Growing up surrounded by bookshelves.

I applied for a job at a bookstore on a busy street, simply because I needed money to make ends meet. I used to think it would be an easy job, in a quiet environment, but the reality was quite different. Most of the time I stood arranging books by code, checking inventory, dusting shelves, attaching price tags, and answering repetitive questions: "Is this book still available?", "Is there a discount?", "Why is it so expensive?"… During peak times, I hardly had a moment to rest.

From those seemingly small things, I learned my first lesson about meticulousness and discipline. Just misplacing one book would make the search complicated, customers would wait longer, and I myself would get frustrated. I understood that no job is easy if done with a serious attitude.

A bookstore is like a microcosm of society. There are managers, shift supervisors, long-time employees, and newcomers like me. Some work there out of a love for books, some seek stability, and others see it as a stepping stone to pursue a different career path. I used to think that an environment connected to books would be "pure and innocent," but then I realized that where there are emotions, there are conflicts. Sometimes I witnessed rivalry in shift assignments, and other times I heard complaints about colleagues behind their backs.

Initially, I was disappointed, but then I chose to observe instead of reacting. I can't decide how others behave, but I can control my own attitude. Maintaining professionalism amidst conflicting emotions turned out to be a form of maturity.

The biggest challenge is dealing with customers. Bookstores serve people of all ages; some are easygoing, others are difficult for reasons unrelated to books. I've been flustered when I've had to explain that a book a customer was looking for was out of stock. Some people clearly showed their displeasure as if it were my fault. In those moments, I learned to keep a calm voice, smile, and suggest an alternative.

Gradually, I developed a soft but clear "service voice," different from my inherent impulsiveness. I understood that service is about both selling a product and managing my own emotions. If I lose control, the situation will become tense; if I remain calm, everything will be smooth.

I also changed the way I looked at money. Before, I spent my parents' money quite lavishly. When I started working long hours to earn a fixed salary, I truly appreciated its value, learned to spend more carefully, and learned to balance my wants with my actual needs.

At the bookstore, I encountered many thought-provoking stories. There was a young girl who came every week to read comic books for hours, but could only afford one thin volume. There was an elderly customer quietly searching for history books and recounting wartime memories. These brief encounters showed me that books are a thread connecting people to their memories and dreams.

Amidst the bookshelves, I wondered what kind of person I wanted to become. And I wanted to do meaningful work, to learn and grow. I also gained a better understanding of environments where I didn't fit in, where there was a lack of respect or blame.

The biggest lesson I learned was probably humility. I used to think I understood a lot about life. But just a few months of experience helped me realize the world is much bigger. Everyone who walks into the store has their own story, and I have no right to judge them by their appearance.

I still have tiring days at work. But looking back, I know I've grown little by little, starting with simple things like being on time, completing my tasks, collaborating with colleagues, taking responsibility for my mistakes, and maintaining a kind attitude. And sometimes, that's all it takes for a worthwhile step forward.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/truong-thanh-hon-ben-nhung-ke-sach-238260313194942183.htm