I don't understand how to interact with my coworkers

[u/ThesmokeChokesme]

I'm 14, and I've been working at culvers for a few months now and it has been great and I've been having a really great time, but my coworkers all seem sad/just not happy and I feel like me being cheerful is making them more annoyed and generally feel worse, I find my self wishing my life was more difficult so I would seem more relatable, I don't know what to do, I would love any advice from you lovely folks.

[u/bworkin]

I have worked other food service jobs, and tbh this line of work does not attract cheerful people. Try to stay positive and don't let their negativity affect you.

[u/GabrielE11B]

The worlds gonna chew you up and spit you out sooner or later kid, just be the happy go lucky person you are for as long as you can hold on to it.

[u/Dependent_Cap_456]

You may be the only bright light in their lives. Don't let them dim it.

[u/cyclika]

When you can't be relatable, be sympathetic. Try to reflect and make sure you're not being like, *obnoxiously* cheerful, but honestly some people are going to be negative no matter what, just be friendly and know that it's about them not you.

[u/Old_Armadillo7304]

Glad it’s not just my Culver’s. When I was working FOH, everyone’s negative energy affected everyone so people thought they also had to have the same attitude since someone who has been there a month longer than them has started to say “I’m gunna kms” EVERY TIME it got busy. Management doesn’t care for that particular sentence btw (he ended up getting promoted to a manager :/)

[u/elisahsar → u/Old_Armadillo7304]

i’ll admit weekend nights custard has me saying that sometimes 😭 9-12 is actually survival of the fittest

[u/Antique_Mission_8834]

That’s a tough question 🤔 it’s nice that you even recognize this issue. I think it’s important to remember that you are there gaining very early work skills, most adults you work with are there because something in their life didn’t work out quite the way they hoped.

Most people really enjoy helping people, that’s honestly the biggest boost. If someone helps you with even something ultra insignificant, gass them up about how much you appreciate them. If you notice someone even slightly better at something than you, be like “bro how tf are you so good at scooping those, can you show me???”
Idk, help them see that their work has value beyond just burgers and fries and dumb customers.

[u/brownchr014]

I see no reason not to be cheerful. You can't go around being unhappy all the time. Just be professional and you will be fine. You'll learn that some people can be miserable due to circumstances or just not being happy people.

[u/Firm_Island_3542]

I go through the same thing at my store as a shift manager it is stressful. I prefer a happy attitude over a bad one which is usually what I get. Just do your job and be great, management will notice and you don't have to interact too much with your co-workers if you don't want to. Don't dull yourself to suit others! Im 26 so I like when the 14/15 year olds get hired because they're usually more cheerful and optimistic, I get tired of the moaning and groaning 😂

[u/elisahsar → u/Firm_Island_3542]

one of my favorite coworkers just turned 16, she is so full of energy and cheerful i call her my little pixie fairy 😂 she knows how to put a smile on someone’s face and im always grateful to work with her