Just Like Swazye

By Jaimie Gleissner

Tunes: “(I've Had) The Time of My Life” - Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

If you're thinking about getting into seasonal work, you should probably watch Dirty Dancing first. The movie, starring Patrick Swazye and Jennifer Grey, encompasses all that is seasonal work. However, believe it or not, the flick does exaggerate a few things. After watching the movie (for the thousandth time), I've compiled a list of scenarios in the movie that will help you gage the likelihood of your summer being like Johnny's.

Scene: “I carried a watermelon.”

Who can forget when the Swaze marches up to Baby and asks to know what she's doing at the party? Baby's awkward interaction with Johnny calls attention to two major aspects of the job: socializing with coworkers and socializing with guests. Let's start by discussing crew dynamics. Baby follows Johnny's cousin to crew quarters to discover a sweet dance party going on after hours, and it's likely (pending staff chemistry) that there will be opportunities to cut loose after work. Just be careful to observe your employer's code of conduct; don't risk your job just to have a good time. Unfortunately, not every job boasts a fun crew. Each new crew is a toss-up, and people don't always click. Advice: arrive on location ready to work, and the fun will work itself out.

As for socializing with the guests, every establishment is different. Remember how hostile Johnny was when Baby showed up? Well, he had good reason to act that way. For those of you who have never lived at work, crew quarters are a sacred place. Rooms designated for staff aren't just other places at work, they're the staff's home for the season. Lodges, ranches, and other seasonal operations cater to the guests, and most establishments have clear boundary lines between crew and guest areas. Common areas and living spaces provide a sanctuary for crew to vent about demanding guests without hurting the tip pool. That said, some guests are pretty cool and may want to partake in staff outings. Here are a few things to keep in mind when socializing with guests off the clock:

-Could my actions negatively affect my tips?

-Will being drunk around a guest get back to my boss?

-Will this cost me my job?

Every place will expect a different level of employee-guest interaction; it's important to use discretion.

Scene: Baby and Johnny Get it On

I hate to be the barer of bad news, but you're more likely to have a Penny style , back-ally abortion than to fall in love with a guest. However, each season does present the opportunity for sparks to fly. I know plenty of people who have met the love of their life on location. Still, I know more people (myself included) who have anxiously walked into a second season, nervously anticipating the first interaction with a former fling. Fraternizing with patrons is generally frowned upon. After all you've been hired to make their stay pleasant. Then again, you're hired to make their stay pleasant. Johnny made out with fat tips before he ruined things by falling in love with Baby. I'm not condoning prostitution, merely advising you, once again, to use your best discretion. Remember, if someone can deliver a line that can compete with “nobody puts Baby in a corner,” go for it. He/she is clearly a keeper.

Scene: Closing the Season with an Impromptu Dance Number

This happens every season no matter where you are because the Pachanga is overrated, and Johnny always does the last dance of the season! (Sorry, I got carried away.)

Ok fine, you probably won't end the season with a sweet, seemingly impromptu yet perfectly choreographed, dance number, but that doesn't mean you'll ever forget the months you've spent forging friendships and sharing one of a kind experiences. Or you could talk it over with your coworkers and see if you can come up with a few moves. I'm just saying, it would be awesome.