First of all, I forgot the band we had also. Most fun I ever had, making less than $2 per hour....but fun.

RE: Shortened version. I went back and read the OP, then read mine again....I decided too much pity party going on there. I'm glad I had that experience growing up, but the way things ended up, and the realization that so much of the effort there was needless (think work smarter, not harder) that I think.... DAMN, there I go again.

Anyway, back to the OP: I went to work for Kmart after college (manager trainee, code for paying you for 8 hours, working you 12...) and I came to hate the icee etc drinks that the slobs that shopped there would spill or pour into the mailbox out front or clothing inside. 22 months there learned me I ain't the retail type.