What Do You Mean, Job Security?

Does the world of the part-time job still seem filled with slave-driving bosses, crazy hours, low pay, and crummy conditions? Okay, you would probably encounter one or more of these no matter where you work.

Trying to put up with it all becomes a little easier if you can get some perspective. One friend of mine told me, “In a part-time job you are paid according to how easy you are to replace, not necessarily for how hard the work is.” In other words, waitresses and busboys -- who are easy to replace and make a lot less than, say a library attendant. Sure a busboy probably works harder. But workers qualified for library work are few and far between. Their boss wants to hang on to them, so they get paid more.

I have a piece of advice to you, “Don’t take it seriously.” Suppose the boss yells at you for making a mistake on the job. Instead of getting angry or holding your resentment inside, give yourself a break. Mistakes happen. If it was your fault, admit it and determine to do better next time. Learning not take your job too seriously also puts your work in proper perspective.