If you're like me, then you probably had your first job at a young age. After working hours on end, you think you're about to be making a lot of money, but then your check only amounts to a little over nothing. Your feet start hurting after six hours from walking near and far, and that doesn't even count for the times you are forced to walk at school all day.
The managers treat you worse than they should because you're young and inexperienced. Somewhere in your mind, you think, well maybe their tone or language towards me is okay because they are manger, but it's not! I worked until 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. with no break. I just think its funny how smokers can have a smoke break whenever they please, but a hardworking high school student can't even feel the air outside without the fear of getting fired.
I was exposed to vile language and tedious duties. Until I started my first job, I had never heard of sweeping a parking lot. I honestly believe sweeping a freaking parking lot was the easiest part of my job. No one in authority should try to manipulate and take advantage of young people. What irks me is how the managers get away with their horrid behavior.
On top of the managers being cruel, the customers were no better. Most fast food places have jank headsets, so if I can't hear your order don't blame me. I remember this one lady was about to fight me for asking her to repeat her order. In my mind, I was thinking wow, all that attitude for a chicken tender combo. I was not only disappointed in this situation, but I was disappointed in the world.
I applied to a job thinking I'd be in a positive environment and have a great work experience, but instead, I left traumatized. I was shy back then, and I didn't have that voice to truly speak up for myself on things that didn't seem right to me. I let things roll off my shoulder because I didn't want to have drama in the workplace. Eventually, I just never went back into work because I didn't want to deal with the verbal abuse from people that don't truly know me.
This whole experience taught me a lot. I learned to not expect everyone to be a good person because I am someone who sees good in everyone. I had to realize that not everyone wants to see me succeed, and not everyone is going to like me. It also reminded me of my self-worth, and how I deserve to be treated with utmost respect. I know now that I need to always speak up for what's right, even when people don't agree with me because my moral beliefs matter.
