My first job was at a burger joint that we'll just say used to advertise "over a billion hamburgers sold!" I worked there for approximately 3 days. It seems the grill boys were fond of pinching the backside of all the 'fry girls'. I did not enjoy it, and minimum wage plus free artery clogging meals at every break were not enough to keep me there.

I moved on to retail sales, where I dragged stuff over a scanner for a living. It was not a resume' building experience. Or was it? I learned a lot about the art of customer service during those long stints at the cash register. Chatting up the customer, smiling when speaking, using manners, and going the extra effort to handle any problems went a long way making my time pass more quickly. I learned that if you remembered someone's name and a little bit about their lives, they would in turn be nicer to you. That when I messed up at work, being highly liked by repeat customers helped out. I learned too, that you never know when impressing someone will pay off down the road. It really is, at least to some degree, all in who you know. My next two jobs (which paid more and eventually broke me into my field) were landed through previous grocery store customers.

I think it's a shame that there are 'self-check out' registers now. That most of the employees I come into contact while shopping or running errands don't even look me in the eye, much less say 'thank you' and 'come again'. Those jobs are not only necessary to our way of life, but they make great stepping stones on the way to a better future for those who work there.

Taking pride in your work is not a trait I see much anymore. The other day, I was shopping at a large discount store that I probably single-handedly pay the light bill for. The worker at the check out did not say one word to me, and worse than that, she continued a long conversation with another co-worker on a break about how management was firing people for no reason. I complained, but I don't know if it will make a difference. It did make a difference to me, however. I don't shop there anymore.

To those who are starting their first jobs: Take pride in your work. Be polite. Go out of your way to create a positive experience for others. You never know who you'll impress, or how that experience will affect your future.

Learn more about this author, Jane Maxwell.
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