(Pictures were taken after I returned home from my first day.)
Returning to work was a bit scary for this mom who had stayed at home for 9 years.
Yesterday was my first day as a McDonald's worker. I promised that I would tell you all how it went.
I got there early. I always try to be early everywhere. And was told I could wait in the crew room. I was asked if I had been given a tour. I said no. Turns out I should have been given a tour on the day I filled out paperwork. With directions though I found the crew room and sat in there until it was 6pm.
At 6pm I went up to find out how to clock in only to find out a couldn't because I had not been given a hat. They claimed I should have been given one the day I filled out paperwork. So I was sent back to the crew room until they could find me a hat. I will admit it. At this point I was ready to just cry and leave and give up on it. Two things were already wrong that I had no control over.
15 minutes later they found me a hat and I could clock in.
I was told I would learn fries. One lady showed me what to do and then after that I was left on my own to do fries.
Fries are a really really busy job. My hands hurt and my veins in my hands are swollen this morning. This is for two reasons. All the fry baskets that I had to lift around and all the hot fries that burned my hands while quickly filling fry boxed and little fry wrappers. If you want to get it done as fast as needed you really don't have time to worry about the straight from the fryer hot fries that land and sit on your hand while you are filling the fry boxes. So hot fries of course burn.
Note to people who go to McDonald's and order unsalted fries.....STOP IT!!!!! Don't eat fries at McDonald's if you are worried about your salt intake. Do you realize how much salt the rest of the food has. Eating unsalted fries wont help. Also it means the fry person has to get one of the baskets straight from the fryer and try to dump the fries into the size that you ordered. The scoop thing can not be used because of course it has salt on it and the fries can not be put in the service bin because that has salt. Just brush the salt off the fries as you eat them if you are worried about your salt intake.
They said that I kept up better then expected for the first day because they didn't have to bring the lady who showed me over to help at all during the night. So that is really good for the first night.
I did that from the time I clocked in until 9:45pm. At that time I was given a wash rag and told where to find the sanitizer bottles and was sent out to the dinning area to clean off the tables and chairs and service areas.
After I was done with that I collected the trays that were out there and I cleaned them and put tray liners on them. Then it was time to come home.
So that was my night.
(Pictures were taken after I returned home from my first day.)Returning to work was a bit scary for this mom who had stayed at home for 9 years.
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Comments (15)
:( That sounds really tough. What is a sweet girl like yourself doing working at McDonald's? They are going to abuse you.
I really think that people take for granted how hard people at fast food restaurants work! Im glad that you didnt give up!
The first days at work can be a bit challenging as you are getting situated and learning the ropes. There's also the case of everything not being ready for you, as you have experienced.
The good news is that things will fall into place and it will be less stressful and get easier.
Sounds like you had a good first day once you were allowed to get started. Congrats!
Oh honey, I know exactly how you feel, I used to work at McDonalds. You never get to sit down for even a second, work like a dog and customers talk to you like some second-rate citizen.
I learned that people who order unsalted fries really aren't that concerned about their salt intake. They are asking for unsalted fries because they want fresher fries. Haha, wait until someone asks for no seasoning on their hamburger patties or they want Big Mac sauce instead of ketchup and mustard on their double cheeseburgers!
Don't give up no matter how hard it gets! It was definitely the toughest job I ever worked at. (And it doesn't get easier once you start climbing the ladder to crew trainer or swing manager. You don't know how many times I wanted to rip my hair out will explaining to new crew members how to use the computer to take orders or get teenagers to clean up the dining room!) A lot of people (especially teenagers) find working at McDonalds as a humbling experience.
Please Note: When you are proficient enough to handle cash and taking orders: DO NOT ALLOW SOMEONE ELSE TO USE YOUR REGISTER! And be sure to count back to customer their change. If your restaurant has a drive-thru, be sure to put the customer's cash on the counter or horizontally across your till until you've counted back their change. There are some thieves out there! (Manipulative ones!)
Eventually you will find an easy way of doing the no salt thing, My time in fast food taught me a lot of improvisational skills which made my job easy. I like my fries unsalted because they taste better without being oversalted. good luck!
hmmm sounds like fun. Makes me appreciate my cushy software engineering job.
Sounds like you really got the hang of things quickly. Good for you! And if anyone treats you like a second-rate citizen, just think to yourself: at least I have a job. That's something to be very proud of!
Working at McDonald's is a hard job, I bet. I used to work as a cleaning lady while I was in art school, so I know what that's like, more or less. But I learnt to work hard and not complain (unless I was planning on actually changing something with my employer) and it's served me well. I now run my own business and work freelance for a university..
My sisters, boyfriend and best friend worked/works at McDonalds and I've heard all the horror stories. Heat/burns don't really affect my boyfriend anymore T_T You'll get your fair share of crazy customers. I've heard of customers who also order unsalted fries and then ask for a salt packet if they want fresh fries (which we have to admit, does taste better than the ones that are just sitting there).
Yeah, people usually only order unsalted fries because they want to make sure they are getting fresh fries! Do they not have gloves for you to wear while doing fries? Even the plastic ones should help protect your skin from the heat a little bit. I used to work in the meat department at the grocery store and my hands would get frozen from handling the cold meat all day so I started wearing two gloves on each hand which helped.
Good for you! I know how scary it can be returning to work after being a stay at home for so long. Before you know it they will realize what an asset you will be to them. Congratulations on a great first day!
How comfortable were you not wearing a hijab?
I admire people who can tolerate being in the fast food business.
oh hang in there, sounds like you did a fantastic job. most employers out there specificaly look out for individuals who have had training at maccas because they're more efficient and productive.
Glad your first day went good I worked at Mickey D's for a year. Its hard work, but ask them to train you on register and get proficient at the drive thru. Once you learn drive thru and you get to know your manager on duty ask if thats where you can go. Most of the time they will let you, fries are the worst but hopefully you won't have to do it long. Keep up the good work, I know how tough it is, just don't give up
I worked at Mc Donald's for almost a year and a half- I know exactly what you're talking about!! They'll probably have you learn Grill next, especially because you're old enough. Be warned: You have a 99% chance of being burned if you do meat. I still have scars from it! but it's actually not that bad. Just hang in there! :)
Now I'm in the mood for McDonalds lol. Glad your first day went well.