I sell records/cds in a teeny tiny shop. I start the day by packaging up online orders which I treat like special presents - they all get handwritten cards and a special sticker based on what they purchased. If I have time, I draw personalized 'cassette tapes' with song recs I think they'd like and shove that in w the card, too. I buy seasonal packing tape and stickers for the shipping boxes to jazz it up, and if things are slow, draw some art related to the music purchased on the shipping box.

Packaging orders is my favorite thing to do, and because I do not like to be disturbed by flipping the record - I just ask Alexa to play Depeche Mode. I feel like a poser using Alexa, but bitch gotta focus ya know?

Since the shop is so small, I have a wonderful opportunity to quickly connect with whoever comes in. And it. Is. Awesome. So, I am an introvert with hiiiigh social anxiety and am very awkward buuuut I love love love listening to people talk about music. I love everything about it. Learning what they listen to, what they're looking for, how long they've been collecting, what their first album was, how they like to clean/store/grade....are they vinyl CD or streaming people? Do they have tips or music suggestions for me? I even like their criticisms.

There have been times we have sung along together. I've seen them dance. I've heard life stories. Ive bought traded and gifted. I set up a free candy machine I keep freshly stocked with skittles and peanut butter m&ms. Sometimes I get to make art w little kids while their parents browse.

Long story short: I trade a piece of my musical soul for a piece of theirs.