10 Things I Learned From My First Job

My first payroll job was at McDonald’s when I turned 16 years old. I worked there for 8 years. I closed the store when I was in high school, opened the store when I was in college, and continued to open the store even after getting a real job. I wouldn’t trade that experience for all the money in the world. Working at McDonald’s taught me more than any other job I have ever worked. I doubt McDonald’s is the same as it was in 1985, but I do know that every 16 year old needs a job at that age. And this is why.

10. Learned to hustle. A lunch rush in the 80’s was busy. It was nonstop from 11:45am to 1:30 pm. We had 30 seconds to get each order out or we would be asked what the hold up was. There was no real incentive. You just did it because it was expected.

9. Learned to multi-task. On your way to putting an order together, you had to dump fries, wipe trays, put more fries down, take money, take a second order, pour drinks and clean the entire way. Oh and bathroom checks, lot checks, and garbage runs.

8. Learned to be on time. If you were late, the person you were taking over for could not leave. It was majorly frowned upon. You just didn’t do it.

7. Learned to work your way up. You were trained on everything. Then you could be an All American. Then you could take “mods” to become a crew chief and eventually become a shift manager. You got a new uniform and maybe a $.15 raise with each level. It was about pushing yourself to become your best.

6. Learned accountability. The customer was always right. ALWAYS.

5. Learned how to manage. You were taught scheduling, how to motivate, how to count money, how to do inventory, how to plan based on trends. This has been invaluable to me.

4. Learned respect. The managers were always called Mr., Mrs., or Miss. When a supervisor stopped in you were expected to be your best.

3. Learned the importance of rules. Everything at McDonald’s was perfectly calibrated, perfectly weighed, perfectly salted, and perfectly cleaned. There was no breaking those rules.

2. Learned “time to lean is time to clean. “ Anyone who has ever worked at McDonald’s has heard this. I still to this day find it hard to waste time.

1. Made the best friends ever. We had fun working together and had fun when we were off. These people were my friends and it seems most of them went on to be bankers, lawyers, doctors, actors, business owners, teachers, nurses and some even worked their way up the McDonald’s chain right to the top. McDonald’s has produced some of the best citizens in America. Not to mention, I met my husband there in high school and we are going on 36 years together😉.

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