Thread by @digitalsista

Let me tell you about a moment in time while I was living in the projects in Harlem. Then I'm going to get back work and do a few re-organizing tasks.

I was about ten. And it was clear to me my world was changing. I was never sure if others saw it the way I did.

it was during the time I was playing video games at the arcade room. fighting up against the boys I was beating and the store owner that didn't really want me there cause he couldn't make any money.

One day my two BFFs come to me and tell me about a job. They were so excited

Extra money was something I was completely down for. Cause I was poor. And they didn't know it at the time but I was basically down for whatever with them. They were my crew.

I show up to the supermarket a few doors down from the arcade room with them. I'm given the 411. the gig is packing bags.

Now, of course, there is an art to it. I have to learn it. We all do it together. Until they eventually stop doing it. yup, they bounced and I stayed.

now I actually have a schedule and a cashier that I report to. She teaches me all the tricks. it started out mostly on the weekends. so eventually I stop going to Sunday school.

And since the church is on the opposite corner of the arcade room my ex sunday school teacher eventually comes in to buy groceries in my line. So I have to pack her bags. She, of course, scolds me about church. and I shrug and say I need the money. So she tips me and leaves.

Soon my skills and punctuation turn heads and other cashiers want me to pack for them. My cashier is really getting cagey about anyone finding out how good I am. At the time I'm not sure why.

I was the only girl. I always seem to be so I didn't realize that the other bag packers were boys. Remember my friends bounced and l stayed.

What I learned eventually was that there were cashiers that never wanted girls to pack for them.

Me:

now you have to understand. At this point in my life, I don't get the gender thing. I'm really freaking clueless. But I did notice the head cashier was considered the big boss. But she was a woman. All the cashiers were. But she ESPECIALLY would NOT let girls pack for her.

so as I notice my cashier getting antsy. I paid closer attention to the big boss and the boys. I learn a few things. Even though everyone that comes through are my neighbors. Big boss cashier treats the ones in her line differently.

what I also learn is that even though we all work for tips. The boys got bigger tips.

but they were never punctual, didn't keep a schedule, were unreliable. gone days at a time with no notice.

of course, this moment of learning will never change.

the best one only showed up when he needed money. And he only worked for the big boss. That's when I figured out why my cashier was so cagey.

so the day happens. Big boss lady comes over to my cashier and tells her that one of her best customers is in her line with a huge order. she needs me to help her.

the look on my cashier's face said everything. It was about to be over. But she asks me to do it anyway.

now as I'm going over big boss lady is giving me the rundown. She needs speed. accuracy and I CAN NOT break the eggs. She will help me when I get stuck. (me: when?)

Then she says that she moves fast and I have to keep up.

Me:

Ready. set. go.....
I pack those bags in that shopping cart so fast and stacked so well she can't keep up.

Even her customer is watching and responding with absolute shock. (also a woman)
Me:

Customer tips me big. I've never been tipped like that before. And then it clicks that's why he only works for her. big $$ shorter time.

I go back to my cashier and big boss lady is like you've been hiding her haven't you?

cashier:

Big boss lady tells me she's never seen a girl do what I did. Now it begins. the battle over me with the cashiers. And the boys hating my existence. AGAIN!!

that last part will literally NEVER change.

remember I'm 10 and now showing up to a hostile work environment. I don't know what that is at the time. But eventually when it all shakes out. I only work for Big Boss lady. She tells that dude he's good but unreliable. I'm now making about $25+ a day every time I go to work.