“My family wasn’t as well off as some thought, because we hid it really well. Our home wasn’t in the nicest repair, and my grandparents helped my parents more than what my parents thought I knew. We always had what we needed, but only with help from the people around us. That’s where my determination comes in.
I’ve been on my own since I was 18. I left right after graduation; my parents NEVER got along and that’s when it came to a head. Moving out was probably the scariest but best decision I’ve made. I literally had nothing, but I also had EVERYTHING: my peace.
I wanted to go to college, and did go for about a year, but trying to balance work and school was too much, so I made the choice to work only. Turns out, it was a great choice for me:. I’ve been working for McDonald’s restaurant since 2006: I started in the Hanover Township store as a crew person, and after a year, I was promoted to a crew trainer; then, I was promoted again to a manager. Once you hit management, things could take off for you if you put in the hard work, and I did. I was certified in all different levels of management, sent all over for classes, and excelled. I was good at this! I wanted more!
After working in the Hanover store for about eleven years, I got an unexpected call from our owner and operator with an offer I never thought would come my way. She asked, “Would you like to run our Mountain Top location and be our General Manager?” After a few days of weighing the pros and cons, I decided this was it: this the opportunity to take.
At the Mountain Top location, it’s my responsibility to help meet our store goals, maintain operational policies, create and maintain budgets, manage employees, and a lot more. I’d like to think I do make someone’s life better, whether that’s the life of my managers, crew, customers, or people in need at the Ronald’s McDonald Charity House. Working in customer service isn’t always easy, but I think I promote a good culture in my restaurant. I enjoy being a listening ear, and I can start a conversation with anyone!
One of the best parts of the job is the relationships I form with my regular customers. Before they even come through the door or pull through the drive thru, I am getting their orders ready. With new customers, I always make it a point to ask their names and to tell them mine; using people’s names has such an effect on their mood. You never know who or what people have when they go home. For example, we have a regular older gentleman who came in for a coffee every day, and we taught him to use our mobile app so he could earn points to get his wife a free caramel frappe at the end of each week. She wasn’t in good health, and this treat was something she enjoyed before she passed away.
I know most people view this job as a stepping stone, because for many, this is their first time in the workforce. And that’s totally okay! Students have so many perks working at McDonald’s! And, even though some people may not have planned on making a career of it, a lot of our workers make a decent living without student debt. This is also a great job for single parents, or just some wanting side cash.
I hope, when people read this, they’re inspired. Things don’t always go as planned, and you should take any opportunities that may come your way, because you never know where the journey may lead. Don’t be ashamed if college just isn’t an option for you.You can find a silver lining anywhere if you choose to put in the work.”
Holly Gaydosh, 2008
General Manager, McDonald’s
