My new job

A friend of mine and her fiance (let's call them C & A) went on a bit of a shopping spree and bought a house AND a shop. They opened a small deli and had a staffing issue. I have very flexible hours since leaving my office job, so they asked me if I'd be interested in helping out in my free time (which I do have a lot of) few days a week.

While I was flattered that they trust me enough with their shop, I reminded them that, 1. I have no previous customer service experience, 2. I am NOT a people person by any stretch of the phrase, 3. I have no cash handling/professional food preparation experience, 4. I'm not good with numbers and 5. I am an extremely eccentric person. I was also afraid of losing the friendship if things didn't work out. But they insisted that I give it a try, and that if I don't like it, I can quit. They also said that if those 12-year-olds at Baker's Delight and KFC can do it, then so can I. Mind you, they're taller than I am! And that they won't hold it against me if things turn pear-shaped (provided that I don't burn the shop down, swear at every customer, and/or run off with all the cash and cigarettes, I'm guessing).

Then I thought, this is a great opportunity to try something totally new. There's a lot to be said about simple repetitive tasks with minimum stress. My friends nodded enthusiastically when I came to this conclusion. I eventually said yes.

I went into the shop for a few times and did a bit of training. I learned how to make sandwiches and rolls, as well as how to use the EFTPOS machine and the till. I also memorised the skyrocketing prices of bread and milk.

And the moment arrived. For the first time in my life, I stood behind the counter, greeted the customers and served them.

The first few shifts were totally nerve-wracking. The cash register constantly beeped at me for pressing the wrong key. To make the matters worse, the barcode scanner packed it in during my first shift and I had to refer to the price list every time when items turned up that I didn't know the prices of (which was often). But the customers were ever so patient. They smiled and said to me that it's okay. Some even tipped in sympathy. And my rolls and sandwiches were, and still are, tragic. I'd like to apologise to all my customers who had to pay for my below-par creations with lettuce and tomato hanging out the sides.

I've rediscovered my inability to do things efficiently. I'm SO slow at opening the plastic bags, counting the change, and stocking the drink fridges. Judging by how long it takes me to get ready, make my bed, do the dishes or any sort of housework, I should've known. I vowed never to be impatient with shop assistants again.

And the customers are indeed fascinating. I took an order for a beetroot, cheese and egg sandwich. Some people pay in really random amounts, like giving me $6.45 for the total of $3.10. Someone paid 10 dollars worth of stuff in 5 cent pieces. One person bought an entire stock of Paddle Pops because the family was one stick away from winning a holiday to the Gold Coast. I also had a conversation with a deaf person on a notepad.

I never thought I'd say this, but I actually enjoy this job a lot. Partly because it's so different to my main job and I'm constantly learning new things...a bit like a toddler who is discovering the world. I'd never be a people person, but I seem to be able to handle those 1 minute exchanges with them.

It's still early days and I'm not sure how my new part time job pans out, but so far, so good.

I will keep you posted with how this all goes. Never a dull moment in my life! Watch this space for more amusing stories :-)