I worked retail fashion many years ago and quickly charmed my customers by listening and leading them to what they wanted. I encouraged them to try other designers, called them at home when something gorgeous came in, and if our store couldn’t meet their needs, I told them which competitors could. My personal life never came up, although some of my older ladies asked to fix me up with their sons. If they were super chatty and we weren’t moving forward on a sale, I offered to treat them to coffee or a smoothie after my shift. Most of my bosses loved that approach, especially when customers called or came in specifically to work with me. I wasn’t on commission so I felt no need to push, but many days I sold tons of clothing. Some bosses were like yours and just wanted to feel powerful. That doesn’t work for you. You thrive in connecting with humans. It’s time to take a break, breathe deeply and treat yourself to an upgrade. Buy a fabulous dress or suit with comfy flats, and get that resume updated so you pop on the page. Do some research on the competition, then go shopping for your next job. You’re newly single, not widowed. You’re excited about connecting with the enormous target market with disposable income, baby boomers. Yet you look forward to helping younger shoppers find the perfect items for their parents, too. You may have caregiving responsibilities with your mom, so look into options there. Perhaps a local program or a kind neighbor can spend time with her and keep her safe and focused. I’m a huge fan of physical therapy for helping people build strength and become resilient. A new haircut and fresh makeup can work wonders. Go get started!

Following up on what others have said it does sound like your people and relationship skills are not a fit for this environment and manager. Unfortunately, we live in a data driven world where numbers and accomplishments are valued over soft skills. That said emphasizing your soft skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile will help clarify for yourself and a potential employer what you bring to the table. I will also suggest that the soft skills you've described are necessary in any public facing job so it is worth looking outside of retail into office (reception) opportunities and talking with a staffing or temp agency for help on creating a resume and also with opportunities that might be a better fit.

You have great customer service skills. Lots of places would love to have an experienced person like you. You take the time to get to know your customers and you treat them like family. I hope you are able to find a place that really appreciates a person like you.

I think being cold and brisk with customers would reflect poorly and display bad customer service! I echo what has been said - I think it’s just a bad fit for you personally at this time and I am sure another place would appreciate your efforts! My best to you!

I would encourage you to look for a position at a store like Chico’s. They encourage a personal relationship with clients. I’ve also seen this at other retailers. Please reach out if you need resume help. I’m happy to work with you.

Prior to COVID-19, I worked in hospitality for a very large, well-known, international hotel company. Your warmth and approachability is exactly what I would have wanted to see in an associate at my hotel. In fact, if an associate were to NOT stop and personally engage with the guest, and lead them to the place or thing they needed, there would have been retraining. You sound like you would be successful in the hospitality field, so even though the hotel industry is hurting in this pandemic, I'd urge you to keep that kind of a job in mind for the future, if you are still having trouble finding the right fit in the sales world. Your level of commitment to your customer should be nurtured, as should you, as an individual. Best of luck wherever life leads you next!

Dear Anonymous, First of all, please do take some time for self care. You are dealing with a great deal in your personal life. I have first hand experience with deep grief. As a retail manager it was very difficult for me to return to the work place after the sudden loss of my son. My customers were , on the most part so kind and concerned, but it made if very difficult to " put on a different hat". Unless you are making a great deal of money at this job, I would say move on. I may be a bit old school, but my business thrives on the personal touch and it works for us. I'm always looking for great sales associates who actually know how to talk to customers. The best of luck to you .

Any retailer would be lucky to have someone who can make these connections with the customer that keeps them returning to the store!! Apply to other retailers - most do not require a resume.

Dear Anonymous: Your boss is a short-sighted IDIOT! He is so stupid that he doesn't understand that customers come back again and again to a store because of warm personalities like you AND tell others to shop at the store. Translation: you bring AND retain business. But your boss will never understand that. You've got to get out of there. Don't even consider a "backroom/warehouse" job at that hellhole. You would be depressed because you like people. And I wouldn't be surprised if your boss concocted some excuse to fire you from such a non-customer service job. You're too nice and sweet a person to work in a place like that. I'll do your resume for free. I've worked on 5 continents, 43 countries, 34 states and had direct management of hundreds of people as a Dep. Dir. of International Ops so I know how to do a resume--and have--for many people, although that's not my job LOL. I just hate to see nice people be unappreciated. My e-mail address is same as my name at--phonetically spelled--jeemayuhl.

Happy to help you write your resume. Contact me Amy Geffen through Fairy GodBoss to set up a coaching appointment.