Author: Lisl Knizner
You probably don’t think that as a college graduate that I’m thrilled to be recently employed at a local fast food establishment, and you would be right (sort of). This job is by no means where I saw myself being one year out of school, in fact I swore I would NEVER work at a fast food place for a variety of reasons I was sure were valid excuses. Fast forward to now, whether it is my geographic location, the economy, or just timing I’m still without a job in my chosen field and struggling to find a way to pay off my looming student loans. I know a lot of you are in the same boat and for those of you who aren’t let me tell you…it isn’t a fun time! At any rate I knew I needed to “suck it up”, apply for a fast food job, and realize a few things:
1. You can always learn something.
While I might genuinely dislike the work I’m doing I am gaining valuable experience in dealing with a diverse group of people, multitasking in a fast paced environment, and above all else learning PATIENCE.
2. A job is a job.
Times are tough for a twenty something these days! No matter how much I want a comfortable full time job, sitting around whining about my lack of one will get me nowhere fast. I’m making money and slowly but surely saving up, paying things off, and getting by. No matter what I can’t scoff at that. In this day and age I’m lucky to have a job at all.
3. I’ve been trained for this.
What? I went to school for this? No way. But if there is one thing a sorority woman is good at it is putting on a smiling face, rolling up her sleeves and getting to work. (Can anyone say formal recruitment?) I’ve had to carry on conversations with girls who might not have been the best conversationalists, I’ve had to remember facts and stats and recite them on a moments notice, I’ve had to be on my feet for hours with no break and make it look like I just stepped out of the hair and makeup chair. (With that smile and perky energy still intact of course!) If that isn’t the best training for this job, among others, I don’t know what is.
4. It isn’t forever.
Finally I have to remind myself that while I may be here today I am just getting started. True, this is a job I should have had in high school and not in my post grad life, however it is a stepping stone. I’ll get some experience here, get out of the house, make some money and eventually move on to a job I actually want and like.
So fellow twenty somethings. Let’s roll up our sleeves, take a deep breath, put on that winning smile, and ask “Would you like fries with that?”
7 Comments
I loved this post! Kudos to you for rolling up your sleeves and doing what 95% of bratty teenage Americans refuse to do! You are earning your keep and being a valued member of society! So what if it comes with fries, at least it comes with a paycheck too! =D Good luck in your future job endeavors and I hope you find your dream job soon!
i wnt to work
I am so happy you posted this and so proud of you for rolling up your sleeves! Well, as proud as a stranger but fellow post grad can be. A job is a job and that is certainly a huge lesson many of our generation needs to learn.
http://www.therealpostgrad.com
Learning patience is KEY! You must have it for the idiot customers. Just don’t get comfortable and get stuck, as soon as you get the chance, GET OUT! (Speaking from experience! I’m still stuck in a drive thru!)
Even though I would always (try) not to work in the food industry… I ALWAYS say this when I see people complaining about how they don’t have a job. I have three, so it’s really not THAT hard finding one. Yeah, it might not be your dream job, but everyone has bills to pay, fun to have, and needs/wants/etc…. so who is going to pay for all of that?? I totally have your back sista! I also wish you the best of luck in your future job search but for the time being, rock that uniform and make that paper. All your hard work will pay off in the end!!!
Pingback: Where Are They Now… 1 Year Later: Lisl Knizner « Forever Twenty Somethings
What about Temp agencies?! Those places can start you off as a receptionist, without needing to go the fast food route.