As a manager for Hollywood Video, I am given the opportunity to switch stores when there is an opening. There are many pros and cons to moving to a new store. I was recently given the opportunity to switch from my store in Buckeye to the store in Goodyear. When I started to consider my time, money, employees and family I quickly realized how switching stores could really affect my life.

One of the first considerations is time. When I worked at Buckeye I was driving more than thirty-five minutes to get to my store. Since my move to Goodyear I only have to drive twenty minutes, therefore I save money and time. I can spend an extra half hour with my boys if I work the night shift and if I have to open I get to sleep in a little more. The hours of operation are different between the two stores as well. My new store closes at 11:00 PM. This is an hour earlier compared with my old store. Since I watch my boys during the day, getting that extra hour to sleep makes a big difference. Due to having more sleep I am better equipped for my day with my children.

Along with time, the employees established at the store can make a big difference. At my old store I had some fantastic employees. Unfortunately, I did not have an assistant manager. As in any business, the assistant manager can help take a lot of stress away from the manager’s day to day work. At my new store in Goodyear I was given an assistant manager. What a difference it makes to have another leader in the store to bear some of the burden! However, at the new store many of my employees are very young. Due to their age, they don’t always take their job very seriously and I tend to have a lot of turn over. This, of course, creates more work for me and my assistant manager.

When I was first making a decision between the two stores I didn’t think the location of the store would have a serious effect on me, with the exception of time. I was wrong. I had thought that because Buckeye wasn’t very established, the new store in Goodyear would be busier. I was wrong! The area surrounding the Goodyear store is, of course, completely built up. This brings other options. At my store in Buckeye, it was the only option. Therefore, I have taken a small pay cut in my bonuses because we do not make as much profit in my new store. Our profit also affects how much money I’m aloud to spend on labor. During the slow months of the year, I have to work more hours because my time does not count against my labor costs.

There are many reasons to consider when choosing a new location to work at. Time, money and location all need to be considered. I have found that the most important consideration is what is best for me and my family.