Pros
Everyone who works with Trader Joe's is original and brings an interesting background to the team. We have tastings and regularly open food to try for customers and ourselves. Unlike other grocery stores you won't be stuck on a register your entire shift (however if you're not a hard worker on the floor you may spend more time as a cashier than desired). There are two raises every year which are decent (often .65) and currently if you are exceptional you can receive a bonus every other review ($500 taxed comes out to $300). The insurance is why most people work at TJ's, you cannot beat it. We pay $45 (single independent) per paycheck for amazing benefits. Free gym, $20 copay, free therapy (Lord knows we need it). If you show initiative you could be a section leader and order product for the store and really make it your own. Scheduling is fairly flexible and the customers are typically very nice. The flat structure means that there is crew, mates, and a captain. Often you find that you have as much power as the mates which can be empowering to encourage your coworkers to do better or take initiative to start projects. They are encouraging if you want to be on the "mate track".
Cons
Many of the pros to TJ's are also their cons. The flat structure means that there is a lot of blurred lines as far as responsibilities. Often I feel that tasks and duties that are more suited for a mate can be put on the crew due to laziness or incompetence. Many mates are incompetent and the crew suffers as a result, most likely the hard workers who continue working while the lazy crew take it easy in the back. Because the company prides "fairness", you will receive the same bonus as everyone else (who gets their bonus). If you come to work on time with a smile you will receive the same bonus as the crew who order for sections, come in early for planned cleanings, and remerch your sections to increase sales. Additionally, being a section leader can be stressful when you do not get the support from your mates and crew that you need (again, you're not being paid extra to do this). It can be frustrating because you cannot change the fact that those crew that are capped out are making more than you and they do nothing. Communication is a huge issue, the mates do not communicate unless it's gossip. If you want to move up, the captain may lead you on and say that your time is coming, but it's not. They just want you to continue to work hard and keep up morale. Going to the captain is hit or miss. It is the most effective way to express your concerns but you often will not know what came of it, if anything. Who stays and who goes it largely based on your popularity. If you and another crew did the same thing, but you are consistently cheerful and they can often be moody, they will be let go.