As someone who stared working when I was 15 years old, I've had some experience with working in fast food places. Never did I picture myself working at the fast food place I'm currently at but it has sure been an adventure. I remember telling myself I was only going to be there for a couple months and now it's been a whole year. You come cross people who look at you like you're some kind of strange creature or people who won't even say hi, but there are some good things to it. You learn more than you'd think so here are some things to know about working at a fast food place.
1. Everyone talks about everyone behind their back.
It’s best to keep to yourself and don’t talk about your personal life. I cannot explain how many times I’ve heard coworkers talking about someone and the next day talk to them like their BFFs. Even managers do it. If you call in they’ll tell everyone why you call in even if it is something personal. 
2. You never hate someone as much as when you’re on drive through.
Okay, I know it may sound harsh but it’s true. I never have so much anger towards someone as when I’m taking orders on drive through. Little things they do make you so mad, like when they saying “umm” every 5 seconds or when they pull up and start yelling at the speaker like no one was there. I promise every time I’m on drive through, I change into a whole different person; a mean and impatient person. 
3. Patience is key.
You have to be patient. I cannot stress this enough. You will come across people and they will test your patience. Just breath and don’t go off on them because you’re job is kind of more important than someone who is getting on your last nerve. Not only customers but also your coworkers and managers. When I first started I had this manager who honestly made my days so painful and it even crossed my mind to quit but thankfully I it worked itself out. 
4. Rude customers, they’re everywhere.
You come across people who won’t even say something as simple as hi. I don’t understand why some customers don’t feel the need to say thank you and they simply take their food and walk or drive away. Yes, some may be having a bad day but that’s no good reason to be rude to the employees. 
5. Customers complain to you about the prices.
I remember one day a guy came in and started yelling at me because the price on his favorite sandwich had gone up by $.30 seriously. He made me feel so dumb. They asked to talk to a manager and after going on and on for 10 minutes, he got the sandwich and left. They expect you to know why everything costs as much as it does or they expect you to do something about it when you really have no control over the prices. I cannot express how annoying this can be and how much it takes for me not to say something. 
6. Some of your coworkers are actually nice and become your friends.
You will meet people who are just so nice to have around and are genuinely good. In the past year I’ve met about four people who I’m glad to have around because work wouldn’t be the same without them. Even now that the school year has begun, it’s not the same not having them around as much which kind of sucks but weekends are always good because that’s when you get to see them. It’s okay to be friends with some coworkers. Plus you’ll always have someone to cover your shifts! 
7. You get better at math, kind of.
When customers decide to give you change after you’ve already entered what they gave you first you have to do the math in your head and it actually helps you. After a while you learn to memorize prices and add tax to it even if you’re not looking at the menu. It’s actually great. 
8. Some customers are nice.
I know I made it seem like all customers are rude but that’s not entirely true. Some of them are so kind and try to understand that is not easy to work at a fast food place. I’ve come across people who are genuinely thankful and ask about your day and say please and thank you. 
9. Free food.
Who doesn’t like free food. Of course after a while it get boring but free food is always good especially when you’re a broke college student. You don’t get free food everyday but when you do, appreciate it. 
10. Tickets to festivals, games and other things.
I know not every fast food place does it but where I worked they would give you free tickets to things like the state fair or baseball games which again are always good. 
To anyone who works or has worked at a fast food, I know it’s hard but you have to do what it takes to move forward, gain experience and then find a better job so remember this isn’t permanent.
