I'm a xx year old man that has been working at a VERY busy retail store for 3 months. I have learned most of the stations fairly quickly - - - EXCEPT bar.

I get panicked when I get busy and still don't remember some of the recipes. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't worry about it too much because - I'm a pretty smart guy and I know that with a little practice, I will be fine. However, the current situation in my store is not normal.

It is my opinion that the environment at the store is very similar to any high school. You have the cool kids, who talk in their cool lingo and gossip among themselves. You have the not cool group who are barely tolerated by the cool kids. They are being 'coached' relentlessly to the point that it is non productive.

Now, I know that this might sound like sour grapes 🍇 - and appear that I am just complaining and looking for an excuse for why I haven't been able to learn parts of the job to an acceptable level, but consider this -

After a recent shift, the SSV contacted me to ask for help. She said that she felt that I was the only colleague that would support her and that she is tired of others ignoring her and her directions. She indicated that she was losing motivation and she was feeling really down about the store and her role in it. I told her that I would support her unconditionally and I suggested that she sit down and talk with the SM about it. She definitely agreed that it felt like high school and that it was difficult to maintain positive, professional relationships in the current environment.

I get along with the SM very well. We like each other and there is a lot of mutual respect. However, upon her return from a 3 week absence, I tried to describe what I was seeing on the floor to her, but recieved an unexpected response. She suggested that perhaps I was the cause of the problem. I told her that, if I have been misunderstood by some of the partners, I apologize, and that I would try very hard to be a good partner and communicate better. That was 3 weeks ago. Upon further reflection, I believe that my initial take on the situation is correct. These are kids - most in their early 20's - and are behaving as if they are still in high school. Some of them won't speak to me.... At all. For example, I will greet everyone I meet by saying good morning. Two or three of the cool kids do not respond. Not a word. This is happening many times, not just a bad day or an oversight.

Again, I am 58 years old. I'm genuinely surprised that people act with such disrespect. Now, about two thirds of the group are really nice people. I'm speaking about a minority, but it is affecting me - and at least one other person (the SSV) in a big way. I just want the store to function better and I want to be better at my job, but it is difficult when you feel like you are going to be stabbed in the back if you make any errors. When I make a mistake under the watchful eyes of any of the cool group, it is broadcast very loud for all to hear along with what I SHOULD have done. I receive zero positive reinforcement from these guys also. However, when the SM arrives, it is a seismic shift in attitude. They all of a sudden become perfect partners.

I really love the job and want a way to make it work, but I am at wits end.

Any suggestions?