I’m inspired to write this after an experience I just had here at Panera. But let me forward with something I was thinking of yesterday.
I went to a McDonald’s en route to visit my family and found it mostly staff by teenagers. Now, in the gloriously diverse city of Columbus, this is becoming increasingly scarce. Most of the fast food chains are becoming more and more staff by various immigrants, especially of the Mexican variety. I don’t really have a problem with that, except for one particular thing:
Where exactly are teenagers working their first jobs?
I turned 16 and was promptly told to find a job. My first job was as a cashier/drive-thru attendant at a Hardee’s in my hometown. (Incidentally, that Hardee’s has long been shut down, partially related to events that occurred while I worked there. But that’s neither here nor there.)
I was a very shy, introverted kid. Put me in a room full of strangers, no matter their age, and I’d just pull out a book and read my way into oblivious wonder. Sure, I had friends, but I didn’t really go out of my way to make new ones.
But in this first job, I learned some valuable skills. Always be polite and wear a smile, even if the customers are complete jerk-offs. Diligently count and re-count the money exchanged, because you’d be surprised at the people who will try to screw you. Scooping ice-cream sucks. I also learned that I’m a natural leader in a work environment (albeit sometimes bossy), and I love the camaraderie.
My jobs after Hardee’s were as follows: telemarketing, Sears, Radio Shack, Fashion Bug, Payless, Bed Bath and Beyond and now, AMF. (A few small things have been omitted from this list.)
Who knew, that after almost a decade after my first job, I’d land back in the food service industry, in an environment similar to my first job? And actually enjoy it? 
Monday, as I visited BBB to pick up a few things and visit my former co-workers, I caught myself before I could greet a customer, as if I still worked there. Old habits die hard, but I hope this one takes a long time.
See, as I went to refill my coffee, I helped a woman find her creamer, and point out on her ticket where her order number was. I quipped, “No, I don’t work in food service, no sir,” and we laughed.
It is my nature to want to help others, and I do it instinctively now. It gives me a sense of accomplishment, that even through these small gestures, I pass on kindness and manners that sometimes seem to be a fading trend. I hold open doors for other people, especially elderly, but really, it doesn’t matter who you are. I often green strangers with a random hello. I always leave tips for the employees at my favorite cafes, and restaurants of course. (Don’t choke-I typically leave over 20% tip.)
The question I wonder is, who would I be had it not been for that first job at Hardee’s, that opened up a shy, young girl into an outgoing, often-considerate young woman?
I hope that the majority of fast food chains remain as the primary first job for teenagers. It teaches you so many valuable skills, which often carry you through most jobs you may have afterwards.
And you never know when you may find yourself back among your roots.
Also, check out the original shows, like The Kingery, and Once Upon a Time in Vegas!