In my opinion, kids need to have a job growing up. I don’t means chores, although those are important.  I realize that not everyone will agree with me, but hear me out.I believe that having a paying job with an employer does several things for a kid.  You will get paid to learn many new life skills.

What are the Benefits

• Spending Money that is 100% yours
• Independence and responsibilities
• Learn how to take orders from someone other than mom or dad
• Learn to accept criticism or praise from someone other than mom or dad
• Work ethic and work skills
• A chance to get away from home issues/ temptations/ family members
• Education- you will learn in a hurry that you probably don’t want to work in fast food the rest of your life!

I worked at Wendy’s while going to college in Bozeman back in the late 80’s early 90’s. Although it wasn’t my first job, it had a huge impact on me.  I have heard many people say

“how hard is it to flip a burger”

Let me tell you, if the only responsibility was to “flip a burger” everyone would work fast food.  Let me line out some of the stresses of fast food employees.

Crowded kitchen with many people in constant motion.  Couple that with a fryer that runs 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and a grill top that cooks several hundred burgers a day, the stress is real.  The work environment can be over whelming for someone not use to the pace.

Next- let’s talk about the customers.  Yes, there are some great customers but there are also those who want to make your life miserable. They are in a hurry or they have never looked at a fast food menu before and do not mind holding up the line.  There are those who want to “specialize” their order with things like, no salt on the fries, or extra sauce or just about anything you can think of.  Most of the fast food places I have been to, are open to filling these needs, but it takes a little extra time.

The pay ….. is better now than when I worked fast food.  Minimum wage was $3.35 in 1989, which is what I was paid.  Today the minimum wage is $9.95, but most of the Fast Food restaurants in Great Falls advertise starting wages from $13- $19 per hour.  That is good money for a younger person with very few expenses.

Co-workers- This is one area that has not changed in 30+ years.  I had co-workers that were lazy.  They would steal every chance that they could. They called in "sick" more often then they showed up and I saw more than one of them walk out mid-shift because they "weren't feeling it" that day.

If you are a hard working individual that has goals in life, fast food work is a great idea.  You see many different personalities, work habits and ethics.  With a little focus and effort you will climb the internal management ladder quickly.  Fast food is not for everyone, but may be the start for a long career.

If you have a story idea or something you want to learn more about, give Randy a call or send me an email.

SUPER BOWL Foods to consider: