Learn from my Worst Summer Job Experience
Long ago in a summer job, working as a hostess at the Rainforest Café was a real trial. This job had me stuck in a noisy room for 8 to 12 hours daily, juggling kids’ tantrums, the constant cawing of birds and synthetic thunderstorms when trying to communicate with a customer. But that wasn’t all. In many instances, I would have to personify the cafe’s mascot characters.
Sure, there were some good sides like occasionally enjoying the Chimi-Cha-Chas or the delicious volcano dessert that found its way to our break room. I could also strut around in safari gear, which was quite a hit with my friends but, believe me, it was far from rosy.
As a hostess, there was always a stark realization that you were earning less compared to servers. You also faced the brunt of irate customers more than your colleagues. And yes, those ludicrous safari outfits were a constant, and who could ever forget Cha-Cha?
Wearing the Cha-Cha suit, a 30-pound, thermally uncomfortable costume impersonating a red-eyed tree frog, was part of the job. Inside, the suit smelled of stale sweat and crushed dreams, making every 20 minutes spent inside a truly memorable experience, and not in a good way.
These experiences taught me a few crucial lessons:
1. It’s crucial to choose a career path wisely. The thought of wearing outfits like Cha-Cha’s suit for a lifetime galvanized me into seizing every learning opportunity that came my way.
2. Not every shiny thing is a gem. Nile, a novelty crocodile costume we got later, seemed like a good break from Cha-Cha, but was laden with its troubles too.
3. Maintain good rapport with coworkers. This was especially important in guiding each other safely in the suits through the restaurant ambiance filled with excited kids and tricky terrain.
Not everyone where I worked saw it as a temporary summer job. This exposure to a wide range of people taught me to be cautious of the decisions I made, lest I ended up stuck in a similar position.
Most importantly, I learned how much it matters to be passionate about your work. I contrasted my time dealing with impatient parents, cleaning up after mischievous kids and dreading wearing that frog suit, with the thought of spending that many hours doing something I loved, something that wouldn’t make me dread waking up each day.
Through all this, I understood that shaping the future I dreamed of required hard work. But I also realized it would be worth it someday. It prompted me to actively figure out my passions and intentionally seek a career I would love.
So, take a cue from my experience and create a list of things you enjoy doing. Use this as a starting point in your career search. For instance, if you love helping people or working with children, consider social work. While you’ll need a degree to start, climbing up the ladder might require further qualifications like a Master’s in Social Work. But remember, as long as you’re passionate about your career choice, your education and daily work will be a joyful endeavor.