Independent and hating it
Independent bookstore employee Paula Katz has written a rather scathing essay on the horrors of retail work for Work magazine. In the piece Katz challenges the notion that there is something inherently noble about the independent bookstore, arguing that like any other business these stores exist to make money for their owners. She also describes the disillusioning experience of two of her co-workers, who thought that moving from a chain store to an independent would improve their working life. Katz writes: “Those who choose not to buy into the [chain store] system and claw their way into middle management are left at best, bemused and annoyed; at worst, bitter and paranoid. Imagine my co-workers’ disappointment when they fled from that world of incompetence to the perceived haven of the independent bookstore — only to find the same damn thing, minus the holiday party and the health benefits.” (Thanks to Bookninja for the link.)
Related links:
Read Paula Katz’s essay in Work magazine
