Bingo. It's a place to build a resume, a work history, and maybe a job network. Shows that you can reliably show up on time, follow basic instructions and not make customers angry.
Nothing wrong with working at McDonalds. It's a job, and honest work at that. But, in general, you're not going to be promoted from slinging burgers at the counter, to a corner office in a Fortune 100 firm. There are a number of steps that need to be taken to that end, and "first job" is one of them. :-)
I tell ya, I look at a lot of entry level hires (out of college) in my job. I never cease to be amazed at what walks in the door. They could do with some basic job skills....showing up on time, dressing appropriately, not cursing at the interviewer (me) and so on.
The thing that amazes me, truly astounds me in fact is the venom directed towards people who work hard and want to make a little more.
I cannot believe the lack of empathy towards people who would like to make a living wage. The same people who will comment on jobless rate and stick their tongue out at Obama and comment, and rightfully so that he has been a disaster for the economy can turn around and say oh just get a better job. These are the jobs this economy is creating. We are not creating low skill entry positions where a person can work hard and better themselves. Those jobs are the scarcest of the scarce.
I refrained from making this statement early but now i guess i will. The problem is capitalism. There. Now flame me. I’m not advocating communism,socialism or anything else but merely pointing out a flaw. what is the ultimate goal of capitalism? The greatest production with the fewest employees. That is the goal. That is maximization of profits. That problem is put off by new technologies but each growth cycle spurred by innovation needs fewer workers because its building on other new technology.
I don’t know the answer and this is not directed at you although i don’t think i’ve been venomous in my little missive. Oh i’ve been on wall Street for 30 years and the whole fewer workers producing more is something i have witnessed in this industry and others many times over.
I’d rather not answer 100 attacks but i suppose i will.