Working At McDonalds

[Mrs. Bradbury]

I worked at McDonald's in high school and it was fine. Back then, almost all teenagers had part time jobs; these days, not so much.

A big part of my job satisfaction was the management. Our GM was a stickler about everything, and our store ran like a top. "Clean as you go" is ingrained in me now! He also used to regularly time us in the drive thru and we had to get cars out in 2 minutes or less from the time they gave their order. And this was back when they actually cooked burgers throughout the day instead of nuking them like they do now! It was very good training in dealing with people of all kinds, economy of movement, and teamwork.

 

[JoyG]

I worked at McD's on Long Island from the ages of 15-18. I made good money (to me) back then, it was $1.50-$2 more than minimum wage.

I had a blast! My co-workers were mostly teenagers, and most of the managers were in their 20's.

You wouldn't know it from walking in to most of these places these days laughing but you're supposed to be really fast. It was a fast paced job, so if your friend has any problems with arthritis or her knees, etc, she'd want to look at another type of job.

The uniform I was given and the shoes I wore were totally destroyed by the job. So workers should wear shoes they don't plan on using for anything else.

Finally, a shower is a must after every shift. I had a layer of grease coating my body every day. It was not the type of job you could leave and go somewhere else immediately afterwards.

One of the highlights for me was working in drive thru and having Billy Joel and then wife Christie Brinkley come through. They drove off without their drinks (my fault, I'm sure!).

 

[ctinct]

I worked at a McD's mant years ago as a teen. It was fine , but just like anyplace a lot depends on the management, and I quit after the manager referred to those of us working the counter as "turtles" in front of customers one too many times. It was okay otherwise...very busy at times, but then of course it would slow down when it wasn't meal time.

I think the problem is many people look down at those who work at fast food places, as if they can't find any other job. How many times have we all heard someone tell us if we didn't get an education, we'd end up flipping burgers? Honestly, the McDonalds around here are good about working around people's schedules (within reason) and the pay is the same as at other retail places. Beats not having a job, for sure. Just wish people didn't have such a negative image of working there.

 

[WeLuvDiznee]

I too worked at McDonald's. I started when I was 16-19. Then again as a 2nd job in my 20's. It was a good time! It was back in the 80's so pay was little back then, but I have alot of good memories and learned to really appreicate my check! I bought my own clothes, gas for the car I borrowed from my parents to get to and from work, paid for my own insurance (car) and anything else I needed or wanted to do. I even paid for a graduation cruise for myself! O.K., It was only $200 back then, my kids would think I was the worst if I had them do any of this with money they have now! Wow, thanks for bringing back memories!

 

[NiftyJ88]

Thanks for the info! Was/Is $6.75 the minimum wage in your state?

No, I think minimum wage at the time was $5.25. When I started, I was at minimum wage, but I was only 15 and couldn't work half the machinery (you had to be 16 to use the broiler and fryer). Once I turned 16, I got a $1/hr raise.

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

I have a friend who works there and loved it. (until she was injured in a car crash and had to go on leave) She can't wait to get back. She is a very social person and she likes the interaction and likes to be kept busy. She also likes that she works hours that allow her to be home when her kids get back from school. She said the pay isn't horrible and there are chances for manager positions if you take it seriously and don't act like its beneath you to work there.

 

[pianoronni37]

I worked there for a year while I was in high school (10 years ago!) and it taught me great work ethic and how to be FAST FAST FAST! I swear, if I had stayed there I wouldn't have put on this weight - I blame it on the office job!!

My cousin is a manager for Wendy's (eek a competitor!). She started when she was in college, she graduated, they offered her MORE to stay than she would make as an elementary teacher (her major) so she decided to stay as a manager at Wendy's. Not the most glamorous job, sure, but flexible time, days/mornings off to spend with family and friends, once in a blue moon weekends off, and she does really well. She's been there for 18 years.

Moral of the story: don't judge a book by its cover! Fast food jobs are still JOBS - we all eat there, we all help pay their paychecks, and we appreciate phenomenal customer service... Good luck to your friend, I hope she enjoys her time at McDonald's! I know I did... it was the most fun I've ever had at a job!!

 

[Liberty Belle]

I worked at McDonalds when I was a freshman in college.

It wasn't so bad. I did one day of kitchen duty and hated it. They put me up front after that day and it was ok. The uniforms suck and the smell gets to you after a while, but I can think of worse jobs.