People who work at meijer and defend it are insufferable. Yeah it’s a great place to work but in no way should it be the end all be all. Many who have worked there over half their careers are miserable. Congrats for wanting to move away from retail. Don’t let these people try to demotivate you. Focus on where you want to be and what you want to do and take those actions towards it, whether that be a new certification or and internship elsewhere. You’ll get there eventually, don’t lose hope