Americans don't just like fast food. They LOVE it. The National Center for Health Statistics from the Center of Disease Control states that over a third of Americans (36.6%) eat fast food on any given day. That amounts to over 84.8 million Americans eating fast food per day, which would make Uncle Sam and his pet bald eagle blush.
However, I don't have the same love for the industry as my fellow American does. There are some benefits to working in the industry (i.e. free food!) and some pratfalls that the business has. Here's what I loathe about working in the food industry.
You Almost Always Start in the Same Position: Every food industry position, specifically in fast food, always put me in a customer service spot. I don't know if it's because I have the "drive-thru face" or it's because nobody likes dealing with Karen's and angry Boomers. But I'm always thrust into handling people's issues and trying not to strangle their blob-like necks. It takes up all my energy to keep a straight face and not go crazy.
It's Unhealthy: For all the love these restaurants get, it's simply unhealthy. Fast food is loaded with unpronounceable chemicals and additives. Yet, more than a third of Americans eat this, putting their health and well-being at risk.
It's Too Much Stress: As previously mentioned, working in fast food can be an absolute nightmare. You're expected to have fast times and deal with outrageous, neurotic people, making life even more stressful. People want to cause a fuss because one minor thing in their order's wrong, or they want to tell you their life story. Let's face it: people are neurotic to the bone and tend to be self-serving, specifically in this country. As much as we love indulging in our lives, it can also harm the well-being of the fast food worker. That's especially true when a clueless fast-food corporation places unrealistic standards on the workers. If you get a chance, be nice to your local fast food worker today. They're probably stressed out from dealing with idiots all day.
