Walmart is a go-to destination for bargain hunters and convenience lovers alike. Known for its low prices, variety, and accessibility, this retail giant has a lot going on behind the scenes. But what’s it really like to work there? Former Walmart employee Julie Vasold shares her firsthand experience of life behind the cash registers, from the camaraderie of the 1990s to the ever-evolving corporate policies of today.
Employee Relationships Have Strict Rules
Julie’s Walmart journey began in 1992 when she joined a brand-new store as a cashier. She quickly climbed the ranks to become a customer service manager, overseeing everything from layaway to the front-end operations. But her career took a turn when her personal life clashed with company policy.
“Management wasn’t allowed to date people they supervised,” she explained. Julie left Walmart after becoming pregnant during a relationship with an assistant manager. Reflecting on her decision, she added, “I should have stayed with Walmart and dumped the assistant manager.”
The 1990s Walmart Felt Like Family
Julie recalls her first stint at Walmart fondly. “The associates were like family,” she said, describing a workplace culture that felt inclusive and supportive. Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, was a source of inspiration for many employees. His leadership style and vision fostered a sense of belonging, making the job much more than just a paycheck.
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Returning Employees Are Welcome
After leaving Walmart, Julie explored other jobs but eventually found her way back. She rejoined the company in 2014, two decades after her initial departure. Starting as a part-time sales associate in sporting goods, she advanced through several roles, including produce department manager and fresh cap supervisor. Walmart’s open-door policy for former employees made the transition smooth.
The Work Culture Has Changed
While Walmart welcomed Julie back, she noticed stark changes in the work environment. “It wasn’t the same as it used to be,” she admitted. The sense of community had diminished, replaced by a more corporate-driven approach. Despite her hard work and long hours, the path to management proved elusive. “I was working 12 hours a day and only seeing my daughter for 30 minutes each day,” Julie shared. Frustrated, she decided to leave.
She wasn’t alone. Within a few months, 11 employees from her store also resigned, seeking better opportunities elsewhere.
Policies Keep Changing
One thing employees can count on at Walmart is change. Julie attended a shareholders’ meeting in 2017, where the recurring theme was adaptability. She recalled being surprised by certain policy shifts, like the discontinuation of price matching. “We used to take people’s word for prices without confirming, and I think that’s why they stopped it,” she explained.
Pro Shopping Tip: Use the Walmart App
Even employees rely on the Walmart app for the best deals. Julie would often compare in-store prices with Walmart.com to snag the lowest rates. The app remains a powerful tool for savvy shoppers looking to maximize their savings.
Social Butterflies Thrive at Walmart
For Julie, one of the biggest perks of working at Walmart was interacting with customers. “Good or bad, I loved the experience,” she said. The role challenged her customer service skills, but it also provided moments of unexpected joy, like cleaning the produce room—a surprisingly satisfying task.
Unpredictable Hours Are a Challenge
The demanding schedule, however, was one of the toughest parts of the job. “My work hours were constantly changing,” Julie shared, making it difficult to balance her responsibilities as a parent. Despite promises of career growth, she felt unsupported by management, which ultimately influenced her decision to leave.
Final Thoughts
Walmart may be a retail giant, but its inner workings reveal a mix of opportunities and challenges. From its family-like culture in the 1990s to the ever-changing policies of today, working at Walmart offers unique insights into one of the world’s largest companies.
Want more insider stories from the retail world? Learn what it’s really like to work at Costco and discover the hidden secrets of another retail favorite!