This Is What I Am Learning at My New Job
Humility
My professional space is as scattered as it could get.
It seems that I have been job hunting forever!
I did my higher education in one specific field of study and took upon work in another, completely unrelated industry, although that is the matter for another story.
I knew it was not going to be easy. It never is, for anyone.
A seeker like me, with a not-so-popular or powerful (law, medical, or engineering) degree, and little prior professional experience was doomed to be lost in the “joblessness” spree, let alone, get one with ease.
Some of us chose to struggle more than others and while it is praiseworthy and admirable up to a certain extent, it isn’t exactly stomach-filling.
I would be digressing if I continue to talk about the “un” conventional paths I “chose”, but well, you got the gist — I have a new job!
That’s right!
The online applications didn’t seem to be working so I presented myself offline to potential employers and charmed them with my awesome 😀 English, one of them was kind enough to call me for a face-to-face interview.
I nailed it.
I took the job.
Working full-time at a fast-food chain restaurant is physically draining.
For someone who has always worked from home, even before COVID, setting a step out and spending nine hours a day, standing behind the till is exhausting. It has only been a week and I have mixed feelings about it.
However, everything at this job is new for me.
By this, I mean, I am putting out physical labor like never before.
I take orders, serve coffees, fill up cups of coke and milkshakes and at times, even clean tables or wash used crockery.
Growing up with western values, I had always respected all kinds of work, even that of a sweeper’s or a cleaner’s. I did not consider any work as below or beneath me. However, it was a consideration from a distance.
I grew up in a culture that values the mind more than the body. Consequently, work is a status affair and I am pretty sure, if I told my parents the truth about where I am working, they would disapprove.
However, holding a value and working on it for a living are two different things.
I would be lying if I didn’t feel a tint of shame when I first held a cloth, sprinkled the surface cleaner, and wiped the tables clean.
I would be lying if I said I didn’t secretly hope that on any day, I should not be given the duty to clean bathrooms.
I would be lying if I didn’t thank God that nobody I know saw me while I was serving an order to a customer at the table.
I would be lying if deep down, I didn’t compare this work with the work that other doctors, engineers, lawyers, or even scientists do for that matter, and earn at least about four to five times more than I am.
Certainly, I am not beating myself up with these thoughts, but each day at this new work has been learning.
For instance, the other day, I saw one of my store managers picking up used plates and cups from the table and bringing it to the sink.
Today, one of my other managers, picked up the broomstick and the pan and cleaned the trash that lied on the floor a few feet away from us.
“Aren’t they managers and supposed to be at a position higher than the rest of the staff?” I thought at first.
“Well, if a manager herself does not hold herself back from picking up the torn pieces of paper napkins from the floor, why should I feel hesitant to do it?”
This is still wrong.
To feel okay to clean public places only because managers are doing it too is wrong.
It is still a motivation.
Given my respect for all kinds of work and for all persons who do the non-tertiary sector jobs, I shouldn’t be feeling this way, but I am.
My point is, many times, we adhere to and feel strongly about many values but take time to accept them as lifestyle or profession when the responsibility falls on us.
I am grateful for this opportunity that is giving me a lot more than just money. Learnings from experiences like these are bound to last a lifetime, and I consider myself fortunate that I get to wait, serve and clean for others.
Hopping on life events as they come!
Use my Referral Link to join Medium.
Support & Follow me on Ko-Fi here.
