Some times the worst jobs are the best

For anyone who’s felt sorry for the checkout clerk at the head of a long line of impatient grocery shoppers, or the fast food server dealing with diners who argue over meal specials, I know what you mean.

A wave of guilt rushes over me when I see workers unhappy in their roles, as I remember how I felt when I was on the other side of the counter/desk/cash register.

But perhaps I shouldn’t feel so bad. In my experience, it’s been the worst jobs that offered some of the best lessons.

At a ski rental shop in Ontario, I learned that small business owners who care only about the bottom line make for terrible employers. But at a tanning salon, I learned small business owners can care about making money and the happiness of their employees – a winning combination.

Cutting grass for a summer taught me that what I thought was going to be the worst job of my life, turned out to be the most fun.

And hauling trays of food to a breakfast buffet, I learned the earlier I have to wake up, the less I smile.

When I say I worked at McDonald’s, people wince. They crinkle their noses, they recoil. And they’re surprised when I say it’s the best job I ever had. 

Working beneath the glow of the golden arches taught me that when employees have a strong sense of camaraderie, even the most stressful, greasy, stinky jobs can be fun.

I learned that even though the line-up is out the door and it’s unbearably hot by the fries station and you’re running in circles until you think your head might explode – that it’s not so bad because time flies when you’re busy.

And the people who squabble over a few dollars and lose their temper because you can’t make everything right aren’t worth getting worked up over. 

Perhaps the most important lesson we can use as customers is to be patient, polite, and forgiving, because you never know what’s going on in a person’s life, and it might not be someone’s cup of tea to fetch your burger or ring through can after can of soup that’s on sale.

In any case, I know I’ll be happy when the summer cools off and not only will I no longer have to wait in line, but that I also won’t have to worry that by adding to the line, I’ve made someone’s day that much worse.