The Surprising Reasons Behind High Turnover in Entry-Level Roles
If you’ve ever tried a delivery job with Amazon, UPS, or Walmart, or worked as a cashier at Walmart, Target, or other marts, you might have noticed something strange: people don’t stick around for long. But why?
Both delivery and cashier roles have some of the highest turnover rates in the U.S. workforce. Today, we dive into the key factors that make workers walk away — often just weeks or months after starting.
📈 View Turnover Statistics from BLS
1. Expectation vs. Reality Shock
One of the biggest reasons people quit early is the gap between what the job promises and what the job actually is.
For delivery drivers, it’s often the realization that:
- 🚗 The job is physically exhausting
- ⛽ Fuel costs and car wear eat into earnings
- 📦 There’s no support when things go wrong
Cashiers face similar disconnects:
- 🧍 Long hours standing on hard floors
- 🙄 Repetitive work with little recognition
- 😠 Rude or impatient customers daily
Real Stories from Workers on Antiwork
2. Lack of Training and Onboarding
Many workers are simply thrown into the job with little to no proper training.
- 📦 Delivery apps often offer only short video tutorials
- 🏪 Retail stores may offer a single shadow shift before going solo
This leads to early burnout and frustration. Mistakes feel embarrassing or overwhelming, and many new hires feel set up to fail.
3. No Path for Growth or Recognition
Delivery jobs offer very little upward mobility unless transitioning to full-time roles like UPS drivers (which are competitive).
Cashier jobs technically offer promotions — but many workers report that:
- 📉 Raises are small
- 📅 Promotions take years
- 🔁 Performance rarely matters unless you’re a favorite
With no visible future, many workers leave to pursue something more rewarding or better-paying.
4. Unpredictable or Inflexible Schedules
Delivery sounds flexible — but when high-paying hours vanish or delivery zones get oversaturated, you end up earning less with more hustle.
Cashier shifts are often:
- ⏰ Last-minute or unreliable
- 📆 Difficult to get time off
- 💬 Inconsistent from week to week
Both job types can mess with work-life balance, especially for parents or students.
Flexibility Comparison: Gig vs Retail
5. Mental and Emotional Burnout
Dealing with frustrated customers, traffic stress, or unrealistic metrics leads to mental fatigue fast. Here’s how it plays out:
| Job Type | Common Stress Factors |
|---|---|
| Delivery Driver | Late arrivals, parking stress, app glitches, poor tips |
| Retail Cashier | Angry customers, long lines, management pressure |
6. No Benefits or Protections
Gig workers are considered independent contractors, so there’s:
- ❌ No health insurance
- ❌ No paid leave
- ❌ No retirement savings
Retail cashiers may receive benefits, but only if:
- 🕒 They work enough hours weekly
- 🏪 They stay past a certain probation period
This delay in support discourages many from sticking around.
📚 Learn More: Economic Policy on Turnover in Low-Wage Jobs
7. Final Thoughts: Is It Really That Bad?
Not always. Some thrive in delivery or cashier work. But for many, the combination of low pay, stress, and lack of future opportunities makes these jobs feel disposable.
If you’re considering one of these roles, go in with open eyes and a solid plan:
- ✅ Track your hours and income daily
- ✅ Know your limits — physically and mentally
- ✅ Use the job as a stepping stone, not a destination