So You Wanna Work at Dollar General, But Age is Just a Number (Except When It's Not): A Guide for Aspiring Retail Renegades
Let's face it, working at Dollar General isn't exactly rocket surgery. You're not diffusing bombs or training dolphins (although that would be a sweet employee benefit package). But hey, a job's a job, and those rock-bottom prices on laundry detergent gotta come from somewhere, right?
So, you've set your sights on becoming a Dollar General guru, a master of merchandise, a champion of closeouts. But before you dust off your finest resume and high-five the cashier at your local store, there's one burning question: how old do you gotta be to join the Dollar General family?
The Big Reveal (with a Twist)
Brace yourself, thrill-seekers: in most cases, you gotta be at least 18 years old to snag a coveted position at Dollar General. Selling age-restricted items like cigarettes and lottery tickets is a big responsibility, and apparently, they don't trust teenagers with that kind of power (unless it involves choosing between sour watermelon Warheads and Atomic Fireballs).
Wait, There's More! (The Plot Thickens)
But hold on to your sporks, my friends, because there's a wrinkle in the fabric of retail employment! Some states actually allow 16 and 17-year-olds to work at Dollar General. It depends on your local laws and whether the store you're eyeing sells those age-restricted goodies. Think of it like a retail rite of passage: you gotta prove you can handle the responsibility (and avoid accidentally selling a Mega Millions ticket to a hamster).
Here's the Catch (We Can't Let You Off That Easy)
But even if your state says "sure, go wild, kiddo," there's still a hurdle to jump. Dollar General, bless their age-appropriate-selling hearts, has a minor work program with some special requirements. We're talking things like work permits and restrictions on working hours (no graveyard shifts for you, young blood).
The Not-So-Fine Print (But We Gotta Cover Our Bases)
So, to recap:
- In most cases, you gotta be 18 to work at Dollar General (no exceptions for those with exceptional couponing skills).
- Some states allow 16 and 17-year-olds to join the Dollar General fam, but only if the store doesn't sell age-restricted items.
- Even if your state is cool with it, there's a minor work program with hoops to jump through (work permits, scheduling limitations, etc.).
The Takeaway (For Those Who Skipped to the End)
Look, Dollar General is a great place to get your retail feet wet (and maybe score some sweet deals on discount candy). Just make sure you're the right age (depending on your state and the store itself) and ready to tackle the exciting world of stocking shelves and charming grumpy customers. Who knows, you might even become the next Dollar General superstar (with benefits that include employee discounts and, hopefully, not too many spilled energy drinks).
