Meet Natalie...

Why did you start at McDonald’s?

I chose McDonald’s originally for the flexibility and then the apprenticeship was mentioned to me by a senior member of staff about a year in. I have worked at McDonald’s for two and a half years now.

What do you like most about working at McDonald’s?

The thing I like most about working at McDonald’s is the opportunities and flexibility – having children, I can work my shifts around childcare and any of their activities.

I also like the development, like being able to do the apprenticeship. At my age I feel like all my learning is done, but having the opportunity to go back into education – that was really special to me.

How has the flexibility of your role helped you live the life you want?

The flexibility enables me to be a mum as well as a working mum. Normally I have to give up one or the other but now I can get a good balance of working life and then having that time with my children. They play football and one of them goes to dance so I am able to go and see their performances and I don’t miss out on anything.

The flexibility was the main reason why I came to McDonald’s. It can work around your children or your childcare. My children do a lot of activities (football and dance) and I don’t get to miss the performances or matches.

My daughter as well, Bethany – I advised her to go to McDonald’s for the flexibility because she was starting college in September. She was able to earn herself a little money and still get her education at the same time.

What has been your most proud moment at McDonald’s?

I’m so proud of many moments. Finishing my apprenticeship would definitely be up there. That was proud for me on a personal level because sometimes when you are at home (I was a stay at home mum for a long time) you become a mum and nothing else.

That was the first thing of me where I have done this and I’m not just a mum.

And then there was the RMHC charity event – I love RMHC, I am a massive supporter. We put together a great big Disney themed charity event. It was a massive team effort and was by far the best charity event I have ever been involved in – so I was very proud to be a part of that.

How are you encouraged to be yourself at work?

I am encouraged to be myself by the way we communicate with the customers. Our BM is very big on how people don’t want to be served by a robotic person. He likes to see our personalities come through when we are serving and interacting with the customers, as it makes it feel more authentic and generally more welcoming.

He plays to our strengths. He knows us well, he knows our skill sets, so he will give us tasks that go with our skill sets.

How is the social life at McDonald’s? Have you made friends?

I have made loads of friends since joining McDonald’s. Some I get along with on shift, and then there are others I actually do extra activities with outside of work. One of my best friends has just done her SLC so now I am going through it and she is helping me. I love the social aspect of McDonald’s. I love the range of people you meet – there are no two people the same.

What do you do when you are not working?

I like to watch movies and I like to spend time with my family. I have four children, so I like making the most of that down time.

So you suggested to your daughter Beth that she come and work with you?

I suggested it to Beth when she left full time high school, because I knew the flexibility so she could work and go to college and get some money for herself. She was a little nervous but I said ’it’s alright, I’m there’.

Do you think your other children will come and work with you?

Hopefully I’ll recruit them all. My next eldest is 14, so you never know – in the next few years he may be on his way.