My First Job (and the Moment My Innocence Clocked Out)

My first job taught me exactly one thing: the public is feral.

Customers were rude. The hours were long. The pay was offensive. And yet, I showed up — because independence tasted better than comfort.

I learned how to fake professionalism. How to swallow irritation. How to survive on a paycheck that disappeared instantly.

That job taught me accountability, work ethic, and how not to treat people. It wasn’t glamorous, but it shaped me.

I walked in a kid and clocked out someone who knew how the world actually works.

Tomorrow’s prompt: A trend I participated in that I’ll never defend.