‘Three generations of our family work in McDonald’s’

Annmarie and her father Ken reveal the flexibility and fun that makes their jobs so rewarding.

Promotional feature with McDonald’s

Annmarie: ‘I started work at McDonald’s when I was 16. Everyone at school was joining, so I did too. After college, I decided I didn’t want to do the career I’d been studying, so I stayed at McDonald’s and progressed. First, I became shift manager, then I ran numerous restaurants around the Liverpool area. Four years ago, I was promoted to consultant, then in June, I was given an opportunity to do a two-year secondment. I now work on the education and learning development team.

‘After my Dad retired, I suggested he come to work McDonald’s, too. He needed to keep busy.’

Ken: ‘She wouldn’t let me retire! She said, ‘Dad you’re doing nothing all day’. So it’s a break for me because otherwise I’d just be sitting in the house. I only work one day a week, though. The rest of the time, I spend doing what I want to do. I’ve been at McDonald’s for 11 years now and I’m still enjoying it.’

A: ‘We worked together for four years and it was generally very good, I think he got well looked after. He’s quite a fun person to be around.’

K: ‘My wife says I get a lot of challenges working at McDonald’s. I like working with the young ones best because they keep me up to date with music.’

A: ‘I see the benefits of what McDonald’s can do in terms of bringing on someone’s confidence. It’s a huge family thing now. At the moment, we’ve got three generations of our family working in McDonald’s; my dad, myself and my son, who’s been working for two years and you can see his confidence has developed. He’s currently studying at university, so it allows him to work shifts when he wants to.

‘Throughout my career working at McDonald’s, it’s benefitted me at different times – when I was younger, it supported me while I was studying at college, then when I had my son, it was flexible. It gave me a balance to be able to handle work as a full-time mum and also to take my son to swimming, so it worked well.

‘I think the thing that’s really kept me at McDonald’s is the people. No matter what restaurant or department you work in, you’ve got a set of people there to support you. Young or old, you work as a team.’

Ken’s quick-fire quiz

Big Mac or Quarter Pounder: Quarter Pounder

Milkshake or McFlurry: McFlurry

French Fries or Salad: French Fries

Chicken Nuggets or Chicken Selects: Chicken Selects

Early Bird or Night Owl: Early Bird

Annmarie’s quick-fire quiz

Big Mac or Quarter Pounder: Big Mac

Milkshake or McFlurry: McFlurry

French Fries or Salad: French Fries

Chicken Nuggets or Chicken Selects: Chicken Selects

Early Bird or Night Owl: Early Bird during the week, Night Owl at weekends