Vantaggi
The position of 'Mate' is the Trader Joe's equivalent of 'Assistant Manager'. Trader Joe's has opportunity for unlimited advancement, if you can prove yourself to the right people at the right time. Competitive salary and (albeit small) annual bonuses. GREAT benefits, including an employer-paid retirement and easy acquirement of time-off. Plenty of job stability.
Svantaggi
Working a rotating shift is usually required, meaning 1-2 closing shifts, 1 midday shift, and 2 opening shifts per week. The shifts for this position are 10 hours/day, and often you stay late. The raises are one per year, and they are almost laughable, at least in the beginning. For the amount of work that this job requires, the raises and compensation should be higher.