Awful and mentally draining The good thingsThe pay, the team, the clothes
The challengesWorking at Perfect Stranger was one of the most emotionally exhausting jobs I’ve ever had. The only thing that kept me going was my in-store team, they were genuinely supportive, positive and the best part of the role. Unfortunately, everything above store level made the experience incredibly stressful and draining.
The expectations placed on Store Managers are unrealistic and constantly shifting without clear communication. You’re held accountable for everything, but given almost no consistent support or structure. Feedback often feels abrupt, reactive, and overly intense for issues that could be solved with simple coaching. It creates a constant sense of pressure and anxiety, where you feel like you’re bracing yourself for criticism over even the smallest things.
The store teams themselves are amazing and deserved better support and stability. But if you care about your mental health, emotional wellbeing or long-term stability, I would strongly caution you before stepping into a role