Not everybody’s life sucks
It’s a pretty well-known fact that adults in either the food service industry or working as cashiers hate their jobs. But I’ve managed to locate an individual in just such a situation who enjoys the hell out of his job and is actually using the money to make himself happier.
He wasn’t easy to find, though.
There’s a 24-hour Valero gas station just up the block from my Riverside apartment and, during a recent early-morning study fuel run (Mountain Dew and chips) a few days ago, I noticed a nice Harley sitting outside with a middle-aged guy in a store uniform polishing it.
Somewhat surprisingly, I was the only person at the station. He was the only cashier in the store, so when he saw me park and begin walking toward the entrance he hopped up and went behind the counter. After I got my supplies I went to pay for them with my debit card.
This is where it gets interesting. He took the plastic, threw it up in the air, spinning it counterclockwise. He then caught it with the other hand and, almost like a slight-of-hand magic trick, swiped it through the card reader in one fluent motion. This caught my attention, I smiled, and having broken the morning ice he asked me what I was doing up so late.
“Studying,” I said.
“Wish I’d stayed in school,” he replied.
Not wanting to bring up any bad memories, I didn’t ask why he dropped out. But he continued the conversation.
“Yeah, I’ve had some rough times. But now I have this job, man.”
“You like it, huh?”
“Oh yeah. I’m even making enough money to get me that bike out there. That thing’s my baby.”
At this point the transaction was complete, and I left with a smile and a “see you later,” as I’m sure I will. I feel kind of bad because I didn’t ask his name. But it was kind of cool that he actually liked doing a job at such a shitty hour that is usually reserved for teenagers. Makes me think there’s a possibility that, no matter what job I end up doing, I can enjoy it if I want to.
Right on man… I know what you mean. It is an attitude.. as americans we are so bitter sometimes
Next entry: V-day morals
Previous entry: Sagra