The first thing I did once I turned 15 was hand in my resume at the local McDonald’s. The wait for the “when can you start,” or the “you’re not what we’re looking for,” phone call after the interview was an excruciatingly long two days.
Then the first thing I did once I turned 16 was regret getting a job. It was consuming my Saturday afternoons, which had once been filled with cartoons and sleep. It seemed as though all my other friends had escaped the doom of employ-dom thus far and were enjoying their work-free lives. It had never occurred to me that the entire experience would prove to be one of the most beneficial of my entire life. Now, five years later, I am still employed there while completing a university degree.
On Aug. 8 an event dubbed the “McOlympics” took place at Heydenshore Park in Whitby. All McDonald’s restaurants in Durham Region sent a team to represent their restaurant and compete in somewhat ridiculous events that consisted of synchronized swimming, (dancing on a children’s splash pad), an equestrian obstacle course (climbing into a cardboard horse and jumping over the imaginary bales of hay), and other equally amusing tasks.
While cheering on a fellow employee during a relay race I realized the training, teamwork and social interaction, involved with this type of part-time job can tremendously impact a young teen’s life. As the participants wheeled past me while sitting on skateboards, pushing themselves along with only a plunger, I noticed that most of these people have developed strong relationships with those they work with. Those who hadn’t yet, would attend this event and others like it and soon find friends among their co-workers.
As a manager I am able to see the transformation of employees as they begin to meet new people and become comfortable with customer interaction. It is incredible to see a shy, quiet teen start here and begin to socially network.
“It’s a good first job, very welcoming,” says Danielle Sero. “I’ve learned how to deal with different people and different situations.”
Clint Krummenacher, a trainer, says, “This isn’t just a first job, it’s a stepping stone on the path the to the person you’ll become.”
A part-time job will not only provide a 15-year-old with a source of income and responsibility, it can provide them with the perfect outlet to introduce themselves into society.
