“When are you going to get a real job?” Shocked, confused and mildly hurt I wondered what “real” meant. “A real job?” What does that even mean? Did I invent my past two winter and summer breaks at Chuck E Cheeses? Did I not do physical labor in exchange for money? Was this a fake job? I became defensive, I loved working at the wonderful place where a “kid can be a kid” and “everyone’s a winner.”

Sure I didn’t gain experience applicable to my concentration, but at least I was productive and earned money. I loved every single shift too. From the opening to the closing shifts. Every single experience was highly appreciated. From little kids warming my heart to guests (because you aren’t allowed to call the customers) that weren’t necessarily easy to please. I loved it and look forward to working there again in the summer. However, people often ask me why I enjoyed working there so much since they believed it would be a miserable job. Well, here are my person top five reasons.

1. The Kids

The kids are honestly the easiest to please despite the fact that most people believe kids are hard and annoying to manage. Honestly, most kids are adorable and the least troublesome. Give them a piece of candy or some stickers and they are beyond happy. Plus, they are so thankful! It became so fulfilling to work there seeing so many happy, adorable, thankful children leave happy. Besides, the kids give the least amount of trouble.

2. Co-workers

Co-workers are there to suffer alongside you in the early hours of dawn or late hours of closing time. They are there to defend you when a guest becomes unmanageable. They are there to give you rides home when the last bus has left without you. They are there to offer you help when your line is too long. They are there to offer you food or water when you are clearly tired and hungry. They will literally do anything to see you happy. They are there to make memories with you and build friendships even after they move on to different opportunities. While some of the friends no longer work at the same store I still keep in contact with them. I even keep in contact with some while at college.

3. The road shows

If you don’t work at a store then you probably have no idea what this means. The road show is basically when the star of the show, Chuck E., comes out, dances to a super cool songs with the kids, throws free tickets, and takes pictures with guests. Seeing the kids and parents go crazy over the loveable mouse is an adorable scene. Plus the songs are usually very catchy.

4. Chuck E Cheese

No explanation necessary. He’s a really cool mouse and you’re very lucky if you get to wake him up, again lingo known only if you’ve worked here before.)

5. The experience

Sure this isn’t an internship at some prestigious accounting firm, but it’s a wonderful experience. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It teaches you patience, care, sympathy, empathy, among a number of other emotions. Every single day you will laugh. It’s truly a great place.