A 16 and 17-year-olds still in high school, for many of us our first jobs become one of those that deals with the public. And as anyone who has worked in customer service knows, it isn't always easy. A lot of the time, it is those we are paid to serve that make our jobs all the more difficult. I truly believe that everyone should work in a customer service position at least once in their lifetime, so they can get the experience first hand from behind the counter, or over the phone. Anyone who has worked closely with the public, whether it be retail, the restaurant industry, or something else entirely, will appreciate this next list.

1. The Rude Ones

Let's face it, some customers are just down right unpleasant, and a lot of these list items will express that. Sometimes it could be because they're having a bad day themselves, and sometimes they seem to just feel like it. We just have to grin and bear it unfortunately.

Then you have those customers who are rude to other customers: butting in line and interrupting their transaction to ask us questions.

2. Money Throwers

These customers feel the need to throw their money at you. Maybe they don't really chuck it at you, but they tend to toss it across/on the counter. My favorite is when you hold out your hand for the money and they still insist on putting it on the counter.

3. All Change Payers

Oh m bill is $10.00? Well here is is in pennies, dimes, nickels and a quarter or two. Then they count it out to themselves and shove a big pile at you for you to only count over again to make sure it's right. Meanwhile, three more people have stepped in line and are clearly getting agitated.

Thank you to the customers who count the change out to us by the dollar; usually in quarters.

4. The Jokesters

Every place has at lease a few. These customers always have something funny to say—or they think it's funny at least. Sometimes they can be. It's great when you're able to crack a smile during a long shift at work. But most of the time, they're not funny, yet your lips twitch into a smile just to make them happy. That's your job after all.

Two most often:

"Oh it didn't ring up. It must be free!"

Would you like a bag? "No I have one of those at home!"

5. The Charmers

These customers go hand in hand with the Jokesters. All they want to do is lay the pickup lines on you. And it doesn't matter if they're old enough that you could be their child, or even worse—their grandchild, they'll still hit on you. Sometimes they're subtle about it, other times they're very blunt. There are customers who are just being nice and paying a compliment and don't take it to another level.

"Milk does the body good, you look like you drink a lot of it."

Is that everything. "Yeah, how much to take you out?"

And you have to politely decline of course, unless you do want to go out with them!

6. The Cell Phone Talkers

They fall under the Rude Ones category, but they also deserve one all on their own. They stand in line blabbing on their phones, and even when you are waiting them. Making the whole process a whole lot longer and even more painful. Only a true emergency deserves a phone glued to a person's ear while someone else is trying to help them.

7. The Indecisive

The never know what they want. Ever. And they take a very long time to decide. A little indecisiveness isn't a bad thing, but when it holds up a whole lot of other activities and people, it can become a problem.

8. The Complainers

They're never satisfied with anything you give them or do for them. There's always something wrong with their order, the product they received or the service they were given. Remember "the customer is always right".

9. The Chatterboxes

The customers you try to avoid small talk with at all costs because then it will turn into 30 minute conversations. And they'll wait patiently when you have something else to do, just so they can continue talking to you. Run, run away—if you can.

10. The Regulars

Your everyday customers. The ones you build relationships with; good or bad. The ones that can make you look forward to a work week and they know you by name; not just another employee.

This list isn't the end all be all of the types of customers you can come across while working with the public. There are so many more. And there are plenty of genuine, kind people to balance out the bad ones. Just remember to try and keep a positive attitude no matter what, and you'll get through the work day!