Summer is filled with endless boat rides, bonfires, beach days, and most importantly, ice cream dates. Working at an ice cream shop is a unique experience. I have been working at an ice cream shop for about 4 years now. If you have ever spent your summers scooping up ice cream, you are aware of some of the struggles and the joys of working there. Here are some things all ice cream employees can relate to.

1. You’re constantly tempted to eat everything that surrounds you because you are never sick of it.

You’re constantly surrounded by dozens of flavors and delicious food daily and it’s honestly a surprise you don’t weigh 300 pounds. People always ask how you manage to control yourself around all this ice cream and food. The truth is, you can’t.

2. Competitions with your co-workers for the craziest flavor and topping combos.

You know the menu like the back of your hand and you have obviously experimented a few times. You’re bound to have found some of the weirdest flavor combinations and you’re not afraid to go crazy with the toppings.

3. The customers who give you extremely vague orders.

You know the drill. Someone comes up to the counter and stands there with no expression. They mumble the word “soft serve”. Well, OK. What flavor? Would you like that in a cup or a cone? What kind of cone? The best part is when they answer your questions in a tone that makes you feel as if you already should have known. (I’m sorry I am not a mind reader).

4. You have to deal with customers who just don’t understand.

“Oh, can you add some whip cream and some hot fudge on top of that?” Excuse me, but in case you didn’t see, I already made your order, which means NOW I have to charge you extra for the extra toppings. I also have to make you a whole new bowl because the hot fudge will overflow the cup. But it’s okay. (eye roll).

5. Long Lines.

Long lines are actually fun. It is way more fun being busy-standing around at any job can be boring.

6. Two Words: Country Music

With an agricultural background, family friendly atmosphere and a staff of teenage girls, that means the only music we get to play is country. Excuse me as I scream the lyrics to every Taylor Swift song I know.

7. The Family Atmosphere

Although some co-workers tend to fight and bicker. We're all family. That’s just how it is.

8. When your hands are constantly covered in dried ice cream.

I constantly wash my hands and arms only to find myself covered in more sticky ice cream 20 minutes later. No one is sure how it happens but it does. The worst part is when you forget to wash the stains off and go out in public.

9. When customers either come in way too early for ice cream or 5 minutes before you close.

Yes, I am totally silently judging you for getting ice cream at 10 a.m. At least eat some food first!

10. But it’s all worth it because at the end of the day, you get money!

Let’s be honest, there is nothing better than counting your tips after a busy shift. And who cares if you constantly have a bundle of one dollar bills? Money is money. Enjoy it!

Despite the seemingly annoying but funny events that happen at work, this was the best first job. I am very lucky to still be apart of this work environment!