Who Would Honestly Wish To Work In A Video Shop!

By Ross Dix-Peek

My working career has at times been haphazard, to say the least. One of my vocational activities involved having to work as a Video Shop Attendant. Now, there's an frightfully awful job. If you ever wish to immerse yourself in a vocation that is satisfying and uplifting, do not! I repeat, do not become a Video Shop Manager or Attendant , and do not even consider working in close proximity to a Video Shop, nor co-habiting with the poor, unfortunate wretch who is forced to work in one! People seem to believe that the lot of a Video Shop Manager or Attendant is indeed an attractive one, spent whiling away joyous hours watching movie after movie, and generally having a jolly old time! What a load of Bollocks!

It is truly, well it certainly was for me, a most unsatisfying and soul-sapping experience, and the poor unfortunates who work, or should I say slave-away, in the stygian darkness of a Video shop, are indeed wonderful people! One must truly be a special type of individual to spend your precious days working in a Video Shop. Now, many would debunk my assertion, and proffer scores of rude, miserable attendants, and managers, as examples thereof.

But ask yourself, would you be able to do the work? to be shamelessly exploited, working inordinately long hours, whereupon you receive a pittance for your endeavours. Would you be able to put up with an army of people intent on making your life absolutely miserable, assailing you the one moment, because their DVDs are late, and the next flashing a toothsome grin in servile appreciation, as you let them off with a warning, or less? Would you even venture selecting a movie for a customer who has solicited your help, only to be verbally assaulted, hung, drawn and quartered, a day later when that person brings the film back, and holds you solely responsible for the fact that they hated the movie, demanding a replacement ( free of cost, of course) ? would you be able to convince, and at the same time placate, a ranting lunatic who indignantly insists that although his movies are three-months late, this slight oversight on his part, does not in any way warrant a Fine? Would you be able to withstand a vicious verbal assault from a geriatric, threateningly brandishing a rain-soaked umbrella, and demanding a far-too-generous discount? Would you be able to withstand the incessant hovering of the owner, forever the businessman, and intent only on profits, frantically puffing away at his cigarette, all- the-while vociferously exhorting you to do better, even though not a customer is to be found within three-traveling days of the shop?

Of course, there are worse jobs about, but the next time you venture into a Video shop, only to cast your eyes upon a sad, dejected and surly youth, lounging in a chair, and clearly wishing his life away, try to be a tad more understanding (and I know it is difficult), and picture yourself in his shoes. And then, my dear friend, violently fling yourself to the ground, prostrate and weeping, and thank the Lord Almighty that it is not little-old -you behind that desk! Video Shop attendants are a different breed, they are indeed, special!

About the Author

Born in Salisbury, Rhodesia, in 1970. Resident in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. An Archivist by profession, and freelance writer. Interested in History, Military History, the English Language and its etymology,Books, and other pursuits. contact details: e-mail address- dix-peek@webmail.co.za