I was sitting and reflecting about my experiences and about how a part-time, low-paying job can teach you valuable lessons. One summer, I worked at Robeks and here’s a list of what I gained from that experience.
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Team Work
Making a smoothie definitely requires a number of people working coherently as a team. Each worker is responsible for completing certain tasks whether it be to put the right amount of juice in or getting supplies from the back, etc. If one person is not participating or does not complete their task, the smoothie-making process is slowed down, the quality is low, and team morale diminishes.
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Customer Service
This is key, especially in places like Robeks, where the business relies heavily on customer satisfaction. There are times where you have to be extremely patient. I encountered many customers of varying degrees of annoyance. Some customers are allergic to certain fruits or don’t like it, so they will substitute the fruits. These customers are not annoying, but there are some customers that will substitute without reading nor listening to the fact that their desired smoothie is on the menu. There was one especially annoying customer. I was working the cash register when I received an order for a smoothie. She said that she wanted a Strawnana Berry (which has apple juice, non-fat yogurt, strawberries, and bananas) but wanted the apple juice to be replaced by orange juice. Even after I explained that that is the Infinite Orange smoothie (which has orange juice, non-fat yogurt, strawberries, and bananas), she was still adamant on having the Strawnana Berry without the apple juice. I would have put Infinite Orange in the computer to make it easier for the co-workers, but she wanted to check it. Later I whispered that it was an Infinite Orange but to call it out as it says on the receipt. Sometimes you just got to let them do what they want. I learned not to take it personal either. I laughed with my co-workers after the customer’s departure.
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Safety
It is extremely important to be safe not only for yourself but for others as well. It is easy to get hurt, so it’s important to follow the guidelines carefully. I had to be careful not to end up with yogurt tunnel syndrome (scooping yogurt from the wrist and not the elbow).
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Respect
You begin to respect the low-paying job workers more when you are one of them. I believe great managers are those that can respect the workers, but at the same time maintain boundaries and also coach them.
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Fun!
Lastly, usually with most part-time jobs or side jobs unrelated to your career, there is no pressure to move up. You can just have fun and enjoy the experience!
What are some of the side jobs that you’ve had? Please comment and share interesting stories.
