Went from Awesome to Awful - Mate (Assistant Manager) Trader Joe's Employee Review

2.0
Dec 9, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The co-workers, food, vacation time, benefits and pay are really good compared to other retail companies.

Cons

It was a different company from when I started and when I left. The number one value is Integrity and they need to change that because they have none. They make changes to raises and benefits and let the employees find out about it as opposed to telling them. The benefits went down from when I started and even after I left. I wouldn't rely on them. One of my previous bosses actually said we were not to pass on applicants with disabilities. So many horrible HR issues went on but with HR only in California, it was always one sided and in favor of the store manager. I was smart enough to not speak up because I saw everyones careers ending around me that did. Thankful I was able to get out and wish I had done it sooner. As a manager the hours were gruelling and work-life balance does not exist! Job advancement is limited with only mate or captain positions. There isn't a goal to work torwards. It feels like you're trying to climb out of quicksand. There is no motivation.

Explore other reviews about Trader Joe's

5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent work environment and team.

Cons

Might not be a con for some but the job requires you to spend a lot of time on your feet moving objects so not recommended if you have any injuries or ailments.

4.0
May 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Great way to meet people, socialize, and learn customer service -Always tasked with different things every hour -Friendly crew who will always help you to learn and get better at your job -Get a slight pay raise every 6 months -No outside commitments and amazing benefits if you work full time (about 28 hours a week for every 6 months) -Will take time, but find your friend group, stay with them and have fun, you can't please everybody -Care for your body, do not overdo it with physical labor, its a retail job and you only have one fragile body for yourself, get help or insist about your pains

Cons

-Not many, unless you are stuck in a bad store with bad management -I had some good luck of working in 3 great stores, so YMMV -Sometimes can get cliquey like you are back in high school -Getting promoted up to store management may involve buttering up and being a "yes-person" -Care for your body, do not overdo it with physical labor, its a retail job and you only have one fragile body for yourself, get help or insist about your pains

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