Make the Best of Working in a Fast Food Restaurant

Although you might view your fast food job as less than ideal, there are many ways to make the most of working in the service industry. Learn as much as possible in your position; customer service skills, stress management abilities, and knowledge of specialized tasks are all assets that may serve a future job hunt. Focus on the flexible hours, social interaction, fast pace, and other perks of your job to stay positive. In addition, use all resources at your disposal in this service position to build your resume and further your career.

Steps

Learning as Much as Possible

  1. Build your customer service skills. Customer service is a very important part of the fast food industry, and a skill that will serve you well in all future jobs and endeavors. Knowing how to deal with difficult people in an appeasing matter, even when said people are in the wrong, is a strength that is applicable to both your personal life and professional life. To improve your customer service skills, try to:
    • be friendly and polite[1]
    • apologize for any delays or errors[2]
    • smile
  2. Learn to deal with stress. Working in a fast food environment can be stressful and Stay Calm When Things are Chaotic, but learning how to deal with that kind of pressure is an invaluable lesson. Prioritizing tasks, recognizing what's worth stress and what isn't, and seeing stressors as a finite things are good ways to adapt.[3] Learning how to breathe, stay calm, and collect yourself is important to both your job performance and health.[4]
  3. Ask to learn new tasks. To learn as much as possible from your fast food job, ask your manager or supervisor if you can learn new tasks. This will show your initiative and enthusiasm, and it will also broaden your work experience and skills. New tasks may include:
    • taking inventory[5]
    • preparing side dishes, like salads or soups[5]
    • operating cooking equipment[5]
    • replenishing supplies[5]

Focusing on the Positive

  1. Appreciate the flexibility. Since fast food restaurants are open all week, typically for many hours a day, employee work schedules are usually flexible.[6] This industry is especially accommodating to employees who want extra hours, an opportunity that is not always available with a strict 9 to 5 schedule. Take advantage of the opportunity to work at different times of the day and request shifts outside of typical work day hours; this will allow you to avoid rush hour hassles, and possibly cut down the time of your commute.[7]
  2. Enjoy the social interaction. Working in the service industry provides you with an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. You're likely learning how to read people, which is a valuable skill; additionally, the camaraderie and fun you may develop with your fellow employees doesn't exist in all working environments. Social interaction is a crucial part of human life and is thought to be a factor in extending lifespan.[8] To bond with co-workers, try:
    • organizing after-work outings
    • sitting with them during your breaks
    • participating in team-building activities sponsored by the company (charity events, sports, etc.)[9]
    • starting discussions about workplace experiences (e.g. "I just served a really difficult customer. How do you deal with that kind of situation?")
  3. Welcome the fast pace. Most jobs are stationary - in other words, many people have desk jobs where they are required to sit for long periods of time. Sitting for too many consecutive hours on a regular basis can result in neck and back pain, an increased risk of heart disease, poor posture, and difficulty concentrating.[10] To avoid getting overwhelmed by the fast pace of your fast food job, take advantage of your break time to regroup, relax, and focus on your breathing.[11] Having a job that requires physical activity not only makes the time pass quickly, but it keeps your body active.
    • Make sure to take care of your feet; buy a pair of comfortable shoes and breathable socks to prevent injury and hygiene issues while you're on your feet for long periods of time.[12]

Coping with the Disadvantages

  1. Make the best of working on holidays. While working on holidays is an unfortunate reality of fast food employees, there are positive things to consider. Working on days that you would prefer not to shows dedication, loyalty, and professionalism - qualities that will earn you recognition from your supervisors. In addition, postponing your own celebrations will allow you to celebrate during off-peak times, which can be less hectic and expensive.[13]
  2. Don’t let angry customers get you down. Working in the service industry means that you will inevitably encounter angry or rude customers from time to time. Remember that this is part of your job and not something that you should take to heart; customers don’t know you personally, they can only speak to their experience of the product or service you are providing. Do your best to handle each difficult situation in the best, most professional way you can and, if possible, take a few minutes to yourself if a situation really gets you down.[14]
  3. Do what you can with a lower salary. One of the biggest disadvantages of working at a fast food restaurant is the low wage you are likely to be earning. Do what you can to make the most of your money; work out a firm budget for your spending, open an account at a bank with low fees, and shop around for a high-interest savings account. These efforts to bolster your savings will make a difference over time.[15]
    • You may also take advantage of the non-monetary rewards of your fast food job, like free or discounted food and drinks.

Seeking Career Advancement

  1. Consider your employer's management training program. Completing a training program has the potential to increase your income and benefits.[16] Ask your manager or supervisor about such opportunities, or do your own research on your employer's website. Keep in mind that some fast food restaurants promote their service staff to management positions; do your best to be a model employee and express interest in advancing your career with the company.[12]
  2. Build your resume. You'll acquire important skills by taking on more responsibility - experience as a supervisor is applicable anywhere. A strong work ethic, dependability, and motivation are all skills that are highly valued by prospective employers, and all of these qualities can be learned from your fast food job.[17] The more skills and experience you obtain, the more your resume is likely to impress future employers.
  3. Think about your education. Keep in mind that some fast food franchises offer scholarships and grants to their employees.This initiative gives employees the opportunity to further their education and career while working at their fast food job, and helps fast food chains attract and retain workers. Visit your employer's corporate website to apply for any opportunities available to you.[18]
  4. Look into your employer's corporate career opportunities. Many fast food chains provide opportunities for restaurant managers to move into corporate positions. Benefits at the corporate level typically include medical, dental, profit sharing, incentive pay and recognition programs. [19] Look into your options and go for any opportunities that are available to you; it is worth the risk to move towards the kind of career you want.[20]
    • Remember that many successful people started out in the service industry; think of your experience as preparation for bigger and better things![21]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://toughnickel.com/industries/How-to-Survive-your-Fast-Food-Job
  2. ↑ http://www.careerglider.com/blog/skills-learned-working-fast-food/
  3. ↑ https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/5-life-lessons-ive-learned-working-fast-food-job/
  4. ↑ http://www.itechpost.com/articles/42829/20161018/importance-relaxation-why-always-need-de-stress-yourself.htm
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 http://study.com/articles/Fast_Food_Worker_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html
  6. ↑ https://www.thebalance.com/fast-food-worker-525694
  7. ↑ http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/workplace/2004-12-05-flexible-hours_x.htm
  8. ↑ http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/196056.php
  9. ↑ https://www.allbusiness.com/why-socializing-after-work-is-important-3877889-1.html
  10. ↑ https://mic.com/articles/124711/your-health-and-fitness-with-office-jobs-vs-physical-jobs#.7Qdu3I3IU
  11. ↑ http://work.chron.com/survive-fastpaced-environments-3491.html
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 http://work.chron.com/tips-working-fast-food-restaurant-9800.html
  13. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/11/21/the-benefits-of-working-on-a-holiday/#b90a58e2ed19
  14. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/thesba/2013/08/02/7-steps-for-dealing-with-angry-customers/#28d8fce828ad
  15. ↑ http://www.moneysense.ca/save/7-simple-ways-to-start-saving-money-now/
  16. ↑ http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/careers/training_education.html
  17. ↑ https://www.thebalance.com/top-work-values-employers-look-for-1986763
  18. ↑ http://www.nasdaq.com/article/taco-bell-hiring-100000-new-employees-by-2022-cm704326
  19. ↑ http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/corporate_careers/benefits.html
  20. ↑ https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-get-over-your-fear-of-taking-a-career-risk
  21. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/celebrities-who-used-to-work-at-mcdonalds?op=1
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