Hello I struggle with basic math to the point I can't even work on the register at jobs because I can't make change what can I do to fix this?
I want to recognize that you’re not alone. Working the register can be hard! Once when I was working retail, I didn’t give someone change…from a $100 bill.
That said, if improving math skills is your goal, where there’s a will and necessary resources and coping mechanisms, there’s a way.
I had another anon write in about a similar question and they have dyscalculia. This may not be true of you, but if you think it’s a strong possibility, I encourage you to get tested!
With that, let’s look at some resources:
Dyslexic-friendly math books if that’s your thing.
Tutoring services. Check online and at your local community center or library.
Remedial/basic math courses at your high school or community college.
If you’re looking for a job right now immediately, I would suggest maybe not going for a register job. Even if you work retail, there’s a chance that you can get out of working registers, or only do it occasionally.
Be patient with yourself! Even if customers get annoyed, the most important thing is getting the math right, not getting the wrong math done quickly.
Do math when you’re a customer. When you’re buying something, calculate the change you’d get back if you paid with a twenty, or two tens, or a fifty. Look at the different bills or coins you can use to give the same amount of change. Add up all the items you have and find total. Calculate the sales tax.
Calculators are a modern miracle, and while they might not solve the problem, they might help you get used to working with numbers.
Write out the math problems and show your work. Don’t try to do it in your head just yet. You’d use training wheels before you ride a bike, right?
Focus on money when you’re practicing math. Specifically addition and subtraction. You might venture into multiplication, divisions, and percentages eventually, but work your way up gradually. Stay away from algebra. Learning math is a cumulative process. You can’t just jump ahead.
I hope that helps! I think much of what you’ll be working on is building your confidence. If you’re confident in your ability to learn, it’s much easier to actually learn the material.