Like many High school students, I took a job at Chick-fil-A to earn some extra cash and get a tase of real world responsibility. At first, it felt like a good deal. The work was fast-paced, my coworkers were fun, and I liked the feeling of having my own money. But as time went on, things started to change and not for the better.
The Biggest Issue
As a young teenager, I found myself subjected to extensive and often unreasonable work expectations. My shifts were long, and I was frequently required to perform both front-of-house and back-of-house duties, effectively doubling my workload without receiving the appropriate compensation. Each day, I returned home physically and mentally exhausted, knowing I would have to repeat the cycle the next day. To exacerbate the situation, I was paid only the wage of a front-of-house worker, despite taking on the responsibilities of both roles, and my overtime hours were routinely removed from my timesheets. While the pandemic may have played a role in the strain on the workforce, it does not justify the treatment I endured. What was most disheartening was the apparent disparity in treatment—none of the white employees were subjected to the same conditions.
Initially, I attempted to persevere, convincing myself that enduring these challenges was simply part of having a job. However, over time, my motivation began to erode. It became increasingly difficult to maintain enthusiasm for a job where my efforts were neither acknowledged nor compensated fairly. It is one thing to work hard, but it is another to feel that your contributions are undervalued. As the days went on, I found myself disengaging not out of a lack of care, but because it seemed that my dedication was irrelevant to the management.
The turning point came when I was preparing to leave for college out of state. It was in that moment that I realized I did not have to continue enduring the conditions I had been subjected to. I had the opportunity for a fresh start—one where I could prioritize my well-being and pursue a path that respected my time and effort. Staying in a job that had drained me physically and emotionally simply wasn’t worth it anymore.
In retrospect, I now understand that fair compensation goes beyond monetary value. It is fundamentally about respect—about being acknowledged for the work you do and the value you bring. When individuals feel valued, they are more likely to go above and beyond. However, when they are not respected, they will ultimately leave. And that is exactly what I did.