Kirstie's job log: 26
Kirstie Nicols works in sales at present, but needs extra money to finance her forthcoming Masters in journalism. Fast food starters Last weekend was my first day of part-time work at the local McDonald’s. It’s not often that I really dread getting up in the morning to go to work; however, this was one of those days.
In the end, the day was nothing like how I expected it to be. I had the idea that I would probably spend a lot of time clock watching; waiting for lunch then waiting for the shift to be over. But there was so much to learn and so much to be done that by the time I had a chance to look up at the clock for the first time, I was being sent to get something to eat. I spent the rest of the day trying to remember everything I’d been told and not mess up too badly, and then suddenly it was time to head home. It was a long and most definitely tiring first day, but completely against expectations it was also an enjoyable one. Everyone who had the arduous task of having to show me how things worked was friendly, and all seemed to be there for the same reasons as I was. It was relatively easy to pick up what needed to be done, and there were so many different jobs that it didn’t feel as monotonous as I thought it would do. There was even time for a bit of chat when it was quiet, and it seemed like a good team and one where everyone got on well. So all in all, not the day I was imagining at all and in fact a pleasant surprise. Filling inIn the little spare time I’ve got left, I’ve been looking for extra freelance work. A friend has recently been appointed Features Editor for a magazine dealing with careers advice for GCSE students, and has been looking at various articles that I’ve written (most notably for Prospects!) with the possibility of writing for them on offer. It’s just a case of wait and see at the moment; and my only worry is that it feels like it has been such a long time since I did my GCSEs that I can’t remember what kind of thing I would have liked to have had help with! I’ve also been asked to help out with the local radio station again next weekend at a nearby festival, which I agreed to, despite the terrible conditions of the last time. As it’s over both days I won’t be able to work at the Golden Arches – luckily they’re flexible enough to allow me to swap shifts. The only downside to doing the two-day festival is that I found out only yesterday that we are expected to camp overnight in order to be there bright and early the next morning; which is something I was not expecting at all. At the moment I’m praying for good weather and a lot of alcohol to be provided! Stage directionsOver the past few months, I have even managed to squeeze in rehearsals for an amateur dramatic group I belong to (talk about good time management!), and the opening night is only two weeks away now. I’ve been playing an evil weasel from Wind in the Willows which has been great fun, and the past couple of weeks we’ve been rehearsing every other night, late into the night. I’m not very good at keeping a straight face; looking at someone dressed as a mole while wearing a top hat and face paints, while also trying to be serious is hard to do. The director has finally stopped panicking though, and I’m looking forward to hopefully scaring all the children in the audience! Read Kirstie's previous blogs
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