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Stompy · 12-14-2004, 07:35 AM

I worked at a fast food restaurant when I was 15-17. I started off with a positive attitude knowing that if I work good and hard, I'll get decent raises.

Wrong.

I busted my ass, was nice to every customer, and come raise time, I got a fucking 30 cent raise. Thirty fucking cents... after that, I just stopped trying and caring. Guess what? Next time a raise came, I got MORE of a raise than I did the first time, so I quickly learned that it really doesn't matter how you act toward others. All they care about is how many people get served and how to quickly make an extra buck (for example, "Would you like that super sized for ONLY 40 cents extra?"). Employees and customers are only numbers, unless, of course, a customer complains.

Then they are given an apology and free food. This is rare, though.

Generally you learn that 99% of your customers are inconsiderate assholes. Unless you're weak and simply take whatever people dish out to you "because it's my job", you learn to resent them and the job and see them for what they really are. Respect must be earned. Just because I was working behind the counter doesn't automatically mean I have to wipe your ass for you when you talk to me. I won't be rude, either, but if I detect a snobby or arrogant attitude, I'll treat you like the number you are. You know what you're gonna do? You're gonna deal with it, because trust me, a fast food employee dishing your attitude right back at you won't ruin your day. If it does, you have problems.

That was my fast food experience. Now I'm a computer programmer. While I don't deal with people nearly as much as a fast food job, I get them on occasion when I have to customize someone's application. I'm respectful, but if at any point they disrespect me, they get hung up on. I know some people don't agree with that, but I treat the customer like I treat any other person: you respect me, I respect you. You disrespect me, I disrespect you. Instead of disrespecting them, I just end the call. Easy as that.

Lately, I just refuse to answer the phone and stick with email.

Throughout the years, I've gathered enough skills and experience so that I'm a pretty valuable worker. Not to brag or anything, but generally whoever my current employer is would be SCREWED if I just up and left.

I've learned to use this to my advantage. I don't take advantage of it, though (if that makes sense). For example, I'm salary. I've had bosses/managers who've had the nerve to act as if I HAD to work 60 hour weeks. Sorry, it's not happening.

Also, if any boss or manager treats me with disrespect, they get it right back. I'm not afraid to speak my mind, because yes, it's a business, but I'm a human with feelings first and foremost. They KNOW if they fire me, they'll be SOL.

I think workers need to eventually take this position, because it will finally end all the "Hey, I'm the employer, you have to do devote half, if not more, of your waking life to make ME money!" bullshit.

12-14-2004, 07:35 AM	#119 (permalink)
Stompy Banned from being Banned Location: Donkey	I worked at a fast food restaurant when I was 15-17. I started off with a positive attitude knowing that if I work good and hard, I'll get decent raises. Wrong. I busted my ass, was nice to every customer, and come raise time, I got a fucking 30 cent raise. Thirty fucking cents... after that, I just stopped trying and caring. Guess what? Next time a raise came, I got MORE of a raise than I did the first time, so I quickly learned that it really doesn't matter how you act toward others. All they care about is how many people get served and how to quickly make an extra buck (for example, "Would you like that super sized for ONLY 40 cents extra?"). Employees and customers are only numbers, unless, of course, a customer complains. Then they are given an apology and free food. This is rare, though. Generally you learn that 99% of your customers are inconsiderate assholes. Unless you're weak and simply take whatever people dish out to you "because it's my job", you learn to resent them and the job and see them for what they really are. Respect must be earned. Just because I was working behind the counter doesn't automatically mean I have to wipe your ass for you when you talk to me. I won't be rude, either, but if I detect a snobby or arrogant attitude, I'll treat you like the number you are. You know what you're gonna do? You're gonna deal with it, because trust me, a fast food employee dishing your attitude right back at you won't ruin your day. If it does, you have problems. That was my fast food experience. Now I'm a computer programmer. While I don't deal with people nearly as much as a fast food job, I get them on occasion when I have to customize someone's application. I'm respectful, but if at any point they disrespect me, they get hung up on. I know some people don't agree with that, but I treat the customer like I treat any other person: you respect me, I respect you. You disrespect me, I disrespect you. Instead of disrespecting them, I just end the call. Easy as that. Lately, I just refuse to answer the phone and stick with email. Throughout the years, I've gathered enough skills and experience so that I'm a pretty valuable worker. Not to brag or anything, but generally whoever my current employer is would be SCREWED if I just up and left. I've learned to use this to my advantage. I don't take advantage of it, though (if that makes sense). For example, I'm salary. I've had bosses/managers who've had the nerve to act as if I HAD to work 60 hour weeks. Sorry, it's not happening. Also, if any boss or manager treats me with disrespect, they get it right back. I'm not afraid to speak my mind, because yes, it's a business, but I'm a human with feelings first and foremost. They KNOW if they fire me, they'll be SOL. I think workers need to eventually take this position, because it will finally end all the "Hey, I'm the employer, you have to do devote half, if not more, of your waking life to make ME money!" bullshit. __________________ I love lamp. Last edited by Stompy; 12-14-2004 at 07:44 AM..