Weary Soul

Have you ever been to a place where you can feel inside you that you don't fit in, and that you won't last long here? I'm sure you have. I think we all have felt that way at one point. And, well, I've been feeling that way now.

As some of you know, for the past two months, I've been training at my new job. And let me start off by saying, it's really a great job. My position as opener is a good one, and I'm getting the hours. In fact, my hours seem to be increasing as I learn more. Which is great!

But I don't feel right about this place. And that's unfortunate. Lately I've just been manning up and doing my job. Clocking in, doing what I know, and clocking out. But here's the deal: It seems I can't do anything right there. I'm still new. I don't know how to make everything on our menu. I'm trying to pick it up as fast as I can, but it's such a large menu that I'm struggling with it. And I think everyone there is getting frustrated with me. That, and I'm still trying to get my morning routine perfected, so I'm not all that fast, which puts everyone behind for the day. (Remember, I was hired as an opener. I make sure everything on the food-side of things is ready and good to go. But if I don't finish a task due to customers, or any other reason, others fall behind too.)

But not only am I struggling a little with my actual tasks. I also just simply don't fit in. Most of my co-workers (including some managers) like to drink. Like to smoke. And apparently do quite a bit of drugs. The thing is, it's not really a secret. They freely talk about how they are hung over, how they partied too much the night before (4-5 times a week usually), and how they had a good batch of "stuff" the other day. And then there's me... Just there, trying to do my work. I just don't feel welcome there, to be honest. It's not my group of people.

Like I said though, the job is a great one. Yeah, it's tough at times. Getting up at 3:50Am everyday is no easy task, and it's physically and mentally demanding throughout my shift. By far one of the hardest jobs I've ever had. However, if perfected, it's not all that bad.

I've been fed up lately. Bad. I've been deep in prayer about things, and randomly going off on friends. But the past few days I've opened my eyes. Things really aren't so bad for me. Others have it much worse. I should be thankful.

Then an email came that changed everything. I'm not going to say much because if one of my co-workers happened to stalk me a little online, or wanted to add me on Facebook and somehow read my blog, I don't want them reporting back to anyone at work and causing drama and problems for me. So all I'm going to say is this:

In a little over a week, I have the happiest interview on earth.

Five Minutes A Day

Many of you know that Walt Disney is practically my hero. I think we all could learn something from his ways, and I have adapted a few in my everyday living.

Here's one of my more recent philosophies I have acquired from Walt- To take 5 minutes everyday at work and make a guests experience better.

"The customer is king..."
"Every Cast Member is responsible for the impression we make..."
"Take five minutes a day to make a magical memory for one of our guests..."

-Walt Disney



When Walt Disney was alive, he would walk around Disneyland with a roll of five-dollar bills and tip any cast member who worked extra hard to plus the experience for a guest. Sadly, this tradition has gone away when Walt did. And many Cast Members don't take that extra time anymore.

But I do. And I will always, no matter where I work. Here are a few recent examples of what I have done:




I cleared a tray for an older lady with her grandchild a few weeks ago. There was a long line up front, and she wanted to get an ice cream but didn't want to wait in line or leave her grand kid. So she asked me if I could go get them one if she gave me the money. Of course! So I bi-passed the line by going straight to a spare register and had her ice cream back at the table in less than three minutes. (It probably would have taken her around ten if she waited in line). She was grateful, and I felt amazing.

This little girl came in with balloons a few weeks ago, and she excitedly told me and my co-worker that it was her birthday. So what did I do? I turned to my co-worker and said: "Let's sing!" So just us two started singing for her, and a few other people (both workers and guests) joined in. We then gave her a plush cow. It totally made her lunch, and mine.

Yesterday one of our regulars came in for our 3 year birthday celebration. She came an hour after it started, and was disappointed to see that the cake was gone. (Or so we thought, since it wasn't up front anymore). She bought 15 ice creams for all the kids she brought, and sadly said "Why didn't you save us any!?" We both laughed, and they headed outside to jump in the jump house.
A few minutes later I walked in the back, to find just a few pieces of cake left. I quickly put them on plates and trays, and headed to their table with 15 slices. I've never seen 15 girls go that crazy for cake! And the parents thanked me.


I look forward everyday to taking that extra five minutes to make someone's experience more Magical, even if I don't work for Disney, yet.


If you've ever done something like this, please share! Leave a comment with your story!