How do you cope with working fast food/retail?

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I work fast food and it’s insanely overwhelming. I’ve been trying to find a new job, but I’m still waiting for places to call me back. I want to know how others cope with it, the struggles it gives you because you’re autistic, etc. It’s mainly out of curiosity, but I also need help coping.

Retail is much better than fast food, especially if you are in stock or receiving. People will stay in retail, mostly as a side job, for years. Most burn out of fast food within a year. Retail is also more willing to make accommodations for those that have disabilities. Working for a grocery store is the best option. Many have unions and allow for advancement. Plus it is much better working conditions.

Looking back on working in fast food, I remember stressing out over every little thing. Things that were out of my control, like bad customers and incompetent supervisors. The best advice I think of is to stick with it. Eventually, you will get better at your job and it will become easier. Also, leave work at work. This can be difficult ( I am still working on this myself), but is essential if you don't want to drive yourself crazy. Having goals outside of work help. Going to school, hobbies, or learning new skills will put everything in better perspective. It will also give you an opportunity to move on later to a better job.

Just don't eat the food (unless you prepare it yourself that is). I worked at Mcdonalds in the UK and I have seen what they do with the burgers and buns there!

If you have a chance, you could pick less busy hours and locations to work taco bell

Sometimes you don't have a choice

Line cook

Janitor

Freight, stocker, bookkeeper

Back office

Corporate office

Telecommute

I couldn't work in fast food. It would be too stressful and I'd be eating all the food.

Retail would be great for me if it wasn't for screaming kids. The sound (and sight) of young children is a huge sensory issue for me.

i'm amazed i was able to do fast food at all. i musta been running on fumes.

It would be great apart from the....

screaming kids (auditory)
noisy kitchen (auditory)
visual busyness (visual busyness)
lack of being able to get on with the public (communication disorder)
lack of being able to get on with other staff (communication disorder)
the smell of the food (Olfactory hypersensitivity) (I am also vegetarian)
being too busy (stress related problems)

hate retail

Retail was ok from my experience but I didn't enjoy it as I have anticipated and worked in a few food places. The last one being in a restaurant that did Chinese cruisines.

It was overwhelming for so many reasons. I don't actually miss it truthfully. Gone are the days of coming home and having meltdowns.

Being a delivery guy seems nicer but it's so uncertain but certainly pays more than working as a waiter.

the worst was rude customers, many of whom had hulking boyfriends.