In case you haven’t heard, four-time MVP Peyton Manning has been released from his job.  I was released from a job once.  It wasn’t pleasant.  His job, however, was as quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.  So, our releases are probably slightly different.

I was 15 and just started my very first job at a fast food place.  My dad, a wholesale grocer, pulled some strings to get me work with one of his customers as he did with my older brother and sister.  All I can say is that I tried.  I was so nervous about being late I had my mom drop me off 15 minutes early.  Plus, I concentrated so much I hardly dared smile.  Great start for a customer-service oriented business. 

My first assignment was working the drive-thru window.  This was in the days before headsets and fancy equipment.  I had a microphone and a speaker.  Most of the time people would sound a lot like Charlie Brown’s teacher.  “Welcome to Frosty Freeze, may I take your order?”  I’d try to show enthusiasm but I was so anxious it probably came out sounding like a mix of Bobcat Goldthwait and Howie Mandel. 

“Waa-waa-waa, waa-waa (muffle), waa, waa Coke, please.” Is what I heard in return.

“Can you repeat that?” I’d ask.  Sometimes, after the 5^th or 6^th attempt I’d have them pull to the window and tell me in person. 

If my trainer was nearby she’d whisper to me, “They want a Crown Combo with a small order of fries.”  It was amazing how well she could understand CharlieBrownTeacher talk. 

I was happy I understood one customer’s request.  “Peanut butter ice-cream.”

But I had never heard of that flavor.  I asked him to wait a moment and I found my trainer.  “Do we have Peanut butter ice-cream?”  I asked.

She smiled and shook her head.  “I think somebody is messing with you.”

I went back to the microphone and shared my regrets with the customer.  “No, we do not have any Peanut butter ice-cream.”  I thought I heard a giggle but he ordered hamburgers.  When the car pulled up to the window I was surprised to see my dad and mom in the car.  Oh, it was a joke.  By my own dad.  Ha, ha.

One particularly busy Friday night I was pulled off window duties and helped with the front counter.  A big, burly man came to the counter with a bag and yelled at me for messing up his order.  Thinking back, I don’t know why a messed up fast food order garnered such an intense reaction from the customer.  I’m sure we’ve all had fast food mix-ups (lookin at you Wendy’s).  Sure, it’s annoying when I have to go back in and complain but I’ve never felt the need to yell at the minimum wage employee standing on the other side of the counter.  However, this customer ripped me a new one in front of everyone.  I got red in the face and then the tears started flowing.

Shortly after that, my mom received a call from my boss saying, “Corina shouldn’t bother coming into work again.”  My vindication is that the place, a locally owned fast food joint, only lasted a couple years longer.  The building has been used for a variety of places since.  Almost like a jinx.  But I don’t believe in that stuff – but if I did, it would feel pretty good.

Anyway, Peyton Manning was released from his job just like I was.  Well, almost.  Except for the millions of dollars.  And the publicity.  And the other teams in hot pursuit of him.  And the fact he’s actually good at his job.  Take those things away and we pretty much have the same story.  I should send him a note encouraging him and letting him know he can give me a call if it gets too rough. 

Buck up, P, it will get better!