Company: McDonald-s
Date: 2021-03-16
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: former
Experience level: Confirmed

It is what it is, can't complain
Pros: Great for a first job, I joined during my A levels so I could easily earn whilst working part time, it worked around my studies even at university. There are McDonalds anywhere and everywhere so it was really easy for me to temporarily change stores while I was studying in another city. 

You can book time off regularly or easily swap shifts with other people, although changing your set availability is hard to do.

Social life can be good: You meet a lot of life long friends there's also a team social which you typically get to pitch ideas for i.e. paintballing, work drinks.

Easy progression, I joined at 16 and was promoted with a pay rise by 17 and had opportunities to pursue management. Typically if you can do the job, follow most the regulations your work is recognised by management and you can get promotions. Of course this will depend on the management team from store to store, there have been cases where personal politics can get involved but I think it has gotten much better over the years.

Generally I don't regret my time there, it's a fun job you meet some nice people. At the end of the day if you leave by the time you're in your 20s the job shouldn't drive you insane.
Cons: Very very difficult to get more senior positions once you've reached the management. There are very few senior roles available for 1st Assistant, 2nd Assistant etc... and they are very competitive. Some people have been working at the same store for over a decade and still can't get the senior role they want.

Typical retail / service industry problems you get rude or threatening customers, it can be more frustrating when management won't take your side just to keep the customer happy.

Pay could still be better for management especially. With the amount of work that is asked of them £9/10 an hour is NOT enough - people in non-management positions get paid more at other retail stores.

Managers should take the crew's concerns surrounding sexist, homophobic, racist remarks on shift more seriously even if it is just the kids making "edgy" jokes.