My Least Favorite Job

I was going to use the words, “My Worst Job” in the headline but thinking about it, there can really be no worst job since I am fortunate to even have a job. So, instead, using the words least favorite, I’m going to talk about which job that was. I’ll just start by going into the job at... Chapel Hats.

For those of us who've had more than one job, there will always be a least favorite. I’ve worked for numerous companies and held a variety of jobs and positions the past fifteen plus years. For one day in my life, I worked at Chapel Hats in what was formerly known as Downtown Disney in Florida. I remember coming across a job opening on Craigslist. Why not, I said since I needed a job and it was legit. After promptly hearing back and having a face to face interview with the manager as well as district manager who was visiting from California, I was offered the job and I accepted. The pay was much more than minimum wage at the time so I was optimistic. My first day was the following day. Now, needing a job at that time, I didn’t mind the hour plus drive from Orlando. But, the drive wasn’t any fun. My first day, I walked into Chapel Hats and got straight to work. Meeting a couple of nice co-workers, they showed me a few things and customers constantly came in. I don’t have a Disney personality and Chapel Hats, you need a positive and uplifting personality to have people try hats on. They sold numerous styles of hats and at the time, were the most profitable store in Downtown Disney. I sold sporting goods for ten years prior and now, persuading people to try numerous hats on, including a Pirates of the Caribbean hat that cost nearly $500 was not my cup of tea. It was a long eight hours and yes, I was able to wear the hats as well, it was not enjoyable whatsoever. I put on a false façade and had people try on hats, take selfies and so forth to make a sale. We weren’t paid on commission but if the store made more, the employees got paid an additional dollar or two on the weekly paycheck so we tried our best. Well, I tried my best for one day. The following day, only getting about fifteen minutes from home before my second shift, I called and threw in the towel. I dreaded the job and couldn’t push through working another day. Those who have the uplifting and positive personalities definitely would enjoy the job but it’s not for everyone. Luckily, it didn’t take long before I found a different job.

Looking back, any job is a good job. I feel lucky to be where I am now and in the position I am now with the wonderful department I work for. I love the challenges this job brings and feel good driving home when there are days that I know I made a difference. I have zero complaints and looking back at all my jobs, if there’s a lesson to learn, it’s remember where you come from. Remember those who you made contact with, including the bad bosses that you couldn’t stand working for, and learning from their mistakes. Progress through your jobs and continue feeling fortunate that you have a job when there are so many people who do not.