I’m one of those people who hates to work with the public. Give me my solitude and I am quite happy; make me deal with people and I turn into a monster. I should say that I turn into an inner monster with an outward, plastered-on stupid grin and glazed expression, that is; I’m much to shy to really tell people off. But put me in a customer service job and I am not a happy camper.

That said, I’ve always said that everyone should have to work in customer service for at least three months, for the following reasons…

10. Skills

Working in customer service helps you develop all kinds of skills—from patience to multitasking, cooking to cleaning, math to diplomacy… Actually, it’s like an education, isn’t it?

9. Empathy

When you see yourself represented in customers—whether they are complaining or acting ridiculous or making messes for you to clean up—you really develop a sense of empathy for the workers behind the counter. You might even try to be a better customer.

8. Appreciation

This goes hand-in-hand with number nine. Not only do you appreciate what customer service workers go through; you also appreciate their typically meager salaries and benefits.

7. Communication

If you’re a shy little bug like me, working with the public is one of the best ways to really get to talk to people. You’re pretty much forced to do it, after all; you can’t just check people out or give them their food silently. (Well, you can, but it’s rare, I think.)

6. Experience

When you’re young and you need to build your resume—or have some job history for school, an internship, whatever—it’s nice to have a track record.

5. Recommendations

Customer service jobs deal with so many different things that getting a recommendation from a boss in this sector can be very beneficial. He or she can extol your team working skills, communication prowess, multi-tasking abilities, and more. So don’t throw pickles on the ceiling.

4. Knowledge

Once you know what goes in that food, you may never wish to eat it again. On the other hand…

3. Benefits

Depending on where you work, you can get discounts, free food, and other perks—just what a broke high school or college kid could use while they’re starting out. Some stores and restaurants also provide help with college funds.

2. Understanding of People

I think retail, fast food, and other customer service gigs really exist as an experiment in sociology. After a few months, you’ll know more about people than you ever did before—from accents to preferences, prejudices to just how strange people will dress when coming through the drive-thru at two A.M.

1. You Learn to Kiss A**

This is a very valuable skill you will need with family members, jobs, politicians, law enforcement, and pretty much anyone else you encounter. Of course, on the flip side, you can learn to not suck up—which is pretty empowering.