Pros
Serving a community of people who treat their pets as their family. Helping children pick out first pets responsibly and with full information was a joy.
Cons
Management is not focused on actually managing staff to create a positive work environment. During my time at the store I went from the highest possible annual review and being on track to be promoted and then just a month later was told that I would not be considered for a higher ranking position because a couple of employees found me unapproachable and rude.
I worked with management for several months - met with them weekly and followed a strict behavior improvement plan that was essentially "you should smile more" all while I was being bullied on site and gossiped about by other staff. I had proof and was told there was nothing to be done about it. I was told repeatedly every time someone reported an 'issue' with me but when I requested mediated meetings with those who were reporting me, I was told no because management "didn't want to make them uncomfortable". The reports were that I; didn't seem approachable, was scattered, didn't do things the way they should be done (I did things as I was trained to do them), etc..
All of this was going on while I was dealing with multiple personal fires including mental health diagnosis and treatment, all of which management was aware of. After months of work and no progress or help from management, I was told I could leave halfway through my shift.
Since I have been let go, many other folks who are neurodivergent have been let go over the smallest of reasons. The things I brought up as concerns were addressed as problematic once they were used as a way to call out management. If you are not someone who fits managements' idea of the perfect worker, you will not last long here.