How do I get out of retail?

I'll never forget I was at a bookstore trying to find a large print crossword search book for my father and something for my girls that would make everyone happy and bring peace to the drive home. I was wearing my Rasmussen polo shirt. At the checkout counter, the clerk whispered, "How do I get out of retail?". She whispered it as if the CIA were listening in. Since I couldn't hear well anyway, I said, "Excuse me?"

"How do I get out of retail? It's not for me," she said.

In college admissions, one never knows when a conversation will pop up about these things, especially when you're wearing a shirt with a college established in 1900! As usual, I struggled to get my debit card out of my wallet. These things happen to me.

I asked, "Why do you want out?"

She said, "I just want to do more with my life."

In my world, I often talk with prospective students about "calling" versus "career." It's a big deal. Sometimes students know what they are called to do (be a nurse, a teacher, a fireman, an opera singer). Other times students come to me, not sure whether they should do a program that will advance their career or shift them into their calling.

I say this for the 1 in 4 Americans who work in retail. Firstly, retail made me. Firstly with Eckerd and later with Lowe's Companies, Inc. . Retail is a proving ground for the skills needed to work with the public. Trust in that.

Anyway, the question is always asked; how do I get out? I smile gently because some of the greatest leaders in retail asked the same question early in their careers. The meat and potatoes of the whole question is, how do you feel best in serving your customers?

I remember staying late and stocking shelves with Joe Justice . That was not because we loved stocking shelves but because of something larger—the customer experience. I remember counting tills, dealing with refunds, irate customers, and the whole works.

These skills help us build resilience and, in some cases, create customers for life. In retail or any job, we can shape the dinner conversation. Just last week my friend was absolutely slaying some General Tsou's chicken and telling me about an experience he had in a store. Retail is not a weakness. Working in retail is not something to be ashamed of. One doesn't need to whisper it like a State secret.

The fact of the matter is that some people were born to flourish in retail. I met this cashier in a garden center who gave me the most amazing advice for keeping my plant alive. I met this cell phone salesman who helped me pick the right phone. So - what does all of this mean?

It means that retail is not a handicap. Your experience in retail, even store managership, is not something to be ashamed of. Please realize that being successful in retail is a talent. The public, as we know, can be a very special group to work with.

Finally - this is my message to you. If you want to lead a department, a store, or an empire - I can get you to the right person. You don't have to give up on retail to be successful. Retail is the backbone of the U.S. economy. Conversely, if you are called to something different - I can help you.

"How can you help me, Chris?" they ask. I am not here to sell you a car. I am not here to increase the sales of rice. I'm here to ensure that your next step makes sense. There is a massive difference between a vocation and a calling.

I'll close this post by telling you about "Sarah" (I've changed her name). Sarah worked as a clerk in a national retailer. She was in logistics. But she always used the "CPR GIF" when replying to texts. Today, she is an RN working on her RN to BSN bridge. Then there is "Nelson" who works for the world's largest online retailer in the world.

Nelson is pursuing his associate's degree in supply chain and logistics and is on track to graduate next year. Nelson currently loads fish on a dock in the middle of the night. Once he completes his degree, he intends to apply for the manager position. Nelson's calling is logistics. Sarah's is nursing.

And what does any of this have to do with the price of tea in China?

It means you don't have to get OUT of retail to thrive in it. It also means you must think about your vocation instead of your calling.

I am so grateful for my time in retail. Every 4th of July worked, every Easter at a cash register - because it made me who I am today.

Please let me know if I or one of my colleagues can help you get to the next step of your career cycle. Even if that is leadership in a department, a store, or a region...there is a place for you.

This post is not about discouraging a life in retail. If you want to flex to something different, that is possible. If you want to level up in your current role, it is possible! Your story isn't finished. It's just beginning. I'm cheering for you!