Ending The Stigma Behind Fast Food Employment
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Ending The Stigma Behind Fast Food Employment

Not all fast food workers are the same

557
Ending The Stigma Behind Fast Food Employment

When thinking of something to write this week, instantly an incident that happened to me at work popped into my head and I found myself re-pissed at the whole situation. First and foremost, you should know that I work at McDonald's. Most of the time, I love working with people and enjoy the conversations I have, however, not all the time are we so lucky to have pleasant customers. While taking a customers order towards the end of my shift (9:00 p.m. or so) after a very long day of classes from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Due to my monitor being SUPER slow, I repeated his order to make sure it was correct (also standard procedure). After doing this, I told him his total which he insisted was wrong as he orders the same thing every time he comes in and started throwing a tantrum. Unaware of a price increase, I did not know how to explain what the issue was. To which said customer proceeded to insult me asking if I was capable of reading or even simplely pressing the monitor buttons as I clearly was unfit for the easiest job left for the scum of the Earth. Let me tell you what, here's my response to you:

When I was 17, I had a scare with breast cancer and lost my previous job before that. McDonald's was the only place that would hire me at 17 with a couple work restrictions that would work easily with my doctor's appointments, surgery, etc. So while you may think I work that job after graduating high school, you have no clue what I went through or why I ended up at this job, nor does it matter. At least I'm working and not sitting on my ass. Currently, I am enrolled in college where I am following a track to become a Doctor and eventually go to medical school.

If you think I'm incapable of pressing buttons on a touch screen monitor, I'm sure you'd find it comical to see me in the emergency room one day potentially saving your life. No, I, and more inclusively, fast food workers are not the scum of the Earth. One of my managers, for example, lost her father in a car accident while she was in college, and ran out of money/loans to pay for her final year of schooling. My point here is this: I am a college-age student athlete that happens to work at McDonald's to pay off her loans. I am no different than you. I go to work, get my check, and pay my bills. I just happen to get my check from a fast food company. So next time you want to get rowdy with a fast food employee because of a situation that 9 times out of 10 is out of their control, I suggest you put yourself in their shoes. Not all of us are washed out kids that barely passed high school. In fact, most of us are actually taking our education to the next level, taking responsibility paying our bills, and just trying to get by. I'm more than capable of so much more than just a job at McDonald's, however, the company has done wonderful things for me so I choose to stay there.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

95134
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments