For about five months now, I have worked in the fast food industry. And there have been many positive effects of working in this field, such as developing people skills, learning how to multitask, and meeting wonderful people through the drive through and in the store. Not to mention the coworkers that are now friends and that I miss when we aren’t on the same shift.

But, with positive, comes negative.

First, you’re not better than I am. Just because I’m working in the food industry doesn’t mean that I’m an idiot and that I don’t have a good education. I’m in my third year of college, working on campus, being a full time student, finding time to study, and working 24+ hours a week. Not to mention that I don’t have a social life. I’m a damn hard worker and I’m going places.

Second, just because you’re at a ‘fast’ food place doesn’t mean that you can demand. There will be rushes and we may be backed up sometimes. Your food and service may take a minute longer than you want it too, but there are other customers to serve, and if you want the freshest food, then you have to wait.

Third, I’m only human. You know those days that you get pissed off at the world and bark at everyone that you come into contact with? Yeah, don’t do that to me. Don’t assume that I have no feelings and that I’m immune to everything that you say to me. I’m going through just the same amount of shit that you are, and I demand the same respect that I have to give you.

Fourth, don’t yell at me for the prices. I’m not in control of what I’m charging you. This is the great American world in the 21^st century, and if you can’t come to terms with the fact hat product costs money, sometimes a lot of money, then you will literally have little success in the future. That extra sauce that cost 32 cents and you’re about to murder me for? Fight the manufacturers that charge the cost of labor, the machinery making it, and the packaging for the little cups to get to you.

And fifth, please keep in mind that I love my job, I truly do. I would not be in this industry still if I did not appreciate what I do, and the people that I have met. You ‘gracing’ us with your purchase and money does not give me my money and a raise- I earn that all on my own.

I guess what I’m trying to say here is that the food industry is much tougher than it looks. Don’t knock it until you’re in our non-slip shoes. And the next time you hate on us for the extra minute we take because we’re making fresh product and there are ten cars and 10 guests waiting to be helped, take a step back and think about what you would do in the same place and in the same situation.