Name: Helen
Job Title: Retail Merchandiser
What exactly is that?
I work for a company who employ people (merchandisers) to offer retail solutions. This means that I go into different shops and supermarkets to set up promotions and displays and do the tasks that the staff who work in these stores are deemed unable to do. I work on an ad hoc basis and am paid for each task I do rather than on a daily rate. I also work a second role within the company in the children’s clothing department to supplement my income.
How did you get there?
I had a normal comprehensive education, got 7 GCSE’s above C and have always worked in retail.
Give us a picture of a typical day.
I have no typical day as my work depends on what tasks I am sent each week. The good thing is that as long as I complete various tasks before 4pm on certain days, I am allowed to complete them whenever I want. I have flexibility with my hours which is great as can fit work around my life, rather than the other way round! I usually wake up anytime between 69am, have Weetabix for my breakfast, then do a few household chores. Sometimes I will go to my local leisure centre for a swim in the mornings then go to work, but not often enough! My second role in the clothing department is not flexible, I am given shifts which are evenings and weekends. I try to do as many merchandising tasks as I can before a clothing department shift, so I tend to work in the afternoons and evenings getting home at around 8.15pm.
What’s the best thing about what you do?
The certain degree of flexibility that I have and working independently.
What one thing would you change if you could?
Less evenings and weekends working! It interferes with dinner time and my social life!
What did you want to do for a living when you were younger?
I had no idea. Still don’t.
Tell us about one thing you were insecure about when you were at school and why or what you did about it?
I can honestly say that insecurity is not something that I have ever struggled with. I have never, and still do not care what other people think of me. I was terribly shy though, and working various customer service roles eventually (almost) cured that.
What advice would you give yourself at 18 if you could?
She probably wouldn’t listen to a sad old thirty something like me. But maybe we would have a pint and a laugh together!
What’s your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Spending time with my family and friends doing all the good things in life like drinking, eating and talking nonsense. I also like camping, hiking, cycling, exploring and being outside as much as I can.
What’s the name of the last book you read?
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows.
Please give us one beauty tip you have learned.
Use sunscreen on your face all year round and gets lots of sleep and drink plenty of water.
Please give us one money tip you have learned.
I have always been a boring sensible saver and have never been in debt, so there is not much that I have learnt through mistakes as I have not made many! I will say that you need to take responsibility for your finances as no one else will. Make your money work for you. Even if it is only minimum wage! Only spend what you have and save as much as you can. Be in control of your finances and do not bury your head in the sand about them. We live in a consumer society that encourages spending not saving. Buck the trend! If you don’t need something don’t buy it!
What’s your favourite recent purchase for under £25 and why?
Some posh lolly moulds for £4.99. I cannot wait to start making homemade healthy fruit based lollies in the warmer months!
GDG E-book, Life after Lessons available now!
