Pros
I've been asked several times by co-workers, friends, a DM and a RM why I've stayed with the company for as long as I have. My answer has always been the people, I've enjoyed the managers I've worked with forged friendships with my co-workers and been able to work in an environment that was largely drama free. However when the biggest pro is something that lies outside the companies control, I think that shows a flaw. Other Pros: AS A Part timer: This job represented a low stress entry level position with merchandise I had a basic working knowledge of. It worked around my school hours and kept the family off my back. AS a Full Time: Healthcare was useful, and fairly inexpensive, 401k option existed, paid days off (1 for every two months) plus 1 week vacation (year 1, 2 weeks years 2-6). Most of this is fairly standard though in full time jobs. OVERALL: Treat this as a job, or a resume builder, if you are looking for a career, it is not here. The compensation cap for store managers is low, and the bonuses offered are insignificant. Reasonably you would need to be a DM or in Corporate to earn a salary sufficient to raise a family, and those positions are few and far between. I've worked at Big 5 as a part timer ( 6 years), and Full Time 2 years, so it has suited my needs. People often complain about the pay, the hours, the people, but there are also perks. Many customers are gratious and thankful when receiving good help. Having a Monday-Tuesday off can be great, when you are the only one out and about. While yes occasionally you have 8 day streaks of working, those are due to an awesome stretch of 2 days off 1 day on 2 days off, which are amazing as well.
Cons
Part time: 1) Lack of training, the staff is inadequately prepared to deal with customers, It is trial by fire. I have learned more from listening to customers than from employee's of Big 5. 2) A failure to properly compensate experienced/ well performing employees. I was constantly in a race with minimum wage, I would receive a raise, the year would end, minimum wage rose, and I was right back near minimum wage excellent! As an experienced part-timer I was certainly bringing in higher sales, and providing a better customer experience however, I was compensated less than street fresh MT's and compensated very close to most part-timers. Yet guess who was doing a large portion of training to both parties? ME. In short as you become more experienced your work load and scope of expectations will shift, while compensation will not. 3) The system in place at Big 5 leaves management little recourse but to throw you under the bus. Customer's misuse product, abuse it, or lie about what you told them. However management is advised to at all costs "make the customer happy". Full Time: 1)Lack of training, your training will be inadequate, feel rushed, and completely underwhelm you. Too many stores make it difficult and do not foster a growing attitude. The check marks get made the signatures signed, yet you feel like you did not learn or gain much experience from it. 2) Lack of consistency amongst stores. The general program is the same, but how many stores handle that program can vary greatly. Getting thrown into various stores you often feel like you are back at square one, and many stores adopt a protective techinique of "this is how we've always done it" Which makes it difficult to create your own personal footprint in a new store. 3) Promotions are often not merit based, more 'timing/locational based. I have seen good managers stymied, due to a lack of fluctuation in there immediate area, and I have seen poor managers practically double promoted due to high turnover farther away.