look for a higher calling.

No guarantee of getting enough hours to qualify for insurance or pay your rent, regardless of length of service. Very physically hard on the body, many injuries. Checkout system is a complete fail. Signage is missing or inaccurate, often hard to read. Employees who do actually work hard are required to do the work of two people. There is never enough coverage. Skimpy payroll budgets mean things don't get done. Lots of favoritism. Shifts are often so close together there is no chance of eating and sleeping properly in between. Constantly changing management, lack of communication causes constant confusion. The only way to make a living is to be a manager, but then you have to give up your life and your health. Sexual and drug abuse are common. Extremely corporate, micromanaged. Would not recommend unless it's a temporary job while in school.