THE TALL ATTENDANT

I got excited when I saw ‘The First Job’, as the next weekly featured content on Hive learners. There are lots of good memories about them. Technically, I had my first job during my undergraduate days, and I had my actual career job (the one you get after graduation, serving the country, and some training) a year after my service year. I am confused about which to talk about, as they offered different experiences for me.

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Today, though, I’ll talk about my first job as an undergraduate student.

At the end of my second year in university, I decided to know what it was like to work, get paid, and make myself useful. I told my parents to find me a decent place where I could work. My dad was against the idea and said that I shouldn’t have to worry and that he’d take care of me and buy me everything I wanted. I remember telling him that I just wanted to know what it was like to earn my own money. My mom called a few people and, after some time, asked if I was ready to work as an attendant at a restaurant. I was excited when she took me to the interview the next day; she was there with me. This was the year 2015.

The interviewer asked if I had ever done such a job before, and I said no. I promised to work hard and be dedicated. He mentioned that there were three shifts from Monday to Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., and that no matter what I do, I must choose two of these shifts and that they would be rotated weekly. I chose the first two shifts because my house is outside town and it’ll be difficult to get home when it gets too late. He also mentioned that my monthly salary would be #14,000 ($18.41), and #2,000 ($2.63) would be saved every month and would be collated and given to me upon my resignation. Also, I have access to one free meal worth #300 ($0.39) per shift. ‘At least I won’t starve’, I remember thinking. I agreed to everything. After the interview, I was told to resume on Monday.

I saw my dad later that evening and told him, and he agreed reluctantly after protesting vehemently against the afternoon shift that ends by 10:00 p.m. I had to ask him to pick me up at the end of work so he could ensure my safety, which he did consistently for the duration of the time I spent working at that restaurant.

I started the job earnestly. I was on my feet most of the time; if I am not attending to customers, I am getting freshly made food from the kitchen or cleaning up. My feet hurt afterwards, and I fall asleep the moment I am home. It was physically draining, and it took a while to get used to it. We sold everything you can eat in the south west, a bit of cake, and snacks. I was referred to as ‘the tall attendant’ by customers who didn’t know my name.

After two weeks on the job, they set me aside for some time to count money. I would go to the boss’s office, arrange the money into its different denominations, count them, and record them. I take them to the bank to deposit them once they give me the go-ahead. It made me feel good about myself; it meant that they trusted me, but it also meant that my punishments would be worse if I offended. Tardiness was my only offence, especially when I was on morning shifts. Sometimes, I am told to do a full day, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., for either that day or the whole week; mind you, I would only eat once as it is a punishment. Either that or you would be stuck washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, or doing kitchen duty. I would rather do the full day.

I also suffered sexual molestation from my boss twice. I ran on the first instance and issued a warning on the second instance. I told him I would tell his wife and his first daughter. He didn’t try again after that.

I had to resign two weeks before school resumed. I was celebrated when I left. My parents were invited, and they were praised for raising an honest young lady. I was also given provisions like beverages, noodles, and other stuff I would need in school, including cash gifts.

What lesson did I learn? I learned that it is good to be hardworking and honest. All those errands and punishments pushed me to become a better person. Wherever I am, I know that these people can vouch for my character. Your name should also be something you protect. You shouldn’t let it be tainted by thievery, laziness, deceit, dirtiness, and all sorts of negative things.

I went back after I graduated because I needed money to save up for my service year because my dad died a few months before my graduation. May Clement’s soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. I smiled while I was writing this story, and I realised again that you were always with me when you were alive. I love you, and I miss you so much!