While employees are offered ample time off, actually TAKING the time off often proves difficult between blackout dates which can range from Thanksgiving to the end of tax season, constant staff shortages and other employees' vacation requests.
When I began working for Advance America, I was lead to believe that promotions from within were the way things went. However, after working here for about five years that's not the case; at least not beyond the Center Manager position. The next "real" promotion from a center manager position would be to that of a Divisional Director, unfortunately about 75% of the ones hired in my division during my employment here have been from outside the company. This just serves as a kick in the morale and fosters the belief that "going above and beyond" is a waste of time which I found to be an enormous disappointment.
While the hours are decent (usually on your way home by 6:30pm M-Th), Fridays (and other popular paydays) are an absolute ZOO. And while Saturdays are shortened days, in our area they are mandatory for all employees.
The company has quickly become more of a sales environment as opposed to retail, and all employees are under IMMENSE pressure to sell our additional products with disciplinary actions taken if our corporate-set goals are not met.