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CompUSA experiences as employee & customer

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Geek.com: Rants & Raves: CompUSA experiences as employee & customer
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We've had plenty of stories about computer stores messing with customers and being silly. Here's a great look into the practices of CompUSA by a reader who's been an employee and a customer. There's some great stuff in this one, including some tips on getting yourself better service in the stores. Check it out.    By Anonymous on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 08:01 am:

PART ONE

The Job
I started working at CompUSA in November of 1998 as a technician. At first I was happy, surrounded by all the goodies I liked to play with. Reality quickly set in. The service manager had been there 5 years with Computer City and was fed up with the public and everything else, but for the most part with the change of employers. I guess some chairs had flown around the room before I started, and not by themselves--I saw some of the broken remains. He refused to go out to the counter and talk to any customers even though they asked for him. The customers would then go to the store manager, who in turn would dump on the service manager, who in turn would dump on us for decisions that we were not empowered to make. Everyone who was a former Computer City manager was on a hit list for replacement by CompUSA staff or hires.

I was a night shift guy. I was often left alone to make my quota of work, answer phones, and work the front counter, all at the same time. Many nights, I didn't take a lunch or eat while I worked and consequently didn't punch out for lunch on the time clock. No problem! I discovered months later that the person in charge of time was editing the time records and punching me out for one hour without my knowledge (which is against the law) in order for the store to avoid any labor issues. How thoughtless of me ... I forgot to thank him. Then there were the sudden involuntary days off without pay to help rescue the department budget.

Let's talk health and ergonomics. Monitors used to hook up to customers' computers were mandated to be on a shelf above the workbench at about the 5 foot level. If you sat down, neck damage was inevitable. It was either that or stand for 8 hours. I had to have one of the broken chairs fixed at my own expense just to be able to sit and work. No chairs were going to be bought for techs.

In the course of my 1.5 years of employment, the store went through four service managers. Shortly after I left management laid off or reassigned all but a few of them, even a few they had just finished training. Management thought that the business manager could drop by once in a while from across the store to do this more than full-time job: dealing with warranty issues, tracking work flow, handling higher level customer complaint issues, reviewing performance, etc. Many jobs didn't get done on time because technicians didn't have the authority to resolve customer/manufacturer/warranty issues. I guess that's one way to stop returns or warranty claims!

Getting things like an ink cartridge to test a customer's printer was not allowed. So what if you didn't have a known good one to test with? No one ever had an answer for that. You just got them from the stock and no one talked about it. It was either that or you wouldn't fix the printer. Then management complained about unaccounted-for inventory and searched everybody's pockets at the door!

And then there were the 8 A.M. Sunday mornings on my days off when I had to drive in for one hour (whoopee) to be at the morning meetings. These were to introduce yet another new manager (old ones disappeared mysteriously) or a new incentive program or to talk about our attitude problems and how to treat customers well (like we were not being treated).

The vacation "request" form read something like this:

This is a request for time off and is not to be interpreted as a demand! Management reserves the right to alter or cancel scheduled vacation based on business' needs. Not showing up for work during the requested time when it has been canceled is grounds for disciplinary action.

Hello! Ever buy a plane ticket, book a motel room, or buy a vacation package? I guess you couldn't afford it anyway. I really thought management might spank somebody right in the middle of the sales floor!

As an employee you can buy items at cost, a perk--if you can afford it. I was told one time when buying a hard drive that if I didn't purchase the insurance plan with it (as a show of support for that program) the manager was "seriously" considering not letting me buy it. Another tech had bought a computer and the warranty for it several years before. It required replacement because the parts were no longer available. The manager coerced him into submitting for the full retail replacement value to the warranty company, gave him the PC at store cost, and kept the difference. I'll bet the warranty company would love that one!

Physical inventory, which is supposed to be done every quarter, failed to get done 5 times as scheduled, and when I left the store it still hadn't been done. Every time management thought they were going to do it, everyone had to come in for extra duty, disrupting their lives and not making plans with their families, only to be told to turn around and go home (without getting paid for any time). Everyone showed up and not one manager had the courtesy to call his or her people and tell them not to come in. Managers called the store from home if it was their day off and told everyone to go home, when they were already at the store. It sure builds up confidence that your leaders know what they're doing and care! And it really helps their credibility, too, when they say, "It's definitely happening on Saturday. Be there or we'll
write you up!"

One store had a big software-copying problem and fired 5 techs and the service manager over it. All the stores were asked if they could share their techs to help keep up and catch up until new people could get on board. The store was desperate. 70 jobs were backlogged--about a week to even look at something. Customer: "Hello, my PC has been there almost a week. What did you find?" Sound familiar? This store offered mileage and paid lunches for anyone willing to help out. I went to this store for about a month and submitted all of my expenses to an unwilling manager (he didn't want the hassle). Then I was informed that my old store didn't need me full-time and my choice was limited, so I had to drive twice as far through downtown traffic. The manager couldn't remember where my receipts had gone and didn't know anything about the status of my expenses.

Finally, when my paycheck, which kept getting sent to my old store, didn't show up on time, I quit (no direct deposit for the peons, only management). My wife had to drive down to the store while I was at my new job and wait for hours for staff to issue a check at the store. They don't like to do things that way! It's not procedure. I had to take CompUSA to the Labor Board for my expenses, which I finally got months later. The company had to issue my check to the labor board three times before the Board finally got it.

continued . . .

   By Anonymous on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 08:03 am:
 

PART TWO

The Policies
And now for some insider tips:

CompUSA strategy #1: The CompUSA shuffle
Never leave anyone in a position long enough to answer for their actions or what they say. Relocate employees or otherwise make them unavailable to answer questions or remember details of what took place only a little while ago. That way, the new person has no idea what you are talking about and will take forever getting answers, if he or she even bothers, if he or she even can. Remember, employees have a full-time job doing other things besides helping you! Be patient and don't be so selfish! They're busy!

CompUSA strategy #2: The CompUSA round-robin
If you are a non-technical person and don't know what the customer wants, transfer the customer to tech support. We know everything and love to answer all those questions about pricing and store hours instead of meeting our quotas. And the customer is really happy when we transfer them back to the reception phones.

CompUSA strategy #3: The CompUSA excellence
Why bother to train people when they can muddle through on their own ... by constantly interrupting others trying to meet their quotas; by asking months' worth of questions and gathering knowledge one piece at a time? And be sure to humiliate anyone in front of others for making the wrong decision with no information to go on. Make the person feel real guilty about what he or she has cost the store. I wonder what it costs to muddle through?

CompUSA strategy #4: The CompUSA bolt
When the going gets tough, the managers get lost. If it appears that an unpleasant issue is about to come to a head requiring a management decision, you look around and say, "Hey, where'd he go? His coat's gone!" This is probably the most extensive training that managers receive: detection and avoidance of ensuing complaints. Some even get sent to Texas (the home office) for this class. If you want to catch a manager, here's how:
1. Ask for a manager to be paged at the front counter. "MOD to the front." That's Manager On Duty, an oxymoron (not a dumb guy with zits, although ...).
2. Watch the store for anyone who looks like O.J. dodging the opposing team and the police at the same time and trying to catch a rental car at the airport.
3. If the managers are not hiding in back already, identify their location and wait by the door until they come out. Be sure to watch other connecting exits as well. If you hear an alarm, check the fire exits.

CompUSA strategy #5: The environmental statement
Don't let employees take home perfectly good or repairable equipment that you have decided to throw away. Just clear the shelves, get out the hammer, break it up, and send it off to the landfill. Ink and toner cartridges, monitor glass with phosphor coatings, PC boards with toxic chemical substances, whatever. Into the dumpster it goes. At least when the regional guys tour the stores, they won't find anything out of place or not accounted for.

The Benefits
I started in November of 1998. The employee manual stated that after three months, I would be entitled to medical benefits. I filled out the paperwork and gave it to the benefits manager. After four months, I asked what was going on. "I'll check on it," he said. No word. I asked again. "It must have gotten lost; fill them out again." I did. Finally, I received benefits after 8 months and many queries. One guy worked there for over a year and never saw any benefits before he left. Note: When you ask a question like this and the person responsible won't look you in the eye, that's an indication of intent. I had to pay my own COBRA benefits for the extra 5 months from a previous job. When I left in April of 2000, CompUSA had 44 days by law to send me the COBRA extension forms. I received these forms in January of 2001, more than 8 months later. CompUSA told COBRA that I left in October of 2000. Didn't anybody wonder where I was for 6 months? I had to pay $2,564 to make the medical current and retroactive back to October--no help back to April. And then the CompUSA/COBRA team tried to cancel me over a one-day miscommunication on its customer service's part about an on-line payment due date. The team had happily accepted the $2,564 and two months' worth of premiums before that with no complaints. Then, after paying for July of 2001, on the 20th of that July I got a notice that the insurance had changed and gone up to $593 from $438. And I was overdue! The new company hadn't gotten paid yet. It wasn't its problem that I had already paid the old one. I had to pay both to stay current. I was reimbursed for the old one three weeks later. I guess this is how companies save money on medical expenses!

The Rebates
As a customer, employee and not, I purchased many rebate items. I filled out the forms, cut out all the tags, and mailed them on time, keeping a list. As far back as two years and to this date, I am out about $600 for rebates that were sent in per CompUSA's form's instructions. The store manager called me a liar, even when I gave him the copies of what I had sent, and said it wasn't the company's problem--I would have to go through the rebate center in Texas. I experienced a version of Strategy #2 above--I guess it's company-wide. Hours on the phone only acquainted me with all the people who didn't know how to help me and proved that all you have to do is inconvenience people enough and they'll give up. Maybe I'll try Small Claims Court ... if I can determine who to send the summons to.

That sign that says that the manufacturers honor copies of receipts as agreed to with CompUSA--don't you believe it. MGM wouldn't send me my free DVD with a receipt copy, and the store said it wasn't its problem. A note about rebates: they're not free. The companies are borrowing everyone's money for 6-8 weeks (more like 6-8 months) and earning interest while you are paying the same on your VISA card. When and if they send you your rebate, they have made their money back on the actual cost of the item and much more. Something you pay $20 to $30 for costs pennies to produce and may even be overstock or soon-to-be-obsolete items. For example, the new version of Windows coming out in a few months will not support that new modem you're getting a rebate on. Not to be condescending, but I often thought of the milling customers as herded cattle while watching them shop. "Ooh, it's free after rebates ... and we'll need to buy this to use it!" Free CD-R discs after rebate and we'll buy a CD-Writer to make our own CDs! I saw a letter on the 'Net about the store not having the super-sale/rebate items that were in its advertisements being a "bait-and-switch" scheme. If a few items can be sold at a loss or cost to bring in many more customers, why not? Many people want to go home with something for their effort. No rain checks either. In fairness, I was guilty of these buying patterns before working there. Wake up, people, or grow spots and learn to say "MOO!"

I saw another complaint letter about the cost of printer and other cables. The store makes its money on supplies, accessories, and warranty plans far more than on big item sales. Mark-ups can be three to four times the cost. I once bought a plastic cable organizer that was a 99 cent retail item for only a penny (cost).

continued . . .

   By Anonymous on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 08:04 am:
 

PART THREE

The New Deal
The current owner of CompUSA is a Mexican concern, Grupo Sanborns. These banditos were recently found guilty of insider trading, with the head man's relatives and friends being the beneficiaries. They also stole a south-of-the-border deal from a U.S. company, COC Services Ltd., which had done all of the leg work. If this is what NAFTA has to offer us, I'd rethink the deal. We have enough of our own crooks without inviting in everyone else's. I guess "Free Trade Agreement" means that others are "Free" to do anything they like in the U.S.

If anyone is interested in legally pursuing any of the above, please respond below. I believe that Washington State has some of the weakest
employment laws in the country. At-will employment where no reason is needed to dump someone is just inviting abuse and retaliation against someone who would otherwise stand up for his or her rights. I guess the politicians know what side their bread is buttered on--and it's not on our side, because we can't afford the butter! We gave it to them.

After reading this, I'm sure the buying public will have a better understanding about the way they are served(?) and why. Would you be inspired to do a first-class job for low pay under these conditions?

   By Drac9 on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 10:31 am:
 

Just wanted to let you know, I worked at Best Buy for about 2 years as a tech and it's exactly the same there. Almost to the letter.

   By good luck on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 12:06 pm:
 

After reading this post, I have a sick feeling in my stomach that some people can be so dispicable. I honestly feel sorry for you and what you had to deal with. I hope that you have found better employment.

   By Going to get me Free Stuff! on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 01:24 pm:
 

I know of one store that was rip off to the toon of $500,000. When I try to give it back to them. They did not want it nor did they care. I have a appt in now.

   By had too much on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 01:39 pm:
 

Been there done that ....... too many times.
Its a real pity that this is what its been reduced down too. I've worked NUMEROUS jobs, and basically what it boils down to is that the system is ****ed (yes its exactly what youre thinking)

I've seen it all. From ignorant managers, who have to consult their guidlinebook everytime a question were to arrise. To fellow sales associates pressuring and forcing customers to buy unneeded articles, just so they could make more commision. When I look back on all of this, Its saturated in filth.
 

But people kept coming....day in day out.....I guess its this disgusting consumerism disease everyone's got nowadays.......

It's been so horrible, I've opened up my own little shop at the age of 22, just so I KNOW I am NOT a part of THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

   By lateralus on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 03:38 pm:
 

Excellent story, I never worked retail but I like to think I'm enlightened enough to believe that what you described is the exact business model for many of those chains. While we're justifiably bashing those institutions, I'd like to mention that another shark in the water (Fry's Electronics) is in the middle of a GRAND class action lawsuit for the rebate scams. I wish I had a link or contact info but I would love if anyone who knows about it informs the rest of us a little more. Fry's Electronics, to the best of my knowledge, is a chain with locations all over California. Fry's is similar to CompUSA but they sell a lot more, and have a Costco type of environment. They sell majority outdated/refurbished and grey-market electronics. Just a heads-up, keep an eye out for that class action lawsuit, maybe we can get our rebates(and more)from those A-holes. Later.

   By Drac9 on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 03:49 pm:
 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. My favorite was when our Computer Sales supervisor told customers that if they didn't buy a service plan on their pc that the manufacturer's closest service center was Africa or China and that it would take 6 months to be repaired. Truth was, under our service plan it did take almost 6 months to repair. And the manufacturer's warranty was free replacement. Go figure. I know several cashiers who were performing well, but were fired for not selling add-ons likes service plans and batteries.

   By Whatever on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 04:36 pm:
 

So, what is your point.

That all retail stores are bad just because your a loser and had a hard time at one particular CompUSA?

Also, your an under educated part time retail tech clerk. What do you expect in your job?

Turn around in these places are about as quick as in McDonald's, and everyone bitches about having worked at McDonald's. Also, every Geek knows that you don't buy products at CompUSA expecting superb tech support, brilliant customer service, or even to be treated nicely by the management.

So I don't get your point, really? That your a pushover who can't stand up for your own rights as a customer or employee? The rest of the world needs to know about your rediculous experiences so they can feel good that they are not a dumb as other people in the world?

Anyways, get over it, it was three years ago. Hopefully what you have learned is that education is a good thing, and if you don't like the service/benefits as a customer or employee at one place, there are other places our their that you can shop/work at. Many people don't last long as places like these because they see the light far quicker than you did.

   By cindylange on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 05:13 pm:
 

Dear Mr. Whatever, of Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 04:36 pm rant:

If you are going to label somebody 'dumb', at least check your spelling and grammar before you post.

   By dogbert on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 05:17 pm:
 

Whatever.....You are middle-management material.

   By ynotme on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 06:47 pm:
 

OK, so now that we know where not to go. Where should we go for our tech needs...?

   By growup on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 06:49 pm:
 

All of this bickering is making me laugh, grow up and go to college.

   By nonameplease on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 07:39 pm:
 

Fighting is useless unless you've got some serious evidence they they know will sink them. Most problems with discrimination or poor treatment come down to your word against theirs.

Institutions (which these stores are) do whatever they can to protect themselves, and don't give a damn about being fair. It also goes without saying that filing complaints does no good when the people "hearing" your complaints are on the same payroll as the ones who are making your job miserable.

In my place of employment things have been so bad one person committed suicide; another person in a separate department did file complaints, was immediately "laid off" and had to go to federal court to redress grievances. He embarassed them and got some money, but he couldn't work anywhere else again.

What I found out the hard way is that no matter how justified your grievances may be, they'll do whatever they can to make it out to be simply sour grapes, and all those people saying "yeah, it's wrong" will clam up when it goes to the wire because they're afraid for their own jobs.

The best thing to do when your stuck in a s*****y job is to find a better place and leave. Unless you're fired or blamed for something you didn't do and have no choice, nothing is worth the stress to have your day in court since even if you win you lose.

   By WhackedOut on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 08:04 pm:
 

All of you are a bunch of Losers. What do you expect from CompUSA. No one works there but a bunch of dummys & dip shits.
Get a life creeps

   By Daddy on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 08:10 pm:
 

WhackedOut...It's past your bedtime young man. Now be a good little boy and GO TO SLEEP so the adults can talk!

   By jimjim on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 10:35 pm:
 

Really? I just go to work at these place for the cost or cost+5 then off I go. I have walk out more times then I could count. Feels good. Then again I have my real Job so.

   By alex on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 10:57 pm:
 

With all this bad rap from other companys. i just want to point a good company that, although not in Computer sales but rather audio/video retail. check out TWEETER. i work there..only been there for 3 months but loving it. 5 weeks of training, including 1 day on Human Resources( all u need to know about benefits). Can't sell anything unless u know about the stuff. well i can't say anything for the long run, but getting pay for learning is not bad. well anyone have a tweeter around your area or any question, let me know phuong777@collegeclub.com
btw, i'm only a sales person there, but i can help u contact the human resource.

   By dp on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 10:58 pm:
 

It sounds like the type of problems that led the the rise of unions. Of course the misery level would even rise to greater heights as management employs the "usual" tactics to avoid organization.

   By something as un on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 01:58 am:
 

Thanks for the insider info - unfortunately it was the funniest thing I've seen all day. What you should take away from this experience is that unless you want to be stuck in these kind of crappy jobs, that you need to complete college, and get a good degree (not some half-assed Art or Literature degree). Then get an MBA or a JD and work to change the system.

I personally hate my local Comp-USA - the guys working there are a bunch of dumb fucks, and always try to shove that extended warranty crap down my throat. I always refuse it because either the stuff breaks right away or it never does. In the meantime, the company gets an extra $xx in profit that they almost never have to pay out on - a total insurance scam. Several times I've been badgered so much by the cashiers that I said "you know what, you've convinced me. This product must be really bad to require insurance to be pushed so heavily...When you carry something of higher quality I might be back" then I walk out and let them keep the whole damn thing...

Don't even get me started on Worst Buy with their assinine signature-capture pads that I won't sign on... Stick to buying online while it's tax-free!

   By Bob Hartung on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 10:18 am:
 

Okay. What can we all learn.
1. Know what you are buying.
2. Do not buy any item that requires service by the retail store.
3. Keep copies of all sales receipts - until the item is dust.
4. Don't fall for the rebate scam.
5. Do business with the local "little guy" who really gives a damn and eats because he can and will take care of his customers.
6. As an employee (private or government), learn what anyone who ever served in the military has learned: Keep a copy of any and all forms filled out and submitted. Date and time annotations in the corner. If submitted in person, then record the person accepting them.
7. Do not be afraid of contacting your state's Attorney General about any irregularities. Most, if not all states have a Comsumer Protection division. As a final resort contact the Dept. of Justice. Don't take no for an answer. Be patient but keep pressure on until you obtian resolution of your problem. It worked with me and AT&T - after 8 months of the 'run aroung' a letter from Iowa's Attorney General led to a solution in one day.

   By justsomedude on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 12:45 pm:
 

They have done the Rebate Scam on me once. What I do is this. I have a bank that will let me do a Charge back if I do not get my Rebate. I wait till the 2 months is up. Then call them and ask for the Rebate $$$ back Not the cost of the sale. I win everytime. Best part is it cost them $15.00 for each charge back.

I have just pickup 4 of the network cards that was on sale last week.

   By twigley21 on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 02:38 pm:
 

So let me get this straight. Whatever posts:

"Also, your an under educated part time retail tech clerk. What do you expect in your job?"

You think that people with out college degrees should have to work in bad conditions cause that is what they are destined to do, due to lack of education. I don't think Mr. Gates graduated with a college degree, and I kinda doubt anyone treats him like this. You probably think that people with Audi's and BMW's and other $50,000 + cars should have complete right of way too. Cause we all know that educated/rich people are better than everyone else.

Sometimes people just need to put food on the table, and not get shit on to do it. Sometimes the option of just going somewhere else isn't available to them. I am sure this compUSA ex-employee was looking to get out after being screwed on benefits and such.

   By sympathetic customer on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 05:50 pm:
 

Hey, "something as un!" I have a degree in literature, had to take six extra 4-credit classes to get it, and now make damned good money working in electronic publishing. My grammar is also impeccable, and unlike many of the idiots on this board I can distinguish between technicians and cashiers. So much for half-assed degrees, eh?
 

Thanks for giving me one more reason not to use CompUSA. For you poor devils working there still, the solution has already been mentioned: unionize. Call your local AFL-CIO office immediately. Keep track of everything.

   By suck whatever on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 07:29 pm:
 

Dear Whatever, er, I mean "all knowing" dimwit, you are the one who needs to get a clue, grip, etc. Like Anonymous I also used to work at StompU sa and can vouch for the abhorrent treatment that the average employee receives. Unless you are #1 in sales they don't give 2 shits about you and any of your personal problems. "you're sick? tough, better be here or we'll write you up." Etc. Etc...
If you actually try and give a damn about your personal integrity, and genuinely try to help Gramma buy an email machine and not a p3 800(top of the line at the time) or the average joe buy a first machine (we all had to start somewhere)
Also not treating them like cows with wallets, and actually taking "no, I'll think about it." as an answer instead of a personal insult. life as a salesman can be miserable.
As for education, college didn't really help. Like most people my schooling didn't prepare me for shit in the real world. compusa helped me in that, as a sys. admin, the stupid questions people asked at the store are asked by 1000's elsewhere. (maybe even you) and because I actually tried to help I learned for myself. So to cut this rant short. don't despise those people you think are beneath you, as you may end up with a little something "extra" in that value meal of yours ..

   By Dummazz on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 10:52 pm:
 

Yeah yer mom

   By The Author on Thursday, August 16, 2001 - 07:24 am:
 

I guess some people are getting their blood pressures up as indicated by the response. They are correct that I stayed far too long and am fighting a losing battle -- you know, the battle for improving things that will never improve. If you say so! I guess we should all just settle and be part of the problem instead of part of the solution. I am glad to know that some people have been able to reconcile this in their lives and not fight it. But then I don’t know much about bliss! As far as education goes, I have 3 years of college and have decided, after reading about all of the dot com wizards that are in the unemployment lines, that there are far more viable solutions for securing your future. Many who had the guts and didn't follow the "script" and, in some cases didn't even finish high school, are the millionaires who were able to "think outside of the box" before the educational system got ahold of them and struck the final blow against creativity. When your company starts talking merger or takeover, be prepared for a long winter and a rude awakening.

   By lost the plot on Thursday, August 16, 2001 - 07:39 am:
 

A-ha another directionless thread. What started off as an informative and useful discussion on how corporations rip off the customer/staff has quickly sunk to a tawdry slanging match. Get a grip folks, continue the thread for what it is.
And just as a quick addendum, I worked for PC World in England, most of the staff I worked with were educated to Bachelor Degree level, it still didn't alter the fact that the company's attitude to customers/staff completely sucked. It's not about how educated the staff are, it's about the fact that we all suffer for the sake of profit. Am I getting through?

   By Ed on Thursday, August 16, 2001 - 02:28 pm:
 

Off Topic, but a couple of times in this discusion, the idea that people without high school or college degrees have made billions without an education (like Bill Gates) was talk about.

I can't stand people that say "think outside the box" when it comes to education. The people who did not go to college and founded a successful company have visionary goals, but this happens very infrequently and is not the norm.

Telling teens to forget about college because a few people made billions by not going to college is an irresponsible tidbit of advice. People who work at CompUSA or McDonalds and who don't have a college degree are not going to found the next Microsoft (they would have started long before filling out a application for a minimum-wage job).

Unless you have a very specific goal or direction in life in mind, dropping out of high school or college because you read that others have struck it rich with less education is just plain stupid and lazy. People who have real guts finish college so they have something to turn to if they start a company or venture, but fail.

The bottom line is, go to school, and have a clue when it comes to what to expect from minimum wage, high turn over, retail jobs like at CompUSA or McDonald's, and if you think you can get rich by dropping out of school and searching for the golden path to success, then your already a loser because the real success stories didn't do if for the money, but because they had a clear vision about what they wanted to do with their lives that eventually proved successful and prosperous.

   By BobTheDog on Friday, August 17, 2001 - 05:37 am:
 

I sent a resume in to Circuit City. I thought that perhaps -- since the service clerks and computer salesf***s were completely incompetent -- I could get a job there, mentioning in my appplication that I have a pretty good amount of computer knowledge. Wrong I was, they never called. It's obvious they're looking for weak-willed youth or cheap immigrant work with few options so that they can screw them over. I'm glad that some grizzly old men point out that everything is screwed and anyone who doesn't realize it is an idiot but those comments are completely useless. Some people, like me, would still like to hope that not everything is a complete farce of the way things should be done. There are many instances where this is true, but there are several where it's not.