Am I supporting/ contributing to animal exploitation by working in fast food?
Hello,
Earlier this week I was at Jersey Mikes getting a sub, and I suppose the lady checking me out recognized me, since I come in so often, and get a very “bare” sub since there is no meat or cheese in it. She said they were hiring and I should apply, I said I would look into it. Later that day I applied online, then went in for an interview shortly after and got the job, I started soon. Since I always get the same veggie sub every time I go there, I guess it didn't occur to me that 99% of their menu is meat and animal products. I'm certain that the lady who hired me know I'm vegan, because she knows I get the same thing every time with no animal products, and everyone else there seem so nice, it's a very laid back job, so I'm sure If I explained to them the situation they would let me work upfront with all the veggies, or work at the cash register, or have me do other tasks that don't involve handling meat, and even if they don't, I have come to terms with the fact that I may have to cook & handle meat. Im 16 years old, so I can't say I need this job to survive or anything, I mostly want the job for the experience, and for extra spending money. There aren't aren't any vegan restaurants near me, or really any jobs that align with my beliefs. Obviously this isn't the ideal place for a vegan to work, and it's not like I plan on working here forever, It's just a starter job.
My biggest question is, am I supporting/ contributing to animal exploitation by working at Jersey Mikes? Here is what I'm thinking, but I need other people's opinions and input, as I fear I may be biased because I really want a job:
By working at Jersey mikes I'm not creating a demand for animal products, like I would be if i were to say, order a meat sub from there. They have a set amount of employees they need, so If It's not me working there, it would be someone else. People will come in and order what they want, regardless if it's me, or someone else behind the counter. I'm not condoning, supporting, or encouraging people to come eat meat by working there. I won't be advertising the restaurant or anything, and If people ask me what's good on the menu I will probably tell them what is most popular on the menu, or offer them a veggie sub. I will try to find the line between encouraging and glorifying the animal products we sell, and talking down upon them to the point that I would get fired or in trouble. I also don't think the goal of veganism is to refrain from ordering or working with restaurants like Jersey Mike and other places that serve or sell meat. Change has to happen within the consumers of said business, rather than the business itself. Gradually as more people become vegan, there will become a higher demand for vegan options, and they will be forced to supply them, until hopefully, one day (even though this may take a long long time) that's all they serve & sell. So by me ordering a vegan sub, while it may be small, Is helping us move towards that. We're not trying to put these companies out of business, we just want them to shift their menus to be cruelty & exploitation free. Even though their entire brand is dependent and built around animal products, I believe we can gradually transition to a vegan menu overtime.
Again please share your opinion and viewpoint, I would love your input, thanks!
Hello,
Earlier this week I was at Jersey Mikes getting a sub, and I suppose the lady checking me out recognized me, since I come in so often, and get a very “bare” sub since there is no meat or cheese in it. She said they were hiring and I should apply, I said I would look into it. Later that day I applied online, then went in for an interview shortly after and got the job, I started soon. Since I always get the same veggie sub every time I go there, I guess it didn't occur to me that 99% of their menu is meat and animal products. I'm certain that the lady who hired me know I'm vegan, because she knows I get the same thing every time with no animal products, and everyone else there seem so nice, it's a very laid back job, so I'm sure If I explained to them the situation they would let me work upfront with all the veggies, or work at the cash register, or have me do other tasks that don't involve handling meat, and even if they don't, I have come to terms with the fact that I may have to cook & handle meat. Im 16 years old, so I can't say I need this job to survive or anything, I mostly want the job for the experience, and for extra spending money. There aren't aren't any vegan restaurants near me, or really any jobs that align with my beliefs. Obviously this isn't the ideal place for a vegan to work, and it's not like I plan on working here forever, It's just a starter job.
My biggest question is, am I supporting/ contributing to animal exploitation by working at Jersey Mikes? Here is what I'm thinking, but I need other people's opinions and input, as I fear I may be biased because I really want a job:
By working at Jersey mikes I'm not creating a demand for animal products, like I would be if i were to say, order a meat sub from there. They have a set amount of employees they need, so If It's not me working there, it would be someone else. People will come in and order what they want, regardless if it's me, or someone else behind the counter. I'm not condoning, supporting, or encouraging people to come eat meat by working there. I won't be advertising the restaurant or anything, and If people ask me what's good on the menu I will probably tell them what is most popular on the menu, or offer them a veggie sub. I will try to find the line between encouraging and glorifying the animal products we sell, and talking down upon them to the point that I would get fired or in trouble. I also don't think the goal of veganism is to refrain from ordering or working with restaurants like Jersey Mike and other places that serve or sell meat. Change has to happen within the consumers of said business, rather than the business itself. Gradually as more people become vegan, there will become a higher demand for vegan options, and they will be forced to supply them, until hopefully, one day (even though this may take a long long time) that's all they serve & sell. So by me ordering a vegan sub, while it may be small, Is helping us move towards that. We're not trying to put these companies out of business, we just want them to shift their menus to be cruelty & exploitation free. Even though their entire brand is dependent and built around animal products, I believe we can gradually transition to a vegan menu overtime.
Again please share your opinion and viewpoint, I would love your input, thanks!
. I'd go for Subway....but that's me!
