Generation Whatever
(I am a student working in a cafeteria. Every semester our schedules change and we are placed at a new station with new people. This is my second year (3rd semester) working here. I always try to be friendly and small talk with my coworkers. It’s about five weeks into the semester, and I have been on my shift alone every time. Finally, two hours into this particular shift, student approaches me.)
Student: “Excuse me. Is this [station name]?”
Me: “Yes. What’s up? Are you here to help?”
Student: “I’m scheduled to be on this station.”
Me: “Oh! They finally scheduled another person! Welcome. I’ll just show you what we’re supposed to do.”
Student: “I’ve been scheduled to work here since the beginning of the year.”
Me: “Really? I haven’t seen you here before. When does your shift start?”
Student: “I’m supposed to get here at 6. I haven’t worked yet.”
Me: “It’s 8. Where have you been?”
Student: “I was asleep. I didn’t feel like coming to work before, so I didn’t.”
Me: “…”
Student: “Can you get in trouble for that?”
Me: “Yes… you could be fired for being two hours late today.”
Student: “Oh.”
(There is a long, awkward silence. Eventually, I decide to break the silence and be friendly.)
Me: “So… what year are you in?”
Student: “I’m a freshman.”
Me: “Oh. How do you like it here so far?”
Student: “It’s okay, I guess.”
Me: “Do you like your classes?”
Student: “No. I’m failing all of them.”
Me: “Oh. That’s a shame. I guess the adjustment can be difficult sometimes. Just keep trying!”
Student: “I haven’t gone to any of my classes. I have a GPA of 0.”
Me: “You know you need a minimum GPA of a 2.0 to keep this job, right?”
Student: “Really? Could I get in trouble for that?”
Me: “Have you been written up for not showing up to work yet?”
Student: “Yeah. 5 times. So what?”
Me: “Nothing…”
(He was eventually fired for unsanitary practices. However, I quit about a month and a half later, only to learn he was somehow rehired and placed back at my station!)
