My Eye-Opening Experience Working at Quickmart Supermarket
Working at Quickmart Supermarket in Kenya was an intense and eye-opening experience, both physically and mentally. Let me take you through my journey.
I’m Ann, a 26-year-old unemployed graduate. In September 2024, I began job hunting and stumbled upon a hiring agency recruiting for Quickmart Supermarket. With no other opportunities in sight, I eagerly took the chance. Although overqualified, I embraced the opportunity, bought the required uniform, and prepared myself for the big day—reporting day.
Day One: A Harsh Reality
On my first day, I reported at 7:40 AM to Quickmart’s Kahawa Sukari branch in Nairobi, only to be told I was late. The store operates 24/7 with three shifts, and my assigned shift started at 6:45 AM and ended at 7:00 PM—a grueling 12+ hours. After induction, I began shadowing a trainer who introduced me to the day’s tasks.
What struck me immediately was the sheer physical demand. Employees are on their feet the entire shift, except for brief meal breaks, which often fall short of an hour. Meals are provided, but you’re restricted to what the store offers, meaning personal preferences are off the table unless you can afford to buy from the store itself.
The workload was overwhelming: hauling heavy goods—bales of flour, sacks of rice, and 20-liter jerricans of water—up to the third floor, all without mechanical assistance. By the end of the day, every part of my body ached.
A Week of Survival
The unpaid five-day training pushed me to my limits. Sleep was a luxury, home-cooked meals were nonexistent, and personal time became a distant memory. Migraines set in due to exhaustion, and my body screamed for rest. Yet, I persisted, motivated by the hope of financial relief.
A Sobering Reflection
Would I take the job if offered? Probably, because I’m broke. But would I recommend it? Not without serious caveats. The physical toll and lack of work-life balance are staggering. I admire those who endure it daily, but this experience taught me how some jobs can drain the life out of their employees.
To anyone considering such a role: brace yourself. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it will undoubtedly test your resilience.