why do people look down on teenage workers?

Question

when I work I get such nasty looks from the customers at my resturaunt even though im working my hardest for them....why is that. Thank you to those of you who appreciate my hardwork and dedication.

Answer 1

I don't.
People are jerks.

At least you're not getting fat on the couch or mooching off of mom and dad.

I commend you for your hard work.

There should be more like you.

Answer 2

When I was in high school, I got a job at my local Wal-Mart, and I went through same crap. And to add to the situation, I still looked pretty young, so a lot of people would stare, and sometimes even smirk, at me while I did my job. Some would act like they expected me to screw up, and others would act like I was totally unable to answer their questions or help them because of my age and size. One lady even doubted that I could lift a fifty pound bag of dog food into her cart for her. Guess what, I did it--and I shot her a proud look afterwards!

Generally speaking, society looks down on teenagers, which is a real shame. True, some of them are troublesome--but so are a lot of adults. Some people--or perhaps I should say a lot of people--just lack the brain power to call situations as they see them, and not make hasty generalizations. I know it's hard, and sounds cliche--and that a lot of others have already said it--but just try your best to keep your head up and do the best job you can. Maybe they'll see how wrong and narrow-minded they are being, and shut the **** up and eat their crow and change their ways. But then again, they may not--in which case they are total losers and should not be given the time of day.

Again, I know it's difficult to keep your head up, because it really is a blow to your pride and self-image to have people doubt you right from the start. When people did this to me at Wal-Mart, I would sometimes want to just throw up my hands and shout in their faces, "Look! If you think I am that freaking incompetent, why did you even ask me for help in the first place?!? Better yet, why are you even IN HERE?!?" Fortunately, I never did. But it was a victory that I didn't, believe me!

Good luck.

Answer 3

Hmm, that's very strange. I must admit I get annoyed when I see a teenage worker at a store who is acting annoyed that they have to be there (I've seen that quite a lot), but if someone is working hard to provide good service for me, I always appreciate it, say thank you, and if it's a restaurant, I'll always tip really well if the service was good.

Don't let it get you down. Chalk it up to them having a bad day, and try not to take it personally. Remember that there are many more people like me that always appreciate helpful and hard-working people, regardless of age.

Answer 4

Maybe because they think you are not as capable as an adult worker. Maybe they don't approve of your choise to have a job at young age. (Double standards are everywhere: if you ask your parents for money they tell you you don't earn a dime, but if you get a job you get nasty looks from adults) Anyway, how stupid of them.

I worked as a waitress in my youth days. I know that it's a hard work but simple work that anyone can do.

Assume they are too hungry to be nice. LOL.

Answer 5

I think it also comes with the idea that most teenagers don't need the money. Though most do, it's not on the same level as trying to feed your family. Most teenagers are still living at home and are using the money for spending money. Most teenagers aren't working a full-time job either.

Answer 6

Just do the best you can, and go out of your way to help. You will see that some people will appreciate what you do and that means a better tip. I know, I have to deal with the public all the time and know what you are talking about.

Answer 7

First off, I don't appreciate your hard work and dedication. I'd appreciate it more if you shut the f--- up and brought me that steak I ordered. And it better be medium rare or I'm gonna throw it at you.

Second, you're a kid. You haven't "paid your dues" yet. The world owes you nothing, and unless you wanna work in that cholesterol pit for the rest of your life, you'd better start looking at colleges and how to pay for it. Then after you graduate, guess what, you get to start at the bottom of the corporate ladder and try to claw your way up to middle management by stepping on the heads of others. 30 years later, if you're lucky, you might have enough in your 401k to afford a cockroach-infested apartment and 3 cans of dog food a day to live on.

Now get back to work, you anime-watching, porn-surfing, zit-popping brat!

Love,

Someone Who's Been There

Answer 8

Because they are wondering why such a tender age work, instead of studying in school.

Answer 9

With a nod to exceptions, society looks down on teenagers because teenagers look down on society. I'm sorry to say, but the vast majority of teenagers seem to out of their way to appear rude, crass, ill-bred, ill-mannered, and uneducated. For those of you who put in the effort to make a good impression, whether at a job or elsewhere, I feel bad that you get lumped in with them - I remember what that's like. But it's the truth, so much of the time. I get tired of hearing teenagers swearing on the bus, smoking their pot on my boulevard, and giving everyone attitude... it's annoying.

Answer 10

All of the customers you work with are hungry. Most have low blood sugar when they come in. Many people get grumpy when their blood sugar is low. Try not to take it personally. Keep up the good work!