Anybody Here Work At Academy Sports?

[BallisticBiker]

They are finally opening a store here in Lawton.

I'm wondering what the reality of working there might be like...

Once upon a time, I was a retail professional. And I mean professional. I took my job seriously and offered the absolute best customer service you could hope for. Years of exposure to the general public soured me, unfortunately. It got to the point that I literally had to make a conscientious effort just to be somewhat congenial to people. Retail had become a soul devouring, thankless endeavor and I changed careers. That was many many moons ago....

Now, I am 44 years old and literally risk my life on a daily basis to earn a little over seventeen bucks an hour. On paper, my job is great! In reality - it kinda bites... There is absolutely nowhere to go in my chosen field. If I wanted any chance of advancement, it would require relocation. Relocation is not an option for me at this particular point in time. Retirement requisites would mean fifteen + more years of trying to cope with the stress and staying alive. And being "on call" 24/7 for a week, every other week is not exactly my idea of a "perk." I'm burning out, in other words.

I think I might make a good fit as another one of those know-it-all gun counter a-holes. (lol,j/k)

Actually, I would probably be aiming for more of a mid-management position vs. register jockey. So many years have gone by, I may have to start at the bottom again, but that's not a deal breaker for me. I ain't skeered.
Anyway, I'm just wondering if it's a good company to work for and if the pay is competitive. I know already that the schedule would pretty much suck and that I would probably be taking a fairly rough hit financially, but money isn't everything to a guy like me. Then again, retail management may be paying more these days than when I left the profession.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Buzzdraw]

One of my sons worked at Academy in Joplin MO for around 3 years while he was in college. The company and his supervisors treated him well. When his grandfather passed on, they even sent flowers to the funeral.

 

[been]

I plan on working there very soon.

 

[BallisticBiker]

One of my sons worked at Academy in Joplin MO for around 3 years while he was in college. The company and his supervisors treated him well. When his grandfather passed on, they even sent flowers to the funeral.

That's classy and that's exactly the kind of information I was hoping to garner. Thank you.

There are only two of us that perform the work I do in this area. My co-worker has had three children during our tenure and he hasn't received as much as a day off from our company. Even a card and/or a cigar would have been a nice move, in my humble opinion...He could have taken a day off (w/o pay) but then, the whole work load would fall on me alone. We just generally do not do that to each other.

We don't get any sick or personal time off. Don't work, don't get paid. Conversely, we often get to leave early and get paid for the full day even though we are not on salary. It's kind of a strange set of circumstances.

 

[CAR-AR-M16]

Well Billy, if you do get a job there you can count on several customers from the FGST.

 

[BallisticBiker]

Steve, I'm pretty sure that there will be a strong showing from the FGST whether I work there or not.

I want to offer a public "Thank You!" for a private message I received that was chock full of useful, insightful and thoughtful information. I truly appreciate your taking the time to message me, it was/is very helpful.