My first job was beyond cool, freezing actually. I worked at a Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream store. Now understand, I’ve got the body temperature of a shivering, teeth-chattering, whimpering reptile. I surprisingly survived constant reaching over 31 tubs of ice cream flavors – with absolutely no defibrillation paddles nor shiny, emergency thermal blankets nearby.
Even if a first job pays only minimum wage, which in California is now $8/hr, the experience is priceless. Minimum wage in 1983 was $3.35. My friend worked at The Wherehouse (similar to Blockbusters), starting at an epic $5 an hour!!!
But I got to “interact” with customers and learn about the power of the ice cream. Just a few memorable moments from my ice cream-slinging days when I actually used to be shocked and awe’d:
- There was an extra-large guy who came in once a week and asked for a “hand-packed” gallon of vanilla. It was sold by weight, so he’d keep saying “put more in there, put more in there,” until the ice cream would look up at me and say, “What do you think we are, sardines?” And each time, the Big Guy would say, “Leave off the lid and just give me a spoon.” (?!) And, as I watched him eat every last spoonful right there, that’s when I developed an involuntarily eyebrow lift like this –
- Then there was the creep who begged my co-worker to please put a scoop of ice cream in his shoe. *more involuntary eyebrow-twitching*
- Oh yeah, and the time that scary guy robbed me as I rang up his double scoop cone of chocolate chip. Yep, that’s it! Good times. *sigh*
And what was YOUR first job and how did it work out for you?
9 kids playing along so far ↓
1 otin
// Jul 13, 2010 at 5:30 pm
My first job was checking for beach badges and setting up umbrellas on a busy beach in New Jersey! (In jersey you had to pay to get on the beach). I made 25 cents an hour!!!! Eff That! lol I worked 5 days!
2 ReformingGeek
// Jul 13, 2010 at 6:41 pm
One of my best friends worked and Baskin-Robbins!
I worked at Six Flags over Texas sweeping trash. I learned that people are slobs but it was fun to flirt with the cute guys.
ReformingGeek´s last blog ..This one time at band camp
3 Old School
// Jul 14, 2010 at 11:53 am
I had all sorts of jobs previously, but my first official job was as an usher for the Milwaukee Brewers at old County Stadium. Outstanding job for a baseball fan like I was. Had lots of other folks my own age working, so it was fun socially, too.
My list of jobs between the age of 12 and 18 is quite extensive and interesting. We were always trying to find ways to make a little money. A couple of the worst were as a pickle picker on a pickle farm and as a salt-water taffy salesperson at the State Fair. Oh, the memories…
Old School´s last blog ..Back to the 80s- Flashback Video – Alone by Heart 1987 – Kickin it Old School
4 Vivian
// Jul 14, 2010 at 2:24 pm
OMG, in his shoe??? Did he eat it while staring at you lasciviously? =P Somehow this seems to be more scary than getting held up.
5 marissa
// Jul 14, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Hi everyone! Sorry I’ve been MIA (Marissa InActive) but I’ll be catching up on your blogs this weekend.
~ ~ ~
Otin:
25 cents an hour! LOL – even the workers in Third World countries are saying WTF?!
~ ~ ~
ReformingGeek:
Husband Jace also worked at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia). But I don’t think he flirted much with the cute guys.
~ ~ ~
Old School:
LMAO! You KNOW I just had to say it over and over, “Pickle picker on a pickle farm.” Well, so far everyone’s had more interesting jobs than me, which is pretty much what I always suspected even back then.
~ ~ ~
Vivian: YES – in his shoe! Actually, my female co-worker (because we were naive) did put a scoop in his shoe, and then – - he put his foot back in and I saw his eyes roll back!! Aaarrgh!
It was only years later that I realized what a pervy thing it was. Yuuuuck!
BTW – thanks for visiting.
6 otin
// Jul 25, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Get on the stick!! LOL
7 marissa
// Jul 25, 2010 at 6:47 pm
LOL!! I know! This post is ONLY 2 weeks old. I wish I had your discipline and story-telling skills.
8 Old School
// Jul 26, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Just checking in. Hope all is well.
Old School´s last blog ..Back to the 80s- Tiffany vs Debbie Gibson in Promo for Syfy Movie – Kickin it Old School
9 The Constant Complainer
// Aug 12, 2010 at 4:24 pm
I worked at a McDonald’s. It was a good high school job that turned into a good job to earn money while I was in college. Then it turned into a career when I graduated from college and went to work at their Corporate Office. I’m no longer there, but I met my wife there, so I’m eternally grateful to Ronald.
Come out and play - Leave A Comment