Do you recall the thrill of landing your first job? It was an opportunity to earn your own money, perhaps to save for a car or college, or simply to cover your coffee and movie outings. That initial taste of financial independence was exhilarating—until you encountered difficult customers.
I remember waiting tables as a teen and once mistakenly served a Sprite instead of a pink lemonade. It was a simple error, yet the customer confronted me while I was busy with another order. He shouted, “You messed up my drink, you dumb idiot,” and hurled the drink at me. I felt utterly humiliated in front of everyone in the restaurant.
Suddenly, half the kitchen staff rushed out, ready to defend me. The rude customer narrowly escaped getting thrown out. That incident happened 24 years ago, but it remains vivid in my mind. His face and how he treated me will forever be etched in my memory. I made a promise that day to never treat someone in the service industry with such disrespect, and I’ve kept that vow.
Adults can be incredibly rude, especially when they belittle teenagers in their workplaces. So you got an order wrong at your favorite burger joint? That doesn’t give you the right to insult a teenager making minimum wage because they forgot the pickles on your burger. Absolutely not!
Believe it or not, teenagers are human too. They make mistakes, but they also do wonderful things. Remember the last time you were in a store and an attentive young employee helped you find what you needed? You probably left the store feeling satisfied, right? Next time you feel the urge to unleash your frustration on a young worker, think of those moments. Mistakes happen, and that’s perfectly fine.
Just because they are teenagers doesn’t mean they lack intelligence. In fact, when it comes to tech or gaming, younger employees often know more than their older colleagues. If you’re looking for trendy clothes for your kid, ask the teenager in the store; they’re likely to have great insights.
When you allow a teenage employee to assist you, it boosts their confidence. They feel accomplished when they can make a customer happy. Let managers know when a young employee has gone above and beyond. This is a crucial time for them to build a positive self-image, and your encouragement can make a difference.
With millions of job openings available, even 14 and 15-year-olds are getting hired. These young individuals are just starting their journey into the workforce. If they are treated poorly by adults, it could lead to a negative outlook on future customer service roles.
If you can’t treat people with kindness, it’s better to stay home. Nowadays, most services can come to you, so there’s no need to spread negativity. Remember, teenage employees deserve patience and understanding. The next time you consider being harsh with a young worker, reflect on your own first job experiences or simply remember what it was like to be a teenager. Everyone deserves respect, and that young employee is someone’s child, sibling, or student. How would you feel if someone treated your kid that way?
Summary
Teenage workers, just like adults, deserve respect and understanding in their jobs. Mistakes are a part of learning, and good treatment from customers can significantly boost their self-esteem and work ethic. Instead of being harsh, we should remember our own experiences and treat young employees with kindness. They are the future of the workforce.