While some may work in a fast-food restaurant because they have no other options, I chose to work in the fast-food industry -- and I loved it. My first job was at a popular restaurant near my house, and within the first week, I was in love. I enjoyed meeting and greeting customers and seeing how diverse they were; however, I quickly noticed the judgment that I received for working in fast-food. My friends would say, "Isn't it dirty?" or "Do you always leave smelling like the food?" I simply shrugged off the judgments and explained that I really did enjoy my job.
I have spent over two years working in the food industry, and I have seen every customer imaginable. I've also received every judgment possible for working in a fast-food restaurant. The lack of respect for those who work in the fast food industry astounds me. The stereotype associated with fast-food workers always assumes that we are lazy, lacking in ambition, and seated at the bottom of the totem pole. I can confidently say that working in the fast-food industry made me a better person because I gained a better understanding for many things. I learned the responsibilities that workers in the food industry hold. I learned how to be respectful to each and every customer, no matter their attitude, and I learned how to work for my money.
While I wish that every person would spend some time working in fast food, I know that is highly unlikely. For those who haven't worked in fast food or look down upon those who work in the fast-food industry, I have some news for you...
1. Contrary to popular belief, those who work in the fast food industry are hard-working and intelligent.
While I worked in the fast-food industry, I maintained a 3.9 GPA as I balanced my job and my extracurricular activities. My boyfriend, who also works in the food industry, works a second job with his father and always finds time for his family and our sweet date nights. We're both incredibly intelligent and can hold a conversation with words other than, "Do you want fries with that?". The managers at my store are charismatic, compassionate, and easy-going. They were quick to answer my questions and showed me how to truly be passionate with customers. I learned lessons of patience and hard work from my managers.
2. We want you to get your food just as quickly as you want your food.
Time after time, I would notice frantic, rushed customers cop an attitude with me or another employee because their order wasn't ready as quickly as they wanted. I felt like they thought we were holding their food hostage or something ridiculous like that. We work for a growing company, and that means the more happy customers we have, the more business we will have. I promise you that as soon as your food is ready, we will hand it over and send you on your way. I'm sorry that we don't send you raw chicken or uncooked french fries. Truly, I am.
3. Please, please, please do not talk on your cell phone while you are ordering.
This one speaks for itself. Common respect, my friends.
4. It's okay to hold a conversation with us, we're more than just the girl behind the counter.
Sometimes, I felt as though a customer looked at me like I was the scum of the earth when I was behind that counter. I am a person. You are a person. Let's be kind and treat each other like people. The person taking your order has probably been at the restaurant for four plus hours, so please treat with them respect. Say please, say thank you and ask them how they are. It's the little things that matter.
As I stated previously, I absolutely loved working in the food industry, and I wouldn't trade my experience for the world. I learned how to be patient and how to be respectful even when I didn't want to be. Working in a fast-food restaurant truly opened my eyes to the judgment of the world, and I think it has made me a kinder, more open-minded person. The next time you're frantically running through the drive-thru or standing in a line of people, make sure to treat the person behind the counter with respect -- after all, they hold a special place in this world, just like you.
