Want to Join the MTA Circus? A Guide to Surviving the Subway
So, you want to work for the MTA? Brave soul. You're basically signing up for a reality show where the prize is a slightly above-average salary and the daily challenge is to keep New Yorkers from spontaneously combusting. But hey, if dealing with the wrath of a delayed train is your idea of fun, then by all means, dive in!
Step 1: Develop a Thick Skin (and Maybe Some Extra Layers for Winter)
Working for the MTA is like having a front-row seat to a never-ending Broadway show, except the actors are unpredictable and the audience is very demanding. You’ll learn to master the art of ignoring insults faster than you can say “delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Step 2: Master the Art of Time Management (or Just Give Up and Go With the Flow)
Timetables? Schedules? Ha! Those are just suggestions for the MTA. Expect the unexpected, and I mean really unexpected. A train that’s supposed to come every 10 minutes might decide to take a spontaneous vacation. And don’t even get me started on rush hour.
Step 3: Learn to Love the Smell of Diesel (and Maybe a Hint of Urine)
If you’ve ever wondered what it's like to live in a cheese factory, but with less variety, then congratulations, you're halfway to qualifying for an MTA job. The sensory overload is real, people.
Step 4: Embrace Your Inner Superhero (or at Least Pretend To)
You'll be expected to solve world hunger, cure cancer, and fix the subway system, all while maintaining a cheerful demeanor. It's like being Superman, but without the cape and the ability to fly.
Step 5: Find Humor in Everything (Or You'll Go Insane)
Laughter is the best medicine, and you'll need all the medicine you can get. Find the funny in the absurd, because let's face it, working for the MTA is one big, never-ending joke.
Bonus Tip: Learn to speak fluent New Yorkese. It's a language all its own, and it's essential for survival.
Now, let's tackle some burning questions:
How to Survive a Rush Hour Shift?
Earbuds, strong coffee, and a mantra: “This too shall pass.”
How to Deal with Angry Commuters?
A sympathetic ear, a fake smile, and a firm belief in karma.
How to Stay Sane in a Subway Tunnel?
Imagine you're on a deep-sea adventure, but with less water and more rats.
How to Become a Subway Expert?
Ride every line at least once. Then do it again, just for fun.
How to Get Promoted?
Discover a secret tunnel that leads to a pot of gold. Or, you know, work really hard.
Remember, working for the MTA is a marathon, not a sprint. So lace up your running shoes, and prepare for a wild ride.