[xJavonta]

And I fucking hate it.

I'm 18 years old and I've been job hunting for a few years with no luck until recently. I got a job at this arcade/ice rink hybrid at the mall and I'm making minimum wage (8.25). Everything about it I cannot stand.

My supervisors (the assistant managers), are lazy assholes who do critique everything the attendants do and have awful attitudes. They get paid more to do less and it irks me. Seems wrong. They abuse the fuck out of the "point" system implemented there so you're on edge about every little thing.

The Point of Sale system is a piece of shit. It's slow, unresponsive, difficult to efficiently navigate, and the software is such a clusterfuck it makes me wonder if it was developed my a group of monkeys. The general manager recognizes this but continues to stick with it anyway. Maybe because he doesn't have to use it.

Cleaning the place is a major pain in the ass. It's fully carpeted, with the exception of the cafe that is rarely used. To clean it we have brooms and an old ass vacuum cleaner that uses a bag system and has horrible suction. The carpet is old as fuck too, so when shit gets in it it's in there good and takes ages to get out with the tools we're provided with.

Also, is it normal to work six hour shifts with no lunch break? I'm not sure since this is my first job

The only place that's well maintained is the ice rink. The general manager coaches the hockey team though so I suppose that's why.

I just needed to blow off some steam. I can't go to sleep since the sounds of all the arcade machines are looping in my head. I hope I get this other job I applied for. It pays more (10.50/hr), and if I do get it I can quit this. I'd like to think that I won't dislike it as much as my current job.

And a side note, this horrific experience has given me even more of a reason to stay in school. I feel bad for people who work retail and such for a living. They do work hard and get paid very little for it. It also makes me feel like a jackass for the times that I've given little tips for bad service at a restaurant.

So, discussion time. What was your first job and how did you feel about it?

Update: if anyone cares, I ended up quitting (I knew I wouldn't last long) and got a new job.

Super old thread, but shortly after making this thread (about 2 months) I quit this job for a new one. I love my new job. I host parties at a trampoline park. It gets busy as hell but I'm never bored and everyone that works there is super cool. I still make $8.25, but I also get tips (people are generous, an average tip is about $30) and free food all day long. When I put my two weeks in at my old job, my boss approached me asking why I quit. After the discussion he said "it really sucks though, I wanted to promote you to assistant manager." I don't regret a thing.

[AlteredBeast]

job hunting for a few years? First job?

LOL. Wow, welcome to real life. Enjoy the next 50 years.

[InvincibleAgent]

[Nerdsteve]

Congrats on your first job and welcome to the real life.

[zoukka]

It'll be a great experience if you can move on from it.

[GavinGT]

That sounds like a job, alright. Also, managers are paid to manage, not to work.

[LaserBuddha]

At some point, you're going to hate every job you have. No matter what the perks are, you're going to start taking things for granted, and start sliding toward slacking off, or cutting corners, or calling out sick a lot, or even blowing up at someone and quitting.

Your shitty retail job you have now is what you're going to look back on for some perspective to shake you out of making a bad decision in the future. Take your medicine like the rest of us.

[weird]

yupp sounds like a job.

[Curtisaur]

I worked at K-Mart when I was 16. Stocking, grabbing carts from the lot, setting up displays, helping customers find stuff, mixing paint. I made $6.00 an hour and I enjoyed it.

[Stat Flow]

Retail is shit. Use it to build some minor capital since you're young and get the fuck out of dodge.

[Izick]

Worst I've done is work a 12 hour shift without a lunch break, at a physically-demanding job. It sucks, but sometimes it happens, and you get used to it. Six hours without lunch isn't terrible, but it's not good. Usually you get in at 8-9, eat at 12-1, and then do the rest of the day.

[GavinGT]

Go work at Subway or something if you want a good first job.

[xxracerxx]

So does this make you want to go to college?

But really I agree with everyone and saying this sounds like every retail job out there.

[xJavonta]

Yeah I've heard the "life sucks, get used to it." argument from my parents. I get it.

One thing I am happy about however is that I finally have something I'll be able to put in my resume in a few months once I start applying again. I usually cringe whenever I get to the "experience" part of an application.

So does this make you want to go to college? But really I agree with everyone and saying this sounds like every retail job out there.

I'm in college. Went to community college to save some money the first couple of years. I already know I'm going to uni after a couple more semesters though, but this real life experience has made me really stop taking shit for granted and work hard to have a better chance at career in the future.

[ant1532]

i dont want to be banned again right now

[fanboi]

I thought it was a hand :(

[GavinGT]

One thing I am happy about however is that I finally have something I'll be able to put in my resume in a few months once I start applying again. I usually cringe whenever I get to the "experience" part of an application.

Experience is really irrelevant for most of these types of jobs. The best thing you can do is go into a place with your application filled out and ask to talk with the manager. If his first impression is positive, you're in.

[xJavonta]

I thought it was a hand :(

ROFL

Experience is really irrelevant for most of these types of jobs. The best thing you can do is go into a place with your application filled out and ask to talk with the manager. If his first impression is positive, you're in.

I've done that for nearly every job I applied for :(

I also got an interview at some logistics place for an entry level help desk job. I didn't get the job due to my school schedule though, but the interview went really well. A little disheartening.

[xxczx]

I recently got my first job, working in a hotel restaurant and I love it.

[InvincibleAgent]

Sounds shitty. Apply at a fast food place where nobody cares enough to be a bitch at you.

But yes, as long as those people are your bosses, you need to pretend to respect them. They get paid to MANAGE, not WORK. You can't blow up at them for not doing work when THAT'S NOT THEIR JOB. It took me a while to figure that out.

But yeah, apply other places. And maybe do some volunteer work in the meantime. Hiring managers love it when you have volunteer work on your resume, and you get a lot more respect in places where you're not paid.

[Viewtify]

Also, is it normal to work six hour shifts with no lunch break? I'm not sure since this is my first job

I worked at 711 for 9 months and had to stand for 8 hours straight with rarely any breaks. 6 doesn't sound that bad.

[GavinGT]

ROFL I've done that for nearly every job I applied for :(

Where have you tried applying? Are you purposely avoiding fast food? Because they're most likely to take a chance on you. These jobs are also super easy and allow you to build confidence in your ability to perform work-related tasks.

[xJavonta]

I recently got my first job, working in a hotel restaurant and I love it. :3

Congrats!

Sounds shitty. Apply at a fast food place where nobody cares enough to be a bitch at you. But yes, as long as those people are your bosses, you need to pretend to respect them. They get paid to MANAGE, not WORK. You can't blow up at them for not doing work when THAT'S NOT THEIR JOB. It took me a while to figure that out. But yeah, apply other places. And maybe do some volunteer work in the meantime. Hiring managers love it when you have volunteer work on your resume, and you get a lot more respect in places where you're not paid.

A friend of mine works at a pizza place. He said he hates it, but would much rather work there than where I work (he got an interview too but didn't take it seriously)

Also volunteer work sounds like a fantastic idea. Thanks, there's always opportunities out here for volunteer workers, I'll start trying.

I worked at 711 for 9 months and had to stand for 8 hours straight with rarely any breaks. 6 doesn't sound that bad.

Wow. Didn't think this was standard. I asked my mom and she said that it's not. Although she only worked at Re Lobster for a month, then Target as a manager until she entered the corporate world. I guess she doesn't really have much retail experience.

Where have you tried applying? Are you purposely avoiding fast food? Because they're most likely to take a chance on you. These jobs are also super easy and allow you to build confidence in your ability to perform work-related tasks.

My dad didn't want me applying at fast food places where I would be "serving some asshole his food.". Even though retail is essentially the same thing, minus the food.

[mandiller]

I've had a few part-time jobs with few hours before finishing uni but I got my first proper job after I graduated. I studied journalism but unfortunately graduated into the global financial crisis and my first job after months of looking was as a telemarketer for a dodgy company. The lowest of the lows. I hated it, I was basically cold calling people, the sort of calls I'd hang up on if I was on the other end of the line. But I can tell you it was extremely humbling. Once you've done a job like that you don't complain about other jobs anymore because anything is better.

I kept looking for other work while doing that job and eventually got a job in retail selling souvenirs, then even later finally made the move in journalism where I now work. Bloody GFC.

[GavinGT]

My dad didn't want me applying at fast food places where I would be "serving some asshole his food.". Even though retail is essentially the same thing, minus the food.

That's a really silly reason. Like I said earlier, apply at Subway. You're not flipping burgers and the customers aren't typically two seconds away from throwing a chocolate shake in your face. Or try a place like Domino's, where you're either topping pizzas or taking orders. The asshole factor rarely comes into it, and when it does you just brush it off or let the manager handle it.

[xJavonta]

I've had a few part-time jobs with few hours before finishing uni but I got my first proper job after I graduated. I studied journalism but unfortunately graduated into the global financial crisis and my first job after months of looking was as a telemarketer for a dodgy company. The lowest of the lows. I hated it, I was basically cold calling people, the sort of calls I'd hang up on if I was on the other end of the line. But I can tell you it was extremely humbling. Once you've done a job like that you don't complain about other jobs anymore because anything is better. I kept looking for other work while doing that job and eventually got a job in retail selling souvenirs, then even later finally made the move in journalism where I now work. Bloody GFC.

Wow. That's very humbling. I would have worked as a kitchen knife salesman but my parents wouldn't allow it. On a happier note, congrats in getting a job in your field of choice! Hope you're enjoying it!

That's a really silly reason. Like I said earlier, apply at Subway. You're not flipping burgers and the customers aren't typically two seconds away from throwing a chocolate shake in your face. Or try a place like Domino's, where you're either topping pizzas or taking orders. The asshole factor rarely comes into it, and when it does you just brush it off or let the manager handle it.

I think it is too. I wasn't against fast food, my dad is. I'd be perfectly fine with it and I think I'll apply at a fast food joint. Might as well try working in a variety of places until an find a place that I enjoy, no sense in coming home miserable after work.

My mom really likes her job (not sure what she does) and so does my dad (self employed). My mom has always been the type that leaves a job if she doesn't like it, and encourages me to do the same so I guess I'll start hunting again.

[Darknessbear]

Louis CK has some advice;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq_L4MTTiSA
(bad quality)

Have to post it!

[smurfx]

you really need to stop being jealous of your superiors and how much they are working. it will do you no good to be bitter about that kinda stuff and i would be careful about complaining about it to other workers.

[xJavonta]

Louis CK has some advice; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq_L4MTTiSA (bad quality) Have to post it!

Lol I love his standups!

But I don't do my job badly, I work as hard as I can because they're paying me to do it. If I was paying someone to do a job and they did it half-assed, I'd be pissed so I work my ass off. I'm just saying I hate the job, not I hate this job so I'm not gonna try at it.

[LyleLanley]

If you don't hate your first job something's wrong.

[Clydefrog]

You're 18 years old.

[Jimothy]

The place I used to work would only give breaks if it was really slow. Often times when I worked a busy day, I'd come it at 5 and leave at 2:00 with no break in between, which I'm pretty sure is illegal. Imagine being on your feet for 9 hours in a 90 degree kitchen wearing shitty ass work shoes, all the while getting yelled at by your manager. Working retail and fast food is one of the most dehumanizing things a person can go through, but also something everyone should experience. It changes your whole outlook on society.

[Dennis]

My supervisors (the assistant managers), are lazy assholes who do critique everything the attendants do and have awful attitudes. They get paid more to do less and it irks me. Seems wrong.

Love this quote.

[GavinGT]

I think it is too. I wasn't against fast food, my dad is. I'd be perfectly fine with it and I think I'll apply at a fast food joint. Might as well try working in a variety of places until an find a place that I enjoy, no sense in coming home miserable after work.

The thing that appeals to me about fast food is that there are always clear expectations of you and everyone is always working together as a team to accomplish them. When there are customers, you help them. When there aren't any, you clean or restock things. There's never those awkward moments where there's nothing to do and you're just wishing the time would go by faster.

[xJavonta]

you really need to stop being jealous of your superiors and how much they are working. it will do you no good to be bitter about that kinda stuff and i would be careful about complaining about it to other workers.

I don't talk to anyone at work, I don't really know them and I'm paid to work, not socialize. Plus, there's a rule in place that prevents talking amongst co-workers (unless you're a manager. Apparently it doesnt apply to them)

As for the bitterness towards superiors, I realize it's not good. It's something my dad has kind of forced into me. He has this hatred for authority that he's instilled in his kids.

If you don't hate your first job something's wrong.

I know quite a few people that loved their first jobs. Odd I guess lol

You're 18 years old.

True, so moving on to another job to find a place I enjoy doesn't seem like such an absurd idea since I'm young, right?

The place I used to work would only give breaks if it was really slow. Often times when I worked a busy day, I'd come it at 5 and leave at 2:00 with no break in between, which I'm pretty sure is illegal. Imagine being on your feet for 9 hours in a 90 degree kitchen wearing shitty ass work shoes, all the while getting yelled at by your manager. Working retail and fast food is one of the most dehumanizing things a person can go through.

Holy shit, that's ridiculous. Hope things are better for you nowadays.

[xJavonta]

Love this quote.

I know how it comes off as, and I know the higher up you are the "less" work (for lack of a better term) is part of being higher up. But standing around chatting and laughing while on your phones and talking shit about how well your attendants vacuumed the carpet isn't what I'd call management.

[Jimothy]

The thing that appeals to me about fast food is that there are always clear expectations of you and everyone is always working together as a team to accomplish them. When there are customers, you help them. When there aren't any, you clean or restock things. There's never those awkward moments where there's nothing to do and you're just wishing the time would go by faster.

I can agree to this. When it was really busy, the time just flew by. You kind of get into a trance and completely ignore everything but preparing food or taking orders. It's when it's slow that the reality of working such a shitty job hits home.

[xJavonta]

The thing that appeals to me about fast food is that there are always clear expectations of you and everyone is always working together as a team to accomplish them. When there are customers, you help them. When there aren't any, you clean or restock things. There's never those awkward moments where there's nothing to do and you're just wishing the time would go by faster.

I can agree to this. When it was really busy, the time just flew by. You kind of get into a trance and completely ignore everything but preparing food or taking orders. It's when it's slow that the reality of working such a shitty job hits home.

I suppose I'll try a fast food place next. When there's nothing to do, we're just standing there trying to look useful so we don't get yelled at. It's an awful feeling

[MasterOfPastures]

Congrats on the job!

Now toughen up. When the going gets tough, the diarrhea flows down to you, so it's better for you not to give a shit about it. Zombie that shit.

[Phonomezer]

Yay, drinks are on xJavonta tonight *.*

[Regulus Tera]

I'm 18 years old and I've been job hunting for a few years with no luck until recently. I got a job at this arcade/ice rink hybrid at the mall and I'm making minimum wage (8.25).

I just quit my first job today after three years and a half. I started at 6.00 and ended up at 8.25 an hour.

[nateeasy]

I made 5.15$ an hour at my first job.

[GavinGT]

I suppose I'll try a fast food place next. When there's nothing to do, we're just standing there trying to look useful so we don't get yelled at. It's an awful feeling

Yes, that's the worst and it's why I'll never work retail again.

I just quit my first job today after three years and a half. I started at 6.00 and ended up at 8.25 an hour.

And I'll bet most of those raises came from increases in minimum wage!

[silenttwn]

.

[Clydefrog]

Yeah, man. If you've only had one bad job by the time you're 18... you're good :)

[Regulus Tera]

And I'll bet most of those raises came from increases in minimum wage!

At least half of 'em, yup.

[xJavonta]

Congrats on the job! Now toughen up. When the going gets tough, the diarrhea flows down to you, so it's better for you not to give a shit about it. Zombie that shit.

Thanks!

That's pretty much what my dad said lol. My mom on the other hand, feels I should start searching for another job that won't make me come home feeling like crap (not from exhaustion)

Yay, drinks are on xJavonta tonight *.*

Not yet. Once I get my first paycheck we'll talk lol

I just quit my first job today after three years and a half. I started at 6.00 and ended up at 8.25 an hour.

Mind sharing why you quit? And minimum wage may be different where you live, and an believe you can get paid less than that if you're under 18.

I made 5.15$ an hour at my first job.

How old we're you? I think you can get paid less if you're under 18. Or if you work a job where tips are involved.

[Amory]

welcome to life, pretty much. my boss has been out "sick" for like the last week and a half and told me he "doesn't want this to become a habit" when I was 2 and a half minutes late for my shift tonight

[Regulus Tera]

Mind sharing why you quit? And minimum wage may be different where you live, and an believe you can get paid less than that if you're under 18.

I quit because I realised I stayed there for far too long and had got sick of the people in that environment. The only reason I had that job was so that I could pay off my loans accumulated after three semesters of wasted college time. I sure as hell don't have enough to pay for tuition for the next two years, but I managed to achieve an Associate's in the meantime and get a rather large cushion to help me while I'm out of a job.

[lastplayed]

Also, is it normal to work six hour shifts with no lunch break? I'm not sure since this is my first job

You're entitled to a 30 min break after 4 hours here, I'm sure you have similar laws.