Sample Solution

In Chapter 9, our undercover reporter/Applebee’s employee gives several reasons for why she finds her work as Applebee’s expeditor gratifying. One of these reasons is feeling part of a larger team effort to bring joy and satisfaction to customers. She notes that “I could see how all the parts worked together and that I did play an important role in making sure it all went smoothly and efficiently so that guests were happy when they left” (Elliott). Thus, through being part of this collective effort, the undercover reporter feels a sense of pride and accomplishment for contributing to customers having positive experiences at Applebee’s.

Another reason why she finds her work gratifying is finding enjoyment from engaging with people every day. The undercover reporter states, “I got to meet lots of different types of people…It was enjoyable talking about things like sports or music with them without any pressure on either side” (Elliott). Here, the ambiance created through simple conversations between herself and other customers serves as another source of fulfillment from working at Applebee’s.

Overall then, Applebee’s provides our undercover reporter with feelings of belonging as well as regular social contact; both factors which contribute towards her work being seen as rewarding in nature.