How working at McDonald’s helped prepare Phyllis Harb for a career in real estate

Working at McDonald’s in high school might not seem like the obvious starting point for a career in real estate, but the skills I developed there became the foundation for much of what I do today in real estate. From customer service and communication to time management and handling pressure, the lessons were real, practical, and surprisingly transferable. How working at McDonald’s helped prepare Phyllis Harb for a career in real estate:

Learning Customer Service from the Ground Up

At McDonald’s, every shift revolved around people. Customers came in with different moods, expectations, and needs, and it was my job to make sure they left satisfied. That experience taught me how to read situations quickly and respond with professionalism and patience.

In real estate, that skill translates directly. Buyers and sellers are often navigating one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Being able to listen carefully, stay calm under pressure, and provide clear solutions makes all the difference in building trust.

Communication Under Pressure

Fast food service is fast-paced by design. Orders stack up, lines get long, and timing matters. At McDonald’s, I learned how to communicate clearly and efficiently with both customers and team members—even when things got hectic.

Real estate has its own version of that pressure. Offers come in, deadlines tighten, inspections uncover surprises, and negotiations move quickly. The ability to stay organized, communicate updates clearly, and avoid confusion is essential when guiding clients through complex transactions.

Multitasking and Time Management

One of the biggest lessons from working in a McDonald’s kitchen or front counter is learning how to juggle multiple responsibilities at once. You might be taking an order, assembling food, and handling a payment all within minutes.

That same multitasking mindset is crucial in real estate. I may be coordinating showings, reviewing contracts, answering client questions, and negotiating with other agents—all in the same hour. Prioritization and time management aren’t optional; they are daily necessities.

Handling Difficult Situations with Professionalism

Not every customer interaction at McDonald’s is easy. There are complaints, misunderstandings, and moments that require patience and emotional control. That environment taught me how to stay composed, even when others are frustrated.

In real estate, emotions can run even higher. Buying or selling a home is deeply personal. Deals can fall apart, negotiations can get tense, and expectations don’t always align. Staying professional and solution-focused, rather than reactive, helps keep transactions on track.

Teamwork Makes the Difference

A McDonald’s shift only works when everyone plays their role. Whether you’re on fries, grill, drive-thru, or front counter, success depends on coordination and teamwork.

Real estate may look like an individual business from the outside, but it’s deeply collaborative. Agents, lenders, escrow officers, inspectors, and clients all have to work together. Understanding how to be a reliable team player helps ensure smoother transactions and better outcomes for clients.

Work Ethic That Carries Forward

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from working at McDonald’s is discipline. Showing up on time, staying consistent, and doing your job well—even when it’s repetitive or tiring—builds a strong work ethic.

In real estate, consistency is everything. Success doesn’t come from occasional effort; it comes from showing up every day for clients, marketing properties, following up, and staying committed to long-term goals.

Final Thoughts

Working at McDonald’s taught me far more than how to serve food quickly. It taught me how to work with people, stay calm under pressure, manage time effectively, and be part of a team. Those lessons didn’t just prepare me for real estate—they shaped how I approach every client relationship today.

Sometimes the most valuable career training doesn’t come from a classroom or a corporate office. Sometimes, it starts behind a counter, learning how to handle the rush—one order at a time.

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