Since the beginning of this month, I have taken up a position as a member of the chill crew (ice cream department) at my hometown’s Dairy Queen. The job has its highs and lows, but doesn’t any job? Not only has this been my first ever official occupation, this is also my very first taste of the good and bad qualities of the public. Even though I have learned a great number of things while working at DQ, I have compiled a short list of what I consider to be the most meaningful and effective things that I have learned.

1. The first few days are never easy
From causing a blizzard to explode on my first day, to having a nervous breakdown on my third day, to somehow managing to knock a whole sundae onto the top of my head on my seventh day, I can safely say that I have experienced my fair share of predicaments and pickles while serving and making ice creams, smoothies and shakes. But, after getting over my initial shock and nervousness, I can say that I see the humor in every one of them.

2. Not everyone is going to like you
Whether it be some co-workers that send off negative vibes or refuse to talk *not that I have experienced this much, everyone at DQ is super nice), or customers who seem to think that they are the only ones who matter and throw a hissy if their food doesn’t come out hot and ready exactly when they want it to. It’s unfortunate, but things like that just happen. My dad always told me to “kill people with kindness” when they are hateful or nasty, and I know from experience that this technique works like a charm.

3. Rushes
For those who are unfamiliar with what a “rush” is, imagine working in a fast-food restaurant and having a thousand (maybe not quite that many, but several) people come in at the same time, wanting something to eat or satisfy their thirst ASAP. It’s stressful. It’s nerve-wracking. It’s a worthy cause for a mental breakdown if you’re not accustomed to it. The thing that I have learned helps most is to remember to breathe, no matter how overwhelming things get. It helps so incredibly much.

4. Kill ‘em with kindness
As I said earlier, not everyone is going to like or appreciate you when you work in the fast-food services. The key, however, is to always treat others with the upmost kindness and respect, regardless of how others treat you. It can be difficult to do, but it’s always the right thing to do.

I’ve always heard that working in the fast food industry can be hard work, and now that I work in it myself, I believe it wholeheartedly. It can be difficult at times, but at the end of the day, I feel that it’s worth it.