Sunday, February 28, 2016

I Could Marry My Job


For the past year I've been steadily working in the wonderful industrialized food business. Now this isn't your average canned soup, I'm talking five star dine in or dine out restaurant. We serve everything from triple layered burgers, gourmet chili dogs, to our famous chocolate malts and sundaes. What's great about working here is the variety of people I get to meet. Our restaurant's customers come in many different characters because we offer scrumptious affordable quality food. I believe working here has influenced my character in countless ways because of that. My favorite kind  of customers are the ones that can really set my mood. "I asked for a number three with everything on it but lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle!" A middle aged, heavy women raised her voice at me.
"Yes mam, that's what I rang you up for."
"Then how come my receipt says 'number three only ketchup, mayo, bacon, and cheese?!"
"Well.." I started to reply but realized she wouldn't understand that's what was left on her bacon cheese whopper after taking all the garnishes off. Did I forget to mention I work at Burger King? Yes. The home of the whopper. I have to say that working here has been one the best and probably one of the worst experiences in my life, but I continue working here anyways because that's the kind of job you have at 17. My favorite position to work is drive-thru. There's nothing that gives me more life than hearing the ding in my head-set warning me I'm about to deal with some hangry people. (when you're hungry and angry at the same time)
For example, I had a customer pull up in drive and ask "Can I get a number eight large please?" Yelling quite loud, which isn't uncommon, a lot of drive-thru customers are convinced I can never hear them in my headset.
"What to drink with that sir?"
"JUST THE SANDWICH." he got louder.
"Did you want the large fries?"
"WOMAN! NO! I said number eight large!" I take a deep breath and ring him up for just original chicken sandwich because that's what he requested. I don't think he realizes I can't supersize his sandwhich for him. He pulls up and I cash him out and as I am about to send him away he asks "Where in the heck is my drink and fries?!" I give it to him for free because this is Burger King and you are supposed to 'have it your way'.
At the end of my day those are the kind of people that impact me the most. The kind of people I live and breathe for because they teach you the most in life. I know what it is like dealing with impolite demanding customers, especially on a bad day, and I've sworn to myself no matter how old I am, I will never be that person.

2 comments:

  1. This blog describes working in fast food perfectly. I've also had the same experience since I started working in the industry. And like you it has shown me how to be the customer I would want to serve. I would say you explained the industry well enough that someone who has never worked in it would understand.

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  2. This made my day when I first read it. I think that you expertly described the life that is working in fast food, in a way that both people that are vets of the fast food industry as well as people that have never taken an order can relate to. You were comical, real, and descriptive of how the industry effects you. I believe it's a valuable skill to be able to write on something in a way people of all types can relate to and understand. Comedy thrown into the bunch never hurts. Great job.

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