The Snack Shack Job Analysis

When I was 14, I was given an opportunity to work during the summer at a small corner store in Downtown Nashville. On the hot summer days and nights, people would stop by for a cold drink, a quick snack, or a random item of convenience. Whether they ordered a hot dog, lighter, aspirin or a pack of cigarettes; my responsibility at the “Snack Shack” was to provide quick and friendly service. It only paid minimum wage, but I quickly learned that a great attitude and smile resulted in plenty of extra tips. While I really enjoyed earning the much needed spending money, I later realized that this job also provided me with some real insight into the lives of others.
A wide cross-section of people like tourists, bachelor party revelers, street performers, construction workers, police officers and homeless veterans would regularly stop by the Snack Shack. Over time conversations and courtesies developed into friendships. I quickly learned how lucky I was; that life could be very different outside my suburban bubble. I saw others struggling for shelter, food, or money. In this short time the experiences and conversations would help me grow as a person and transition into adulthood.
I developed a daily
It was easy to tell they had a little too much to drink. One of the men came out with a bar stool on his head. At the time this seemed like a hilarious stunt, but in the end it turned out to be no laughing matter. Upon stumbling out of the bar, the man was confronted by the doorman for not paying his tab. Things escalated quickly and punches were thrown. Within minutes police were on the scene and the man was handcuffed and on his way to jail. Even though I was just 14, I saw the potential result of that one foolish decision. It made a lasting impact on me to look at the unintended consequences and to really examine and think about situations and