First job was working at McDonald’s. Found out real quick that not everyone had parents who instilled a work ethic in their children. True, it was mostly teenagers working there (most of whom I went to school with) but the managers were the worst. By the way-chicken nuggets make great hockey pucks! 🤣
I knew I wasn’t going to be there long so I wasn’t asking for much but I did want to work in the back, away from the customers (never have been a people person-that skipped right over me!). I remember the manager telling me he doesn’t let teenagers work in the kitchen. Which was a bunch of bs because a guy in my class worked in the kitchen.
Didn’t call him out on it because it wouldn’t get me anywhere but I did learn about management favoritism at that job. And to learn which hills I want to die on. 🤷🏻♀️
My first “real” job was at a bank. I was in the steno pool (as Dan says, look it up kids) and I was covering the phones for the executive floor while all the executive secretaries were celebrating something together. I was told to just take messages and the big bosses would get back to them. Which I did. As everyone was returning, one of the bosses came right at me and asked why, when so and so called I didn’t let him know, and it could have cost the bank millions, etc., etc. He really went off on me and I was about in tears. This was in front of secretaries and executives. One of the secretaries stepped up and said, she was doing what she was told to do and you need to apologize. He just turned and walked away. Later he called me in his office and apologized. I learned two things from this: stick up for your coworkers, and if you embarrass someone in public, make amends in public.
Greg--if you tell me that you, Sheryl, or any of the Mays Boys never ate at the Ponderosa Steakhouse on Grand River in East Lansing then I'm never speaking to you again in my entire life. And if you did, I was the waiter who probably messed up your order
I can't resist adding a comment to this with a fantastic response I received from Child #1 last night about this post. Before bed, he came up to me and said he hoped that all Ponderosas closed down soon so I could remain the youngest waiter in its history. Me too, buddy. Me too.
My most recent and last employer refused to give me severance pay after 37 years. This past weekend, he gave severance pay to a younger employee, younger in age and years of service. When I confronted said employer, he laughed in my face. Any advise?
My first job was as a line cook at Pizza Hut, but it was many jobs later when Dan first advised me (in relation to some work dilemma): "Make him say no to you." I repeat that to myself to this day, in situations both professional and personal.
P.S. Don't order the pan pizza; it's....not good. Bread sticks are surprisingly tasty, though!
My first job was helping my father, who was a farrier (horse shoer). It was not until several years later, when I could not resist going to the college operated pub at 9:00 AM, resulting in terrible grades, that this first job caused me inspiration. To quote that sage old farrier -"Maybe if you work with your ass higher than your head for a while, you will study harder."
After shoeing horses for 8 years and going to college night classes, 3 years of law school and a 40 year career, i guess I appreciate his advice.
First job was working at McDonald’s. Found out real quick that not everyone had parents who instilled a work ethic in their children. True, it was mostly teenagers working there (most of whom I went to school with) but the managers were the worst. By the way-chicken nuggets make great hockey pucks! 🤣
I knew I wasn’t going to be there long so I wasn’t asking for much but I did want to work in the back, away from the customers (never have been a people person-that skipped right over me!). I remember the manager telling me he doesn’t let teenagers work in the kitchen. Which was a bunch of bs because a guy in my class worked in the kitchen.
Didn’t call him out on it because it wouldn’t get me anywhere but I did learn about management favoritism at that job. And to learn which hills I want to die on. 🤷🏻♀️
My first “real” job was at a bank. I was in the steno pool (as Dan says, look it up kids) and I was covering the phones for the executive floor while all the executive secretaries were celebrating something together. I was told to just take messages and the big bosses would get back to them. Which I did. As everyone was returning, one of the bosses came right at me and asked why, when so and so called I didn’t let him know, and it could have cost the bank millions, etc., etc. He really went off on me and I was about in tears. This was in front of secretaries and executives. One of the secretaries stepped up and said, she was doing what she was told to do and you need to apologize. He just turned and walked away. Later he called me in his office and apologized. I learned two things from this: stick up for your coworkers, and if you embarrass someone in public, make amends in public.
I certainly remember that car. May she rest well, wherever she is, set free from the odor of transporting fast food for teenagers.
Enjoying your posts! (And I didn’t know about your ties to East Lansing. That was my father’s home town. Still have cousins in Howell.)
Greg--if you tell me that you, Sheryl, or any of the Mays Boys never ate at the Ponderosa Steakhouse on Grand River in East Lansing then I'm never speaking to you again in my entire life. And if you did, I was the waiter who probably messed up your order
I can't resist adding a comment to this with a fantastic response I received from Child #1 last night about this post. Before bed, he came up to me and said he hoped that all Ponderosas closed down soon so I could remain the youngest waiter in its history. Me too, buddy. Me too.
My most recent and last employer refused to give me severance pay after 37 years. This past weekend, he gave severance pay to a younger employee, younger in age and years of service. When I confronted said employer, he laughed in my face. Any advise?
I think you should have that younger employee sign that check over to you, Denise!
You did have the royal title of "Queen", albeit self-appointed.
Look at all the fringe benefits you received.
My first job was as a line cook at Pizza Hut, but it was many jobs later when Dan first advised me (in relation to some work dilemma): "Make him say no to you." I repeat that to myself to this day, in situations both professional and personal.
P.S. Don't order the pan pizza; it's....not good. Bread sticks are surprisingly tasty, though!
I miss working with you, Cory. We would have had more fun if we worked together at Pizza Hut than at Tulane!
My first job was helping my father, who was a farrier (horse shoer). It was not until several years later, when I could not resist going to the college operated pub at 9:00 AM, resulting in terrible grades, that this first job caused me inspiration. To quote that sage old farrier -"Maybe if you work with your ass higher than your head for a while, you will study harder."
After shoeing horses for 8 years and going to college night classes, 3 years of law school and a 40 year career, i guess I appreciate his advice.
Your wife wants a severance package, Dave. It's getting serious...