I applied and was hired at TJ's in 2009. I originally loved my job, the store, and my managers. However, in 2011 Trader Joe's underwent a major restructuring and changed their business model and direction entirely. Merit based raises were replaced by set raises, that are awarded on a pass/fail evaluation. (So one weakness, area for improvement, or in some cases a difference of opinion with management, is all it takes to "not meet expectations" and not get a raise.) Opportunities for advancement were plentiful before the restructuring; now, they barely exist. Our time off requests were limited to 2-3 months out, ensuring that there was more dialogue concerning time off. The current system requires at least a months notice, but if you wait that long you'll never get the time off, which evolved into everyone requesting time off months (sometimes 4-5) in advance to ensure approval. The pay is lacking for section leaders or anyone with additional work and responsibility. Under the merit based system, team leaders were compensated for writing orders, section maintenance, cleaning, displays, training, installing standards, and being model employees. Now, you get nothing for being a section leader. Regarding the shifts, I'm almost certain most crew members have shift work disorder because of the lack of consistency in scheduling. This is especially true for Mates ( asst. managers.) If you're lucky, have put in your dues, or happen to be buddy-buddy with the schedule maker (one of the mates,) you'll get the hours and shifts you want. There is widespread favoritism, by Captains (GMs) and especially the Mates. (Don't ever make the schedule writer angry.). But the main con to working for Trader Joe's now is that the original culture and atmosphere that made it such an amazing place to work is gone. Dan Bane is a profit driven, bottom line kind of CEO. He has changed the direction of company immensely and in the process has destroyed the great culture of the company. In my opinion, and in my store, morale is at an all time low. Many employees are leaving the company, ( 8 in the past 4 months, 7 having 5 + yrs of experience.) As a crew we evaluate our Mates and Captain once a year, for two years in a row we have given our management team the worst reviews in store history. Our Captain's review was the worst in his 20+ yrs at TJ's. Mostly all having to do with new changes to the company and their failures introducing said changes to the crew. All in all, for new employees that didn't know or experience TJ's in its heyday it should be fine, you'll work hard and have a little fun. For those that know better, it's been a sad disintegration of what was once an amazing company and job opportunity.
