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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I shouldn't be sneered at for working at McDonald's?

216 replies

Dinkleberg · 11/02/2023 08:15

Regular poster but NC for this. I have a degree. I did have a full time job related to my degree but unfortunately was made redundant whilst on mat leave in October last year (and wasn't entitled to redundancy pay as I'd been there less than 2 years). So when my mat pay ended last month I needed to find a job fairly swiftly! Unfortunately I couldn't find a job related to my degree and bills were piling up, so I applied for anything I could find, and McDonald's came up.

I got the job and am really enjoying it, its it's a 10 minute walk away, the hours fit in perfectly around my children and DHs hours (I do evenings and weekends) and of course it helps pay the bills and put food on the table! I'm starting my Masters in October and again the flexibility the job offers is good.

But recently I had a catch up/conversation with a friend who I hadn't seen for a few months. We talked about what we were doing now etc and when I mentioned I was working at McDonald's she seemed baffled and embarrassed for me? Said "But you have a degree so why are you working there?". When I said it was to pay the bills until I could complete my Masters, and that the hours were perfect for me in terms of childcare ect she was like "But surely anything is better than bloody McDonald's?"

Is working at McDonald's really something to be embarrassed about?? A job is a job surely? And said friend eats at McDonald's so surely she realises someone has to prepare and serve her food? I should say a lot of my colleagues are students.

I left the conversation feeling quite deflated 😞 I know I shouldn't care what others think but I do! Sometimes too much.

YANBU - she's being horrible and you shouldn't be sneered at
YABU - she has a point

OP posts:
HelterSkelter224 · 11/02/2023 08:28

You're absolutely not being unreasonable. McDonalds is known to be an excellent employer, with great progression opportunities if that's what you want and flexibility for your family life. Plus it's a hugely successful (and that's an understatement) much loved global brand. What a snob.

Snoopystick · 11/02/2023 08:29

My son is in 6th form and working part-time in McDonald’s. I know he’s not at the same stage in life as yourself but I think it’s great for skills development. It’s also reliable as an employee for keeping to their rotas. DS girlfriend works as a waitress at a ‘posh’ restaurant and is forever having her shifts cancelled at last minute.

Sellsellseller · 11/02/2023 08:32

McDonald’s is a weird one isn’t it. I think it’s to do with the person themselves. For instance I’m a bit of a snob and wouldn’t work in McDonald’s, but if one of my friends or family said they was, I wouldn’t barter a eye lid or think anything negative, it’s a non issue. I’d be more concerned in if they could get me the odd free breakfast lol

SalmonEile · 11/02/2023 08:32

i know lots of people who have degrees and experience in other jobs who’ve done stints working In McDonald’s between careers and they loved it
My local mcDs has folks from all walks of life working there
your friend is clueless

StampOnTheGround · 11/02/2023 08:34

I worked there for years while getting my degree and then masters, it isn't like people on the outside seem to think - if you're a bit thick you wouldn't get on working there at all, so it's funny that people seem to think these things

WandaWonder · 11/02/2023 08:34

I beleive they have a world class training management program, but regardless to me a job is a job

One is no different to the other

No I not looking for a debate on who needs to study more whatever career type thing I mean people work and get money, it doesn't matter to me what people do for work

Original poster
Dinkleberg · 11/02/2023 08:36

Thanks all, you've all made me feel so much better 😊 We're actually better off now than we were when I worked a regular 9-5 as most of my salary was going on childcare.

OP posts:
Kitkatcatflap · 11/02/2023 08:37

Job snobs are pathetic and totally out of touch. You are doing honest work for pay. Well done for finding suitable work so quickly and good luck with your masters

Waxamole · 11/02/2023 08:39

She’s a dick.

LlynTegid · 11/02/2023 08:39

Having a job that it is a fill-in to earn enough to pay bills why you continue education is good. However, you are part of an organisation that is a significant contributor to poor diet and obesity in this country, so whilst I would not have responded in the way your friend did, I'd be hoping you could find something better.

Knight900 · 11/02/2023 08:39

All I would say OP is your friend sounds a little stupid. Think it about this way you are working for one of the worlds more successful multi billion companies with loads of opportunities. She won’t be saying that when you are suddenly managing multi sites earning great money

people are so short sighted !

just do your thing and ignore crappy comments like that

Pinkstardust · 11/02/2023 08:40

Your friend is an ass .

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 11/02/2023 08:40

I'm in my 40s and remember "do you want to end up working in McDonalds?" regularly being yelled at students who wouldn't listen to teachers. I thought it was awful back then but the fact people still look down on it is depressing.

A job is a job in my eyes

SnowOnTheBeach1 · 11/02/2023 08:41

I'd just look at her and say "You cannot demand a service while simultaneously degrading those who provide it for you"

A job is a job and if it works for you that's all that matters. I've never worked there but i've heard McDonalds are actually a really good employer.

There should be a rule that if you're going to use someones job as an example of failure you shouldn't be allowed to benefit from their work.

MelaniesFlowers · 11/02/2023 08:42

LlynTegid · 11/02/2023 08:39

Having a job that it is a fill-in to earn enough to pay bills why you continue education is good. However, you are part of an organisation that is a significant contributor to poor diet and obesity in this country, so whilst I would not have responded in the way your friend did, I'd be hoping you could find something better.

No it isn’t. People have personal responsibility.

”Better” as in more flexible hours? McDonalds is about the most flexible you can get.

”Better” as in fantastic pay? They pay well over the minimum wage.

”Better” as in better training? Their training programme is widely regarded as the best in the industry.

KattyKattyKatz · 11/02/2023 08:43

IHeartGeneHunt · 11/02/2023 08:27

She's a knob and a job is a job. I've got a degree and I'm a cleaner.

I'm a cleaner too . Best job I've ever had . Own boss and no stress

Original poster
Dinkleberg · 11/02/2023 08:45

@LlynTegid you could say that for a lot of jobs though. Anything that involves driving contributes to pollution and climate change, retail can involve selling cigarettes and alcohol so contributing to addiction etc... Nobody is forced to eat at McDonald's.

OP posts:
YetMoreNewBeginnings · 11/02/2023 08:47

A guy who was in my year at Uni got a job at McDs. Got a lot of sneering. Laughs openly now as he’s stuck with them, has worked his way up and now out earns everyone else!

Disappointingbiscuit · 11/02/2023 08:47

I know what you mean OP, we recently had to move to an area with zero childcare available (really had little choice) so I've had to get a job ASAP that fits around the kids and have ended up in a supermarket. It's flexible af, the team are all lovely and I'm actually earning more money! I'm torn between looking for something "proper" and staying put 😬part of me feels like I would only be looking for a new job for appearances which is daft but I can't shift the feeling that my job isn't good enough...I really like it though!

Motnight · 11/02/2023 08:49

You sound great, Op, your friend isn't very nice.

evtheria · 11/02/2023 08:49

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 11/02/2023 08:40

I'm in my 40s and remember "do you want to end up working in McDonalds?" regularly being yelled at students who wouldn't listen to teachers. I thought it was awful back then but the fact people still look down on it is depressing.

A job is a job in my eyes

In my 30s and remember this, too.

Bitofhelpoverhere · 11/02/2023 08:49

People seem to really look down on retail jobs in general.

SameToo · 11/02/2023 08:51

Tbh it’s a place I think I’d like to work if I gave up my job. They have a training programme, flexible working, seems good to me!

Your friends a twat.

BlessedBeTheFruitCake · 11/02/2023 08:52

Sounds like it works well for you and your family. Your friend is a snob.

quinceh · 11/02/2023 08:52

I think working at McD’s has become stereotypically synonymous with ‘unskilled job ’ in common discourse (like shelf stacking, as another poster has said). So that’s maybe why your friend felt it was ok to say what she did, thoughtless as it was. People are also sometimes quick to ask why you haven’t got a ‘better job’ if you have a degree. None of their biz, but hey. I’d try & shrug it off OP.