Company: Apple
Date: 2008-04-20
Overall rating: 5/5
Employment status: former

Got a techie mind and want benefits doing retail? Work for Apple.
Pros: People who put in a set minimum number of hours in Apple retail can actually receive benefits and stock options! I personally didn't benefit from those pluses of working in Apple retail, but I am happy to say that Apple retail managers are extremely personable and accommodating. I worked a regular 9-to-5 job and took on the Apple job to help out with holiday bills. After the holiday season ended they allowed me to minimize my retail schedule to just once a week. Others in my position loved their jobs as well, and the best Mac Specialists were always recognized for whenever they went above and beyond. It was a fun place, and honestly, I only kept the weekend job because I liked the people so much.
Cons: Apple's a popular place with plenty of skeptics and crazy "I want to know the inside story" fanatics. Like any retail job, you've got to deal with some pretty offbeat and belligerent customers every once in a while. A popular question is "So when is X coming out?" Sometimes you feel like a holder of secrets because you just can't give information to customers. Other times, prospective customers treat you as if you are on a commission (which Mac Specialists are not), and their attitudes and pursuit for cheaper prices are geared to put you on the defensive. Working with those customers isn't a whole lot of fun, but it is a good challenge. Once when I was finished working with a difficult customer for two hours straight, my manager took me for a walk and bought me some tea to get it off my mind.