Feature Issue on Employment and IDD

There you go, ma’am, thank you very much. Thanks for coming to Pizza Ranch.

I’m just starting my shift at Pizza Ranch. I work four-hour shifts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Today I’m working at the cash register and later will be busing tables. I greet customers, help clean up, pretty much whatever is needed.

It’s real busy today and we’re understaffed. Lot of times, I eat lunch here before I start. The chicken is my favorite, and I like pineapple and sausage pizza. I get free food and tips, plus my paycheck. I also greet customers and when they’re leaving, I say thank you for coming. I think it helps with the tips. Most customers seem like they’re having a good day when they’re here.

When I’m off, I play video games and watch movies. On the video games I hunt and fish. I go with people in my group home to movies every week. They’re OK, but I want to save up to live alone. I want to get a two-bedroom place so my kids can visit. I have four kids in their 20s and teens. They’re scattered around the state. I’m proud that they see me working.

I’m kind of good at this work, but I sometimes have to ask for help because I’m forgetful. They aren’t mean about it, though. They’re nice. It’s good to have people at work that help me out.

I like making money so I’m able to go out and do things. I worked in the rug department at HomeGoods for a year, but it was a lot of heavy lifting.

As long as I can work, I don’t want to retire. It’s good to get out of the house and make a little money. I spend it on video games, Netflix, and other entertainment. I don’t have Netflix right now, but I will when I get paid. I like the Fast and Furious movies.

I grew up in St. Paul in a big family, but a lot of them are gone now. I had kids with two different girls, but I’m not with anyone now. I’m not sure if I want to do that again. I don’t really have buddies either. Now that I’m making money, some people try to take advantage of me. It’s tough.

I do have some friends here at work. It can get a little stressful when we’re busy. People want things on demand. It’s easier for me to build them a pizza than to look up the combinations on the register. At first, I thought I’d stay away from cashiering, so I started in the back, cooking. That didn’t go so well, so now I’m at the cash register and I’m good with customers.