And.... CUT!

I recently worked my last shift at Family Video. So now that I have no affilation with the company whatsoever, let me tell you what I think about it.

I have to say that it wasn't even close to being the worst place I've worked. In fact, I would rank it as one of the highest jobs in terms of workplace environment. (And not just because there would be movies playing in the background. But, that does beat the Muzak versions of "Under the Sea" that used to play at my other jobs.)

The big difference was the actual people that I worked with. Everyone from the hourly employees to the highest administrator was friendly, helpful, and courteous. It was really a refreshing change to work for a company where people truly helped each other out. On top of it all was the allowance of personality, which is usually not permitted in larger companies. (Follow the guidelines in the book. This is appropriate, this isn't. Change your beliefs accordingly.)

Some places I've worked hold that the customer is ALWAYS right, regardless of what the employee says. Basically, the employees get shafted and reprimanded for doing what they're supposed to do, and the customer gets to live out a really warped reality. (For example, someone asked for copies at a certain time, but due to limitations of the copy machines, it couldn't be completed in time. So the customer complained, got a really huge discount, and the employees got yelled at for saying 'no' to the customer. So the employees had to rush with an irate customer breathing down their necks, and didn't get as much for the project they completed. Stress + Less profit + unhappy employees = bad work environment. It happened many times at one of my past jobs. Almost daily.)

Family Video is pretty fast paced, especially considering that 2 people have to take care of the responsibilities of the entire store and all the customers in the store at the time. It was just nice to see a group of people that cared about what they were doing, and who had the skills to multitask and accomplish everything they were given. It wasn't all baskets of puppies and sunshine, but it could've been a lot worse.

I think Family Video is a great company, regardless of which side of the counter you're standing. Their prices for rental are fair, inexpensive, and flexible. Management is responsive, fun, and comprised of real people. No, its not a dream job, but it is light years beyond flipping burgers or other minimum wage jobs, solely due to the people and the attitude that represents Family Video.

That being said, I'm glad to be moving on to the next chapter of my life. While slinging movies was pretty fun, I'm going to feel more at home working at a liberal arts college in the Development / Alumni Affairs office. That sounds much more up my alley. But, from time-to-time, you'll be sure to find me at Family Video, taking advantage of the "Rent 3, get 1 Free" deals. (Remember Matt: Purple and Yellow Sticker ONLY!)

So, to any current FamVid staff members reading this: Thanks! I had a great time. And good luck to all of you! I promise to be a good customer. That means researching movies before I ask you for them. (i.e. making sure I have the name right...) I'll also make sure you get credit for the bundle deals and other promotions that are going on. I'll even renew my Half off discount card for the next 30 days...when it expires. And chances are that I'll help people on the floor when it's busy when they can't find "Porky's Revenge" or "Wrong Turn 2". (I have a feeling that people will still think I work there when I go to rent...)