If you live in New Jersey, and at least a half hour from Seaside Heights/Park, then there's a good chance that you worked on the boardwalk. Whether it was as a lifeguard, badge checker, or on the actual boardwalk, you started right out of eigth grade, and worked every summer until you left for college. Those brave souls who worked will understand how to survive the dreaded greenheads, but will mainly relate to these 12 questions and instances.
1. "Do you know the cast of Jersey Shore?"
If you worked anywhere on the Seaside Heights boardwalk between 2009 and 2012, you saw the cameras almost everyday. If you were "fortunate" enough to have them come into your establishment, then it was immortalized on the show next to Club Karma, Bamboo, and the Jersey Shore House. Also, the answer to the question is no. We don't want to be connected to these people.
2. You always hung out there.
If you worked in the morning, there was a good chance that you spent your night in Seaside with your friends. You'd always grab a Kohr's Ice Cream and visit an arcade. It may have been your job, but it was also the best place when you weren't working.
3. You were devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit the US, and it was disastrous. A picture that spoke volumes in the Jersey Shore community was that of the roller coaster in the ocean. It destroyed town after town, but the roller coaster always gave hope that we would rebuild. You were also worried about your job. Would it be there when the storm subsided? The answer was a hearty yes, however, some businesses were washed out, but those businesses rebuilt, and have been thriving since!
4. "Do you work here?"
Surprisingly, this is asked quite often. Even though we all wear shirts with our business on it, some people just can't read.
5."Where's the nearest restroom?"
Bathrooms aren't that scarce on the boardwalk, but there are very few that aren't in restaurants, and from there, you have to be a patron. Hearing it once or twice isn't so bad, but multiple times in a 30 minute period is a bit too much, especially if you work nowhere near a bathroom.
6. You always see the regulars.
This is particularly true if you work all year round. These can either be the sweetest people or the worst people you have ever met. It all depends on where you work.
7. Some days, you wish for rain.
Especially if you work outside. Rain just means no one will show up, giving you an easy day. Only downside is a crappy paycheck.
8. "It's gorgeous! I bet you wish you could enjoy this."
Yeah, we do, but instead, we are listening to you talk about how beautiful it is outside while we're working.
9. You make the best of friends.
Your work friends become some of the best people you could imagine. Since you spend so much time with them, you start to do the same things, and you hope that you're on the same shift as them to tell them about the drama that happened while they were gone.You also become really close with the foreign workers and miss them when they leave at the end of summer.
10. "I wouldn't be able to do what you do all day."
This is mainly parents, but the truth is, it's not that hard. You get used to it, and this is actually considered a compliment to some.
11. You treasure your days off.
If you work in the summer, you're lucky if you get two days off every week. When you do get an unscheduled day, you make sure that it lasts as long as possible, because there's a huge chance you won't get another off for a few days.
12. "Where's the beach?"
You might as well leave at this point. If you can't look outside or to you left/right, please don't come to a beach town.
We've all seen it, we've all lived it, but deep down inside we all loved it. You'll always remember your first paycheck and seeing the sunsets over the ocean either on break or at the end of your shift.
