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Part Time to College
Hello,
Shortly after last semester had ended I secured a part time retail job. The first month was the honeymoon phase for sure. I was happy to be there and worked well with everyone and performed above par customer service.
In the two months that I have been on board, retention has tanked. I was told by the assistant manager when I was hired that the store had a high retention in staffing. Great 
Another new hire and I (both have not worked in retail let alone touched a register in over ten years) replaced two previous employees that were leaving. I've seen the customer service reviews and they have really improved and not to toot my horn here, but I know I played a role. I also generate a fair share of the stores weekly sales goal.
A girl submitted her resignation paperwork a month before resigning. She is gone with no replacement. The newer girl hired 2 weeks after me just put in her two week notice! Our store has 1 manager, 1 asst. manager, 2 manager trainees, 3 sales associates. Of the three is one gentleman who works 8 hours per week because this is a second income. The remaining associates are the girl that was hired on with me and myself. The manager is looking at apps and making calls... Our hours have doubled. The girl has the same experience as me and is whining about too many hours. I feel that I cannot work over 16 hours due to my college commitment. I was told at the time of hire that I wouldn't work more than 16 hours - right. I bust my bottom every single DAY I'm on. I'm early, and I take initiative. I unfortunately learned (didn't ask or snoop by any means - SERIOUSLY) that the woman that had the same experience I have is getting more hours than me and making more as a WALL FLOWER!!!!! WTF.
Since our boss will conveniently take forever to get someone on board, I was advised to request a raise. I thought a 75 cent raise would be ideal because of the hours I'm given in contrast to my college commitments. NOPE - not getting a penny. Corporate does that and they are not local. The first raise is typically 20 cents....
I'm going to tough it out because I feel the need to finish what I started? I don't know. The employee discount isn't worth it because I can't afford to buy anything other than necessities. I am thinking about submitting resignation papers because for the hours - 25+ per week at minimum wage on short staffing... And classes.... I just don't know. One thin for sure is that the family and I are going to Florida briefly in September and if I don't get my request for that off - he will see papers!
WWYD in a situation like this?
Re: Part Time to College
I haven't technically worked retail, but during grad school I did take on a low-paying job at an upscale gym related to my major (childcare.) It was a similar boat. I loved some of the people there and I constantly went above and beyond, but never saw much in return. I lasted for about six months, and then when I finished grad school I decided that I just couldn't make that place a priority in my life.
Depending on what field you're in (at school) I would try to find a part-time job that builds your resume, because then at least if you're getting paid poorly you're at least creating a good experience. I know that I made the mistake of staying too long in a job that made me miserable because for some reason I kept thinking things would get better. I would say don't quit yet, but start looking for something PT related to your desired career.
I studied the same field as you and I was able to find internships (some paid, some not) and entry level jobs with local non-profits. I worked with one non-profit on a project basis helping research information for a website for them (it was an election year and they were putting together information about all the political candidates running for Senate and my job was to research where the candidates stood on particular issues, gather soundbytes, etc).
Another place that I had success with was our state's legal aid office. I started off as a volunteer legal assistant (It was my sophomore year of school and they trained me) going in once a week, but then they hired me to come in, in the mornings, before my classes started.
Anyways, just throwing it out there, that you might want to check local law offices and non-profits to see if they need any help with anything. It can also help get your foot in the door for that field and you can get some great references for the future. Good luck!