First day they take you for lunch then you drive over to the stores you'll be 'training' in. My 'mentor' told me I wouldn't need the postcode of the stores 1hr away and proceeded to drive off down the M1 at 80mph leaving me inevitably lost and stressed, a great way to start!
Training is non-existent, they'll drop you into a store and expect you to just know how to do things and complete tasks at the same speed as people with years of experience, just madness.
I was asked by my 'mentor' to reprimand a Store's Assistant Manager with 10+ years experience on my 4th day. Because I did this tentatively (as I think most people would!) I was told 'you've been here for a while, you need to toughen up'.
Generally work 60+ hours weeks which was expected given the salary. HOWEVER the way the shifts are spread out (6am or midday starts) means your sleep pattern is ruined. Once did a shop inventory and worked 6am-11pm then back in at 5am to finish at 5 that afternoon. A healthy 29 hours worked with 6 hours between shifts (2 of which driving!)
As other people elude to the other Area Managers are fine, except from the ones who have been there for a few years. One told me with pride how he had worked a 110hr week which gives you some idea of their mindset.
Once had to drive for 6 hours on my day off as a store manager had locked the key in the safe so backwards and forwards from the head office. Led to me falling asleep whilst driving (you need the days off to catch up!) and nearly crashing which ultimately made my decision to leave much easier.
