The Retail Experience and Code-Switching

The speaker recounts their first job in retail at Jo Malone, detailing the humorous quirks of the job and the unexpected challenges faced. A notable point of discussion is the practice of code-switching, which involves altering one's manner of speech and behavior to adapt to different social settings. This practice highlights the societal pressures and expectations experienced, particularly for those perceived as outside the normative demographic of high-end retail. Through light-hearted storytelling, the speaker illustrates the pressures of maintaining professionalism while connecting with diverse customers in an upscale environment.