I left my teaching job and went to Costco. I thought I'd only work there temporarily, but now I've climbed its corporate ladder and make more money — I feel safe here.

Mon, 07/31/2023 - 12:55

Maggie Perkins sitting on a white couch in a black dress. — Maggie Perkins started working at her local Costco after she felt burned out as a teacher. Now she's a corporate trainer in Costco's marketing department.
Courtesy of Maggie Perkins

Maggie Perkins got burned out as a teacher and quit her job after eight years.
She started working at her local Costco and says she's found her lifelong career there.
Perkins said Costco feels safe and comfortable and that she loves her job.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Maggie Perkins, a 30-year-old former teacher from Atlanta who works at the Costco corporate office in Washington state. It has been edited for length and clarity.