This might seem like a strange topic; I haven't really seen anyone else write about it.
I work at a nursing home as a waitress. Contrary to people's beliefs, it is not a very glamorous job like they portray it in the movies. I serve people who eat with their mouths open and ask for more food while there is food hanging off their chins. In the mornings, I serve prune juice and am explained to why it is needed. (TMI!) Maybe girls who serve in regular restaurants get that Hollywood effect, but I highly doubt it. No matter where you work, there will be customers yelling at you to get them something.
Sounds like I'm complaining, right?
Yeah, a little bit.
Today, I spent seven hours serving the elderly people. It's a work out. While I was serving them, I realized that I sound so different than I usually do. I was trying to be polite as possible, trying to make everyone happy by getting their orders quickly, and making them laugh. Several months back when I started, I was not like this at all. I was quiet and to be honest, did not want to work there at all.
Everyone who worked there said this job would age me quickly. I believed them and over the months working there, I dreaded going in for my shifts. I knew the old people would yell at me because I couldn't get their orders right. It was more of a state of mind. Since other people had such a bad time working there, I conformed to that state of mind and began to hate my job.
In the past few month or so, something changed me. I figured as long as I had to be there, I'd make the most of it. I had been constantly frustrated and depressed while there, so by changing my attitude I had nothing to lose. Now, I don't mind working there. I think it's because I have grown to respect the elderly. I used to shoot them down and not be pleasant. I think it's because I see that some of them are lonely and if they're grumpy and take it out on me, it's because they aren't used to talking to people. I try hard to be kinder to the people that frustrate me the most. The people who change their orders all the time. The people who complain about their food. But most of all, the people who sit by themselves.
It's really easy to be nice to the people who are nice back. It's difficult to be kind to those who are mean. This job is constantly helping me become more patient and respectful.
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You are learning conflict management, patience, compassion, empathy, and self control at this job! Now THAT's a valuable benefits package! Good work. A lot of people would miss all those lessons because they're too focused on the negatives.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Sounds like a very interesting job and at the same time you are able to provide companionship to these elderly people, even if it is for a short time, bringing them their order, making them laugh and smile. I don't think a lot of people would survive long working in that environment, so good for you! Sounds like you have learned a lot that you can apply to your daily life outside of your job as well.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/kelliecor