Senior Employee

The longest job I've ever held, is my current job. I've been there almost eight years, sometimes it feels longer, other times it feels like I started just yesterday.

When I was first hired I didn't know what to expect in terms of how long I'd be staying. I was in need of work after returning home from my first attempt at moving out of my hometown. Things didn't work out and I was back, and in need of work. I took what I could find that paid decent and gave me hours I was capable of working.

Actually, I had another offer before I took my current job, and didn't like it. It was for another convenience store that offered lower than asking pay with strange hours. I didn't like it and in my own desperation sought an interview elsewhere in hopes of finding a better deal, which is what I got. If I didn't like it, I could always look elsewhere later. Main point was I had a job, could find an apartment, and be that adult my Mother wanted me to be.

Over the years I've seen the good and the bad. Right now I've been there longer than anyone else, including my current manager. I've worked almost every shift, the only exception being opening. I know my way around the store, got to see it remodeled this past fall, seen regulars come and go. Some days it makes me feel old, even though I'm still in my twenties.

It's done a lot of good for me though. It built up my self confidence, something I lost during my brief time living in Florida. I made a few friends over the years who have drifted in and out of my life. At times I've witnessed some pretty scary things, such as fights or the one time I watched a guy OD right in front of the door after lock up. Scariest thing I ever saw. We were there later than usual due to having to call rescue, talk to the police, and wait for the ambulance to pull out of the parking lot so my co worker and I could leave.

In many ways, things stay constant. Sometimes the crowds change, but their behaviors remain the same. Young adults hang out all day loitering, elderly customers come into get their coffee and tickets and just hang out for the afternoon. Families take their kids in for dessert or a post-game treat during the summer. At the same time some customers tell me they like I'm still around, because I am familiar in the sometimes revolving door that is the rest of the staff.

It's driven me crazy at times, but I know I'll probably miss it when it's my time to leave. I know I'm nearing the end of my time there. Could be next year, could be a few years from now. I just know that one day somebody else will become the senior employee.