I started working at McDonald’s a couple years ago. Now I work mostly day and mid shifts, but I worked the closing shift during the early years of my employment. I take orders, stock condiments/bags/drinks, handle payment, hand out the orders, clean, wash dishes, and make drinks (of course all with a smile). Many people cringe when I tell them I work at McDonald’s; but I enjoy my job. Yes, I do not love to clean and work in an often greasy and humid environment; but the people I work with and the customers I serve make the work less dreadful. Commonly people disrespect employees at fast food places, restaurants, retail, and many other jobs; but all employees deserve to be treated with respect. The efforts and work of the employees contribute to the world and that is beautiful.

During my employment, I developed friendships with my coworkers. I learned about their lives, personalities, and insights which enabled me to connect with them. My shifts would drag on if I did not work with the people who I do work with. I work with loving mothers, intelligent students, thoughtful souls, kindhearted teenagers, wise grandmothers, and hardworking individuals. From the connections with my coworkers, I learned about perspectives from many backgrounds which made me want to become a more thoughtful, compassionate, and insightful person. My coworkers do not realize the impact they make on every person each day. I see them all treat customers with kindness and help fellow employees when they are in need, both inside and outside of work. When an employee goes through a tough time, I see everyone in the workplace help them. I work with truly genuine people and I am so grateful for my work friends.

Quite frankly, any work that involves customer contact can be difficult at times. We make customers’ morning coffee and most know the importance of a fresh hot cup of coffee. I look forward to my daily iced caramel coffee before work and when it does not taste good, it is a downer. We encounter many kindhearted customers but we get the occasional rude customer (as all establishments do). Any rude comment hurts but I have learned to not take things personal. We all have acted snarky towards an employee during a stressful day. Once I realized that I have acted the same way as a rude customer, the similarity between us made me not take the comments personal anymore. Also, I understand the courage it sometimes takes to take orders, talk with customers, and hand out their orders (especially after they have waited 6 minutes for their food); I applaud all who work with people. Confidence levels change and when my confidence is low, I can get nervous dealing with customers; and I bet others feel the same way. Some do not realize the difficulty for some people to talk with strangers, but they still do an amazing job dealing with them. Do not ever think that your efforts go unnoticed!

The people who serve your food are people too. They have rough days and we never know what a person is going though. Spread love even if it is in the drive-thru. Many times a kind compliment or gesture to an employee can brighten their shift. Let them know you appreciate their hard work because we all work diligently at whatever we do. I learned many things at my job but the most important skill I gained was a better sense of compassion. Every task and job presents the opportunity to love, learn, and grow. Therefore, go to every shift knowing it can be a great shift and that your work is appreciated.