You know the guy.  You’ve seen him standing out in the bitter cold of night, who rushes from a somewhat heated cubby when your car pulls in. Despite the cold, you see him clean off your winshield, hoping that you might have a dollar tip (or more) to offer him for his trouble. He’s the gas station attendant at the Al and Rich’s Gulf station on the White Horse Pike in Hammonton.

I’m that guy. And if you’ve wondered what it’s like to live a few days in the life of an Al and Rich’s gas attendant, here’s a glimpse.

 It began on Thursday March 6th: the beginning of a 26 hour four day work grind.

Thursday was a nice day, working the managers’ island resulted in more tips and and smile on my face. With the day off before, I was energized and ready to begin. Thursday’s six hour shift went smoothly up until about 8:30 when the colder air started. At this point the 5 o’clock crowd was long gone, and I could finally relax and enjoy a warm cup of Joe.

As Friday’s shift began I was still feeling the soreness of the gym with my trainer Dylan Rosu. As the shift carried on the weakness in my arms subsided and luckily for me the rain was on my side resulting in less windows for me to clean. Unfortunately, less windows results in less tips but due to the “busy-ness,” I ended up doing just fine. The first four hours went smoothly with normal pay day fuel ups but as the night carried on into the later hours my the stress began to build. The annoyance of $10 customers coming at inconvenient times began to aggravate me. Fortunately I made it through the night and made out well in tips, totaling at $45 on the night because of a car repair that I handled. Shout out to that stranger; I never did get his name.

As Saturday rolled around, I was feeling good. I knew I had an 8 hour shift ahead of me, but I was well-rested and dedicated. Though I may have been rested, I can’t say the same for my partner. He was about as worthless as, well, he was just worthless. At first I thought Saturday was going to be promising. Within the first hour, I had already received $10 in tips and a box of donuts. Thanks again Marty! Yes, I did get this guys name. Sadly, though, this did not last. The day literally dragged on and by 7 o’clock I had already given my own car a wash with the hose out back. Finally 8 o’clock came and it was time for my partner to leave. The final two hours went well and I was able to clean up around the station, mopping both the bathroom and booth. I totaled at $19 on the night in tips and of course, the box of donuts. Alas, the bulk of my work “week” was done and only six hours remained.

After a good night’s sleep I headed into work for my 2-8 shift. Realizing, that Sundays were usually on the slow side, I knew my final six hours would be a breeze. The weather was nice and as were the people’s willingness to share from their pockets. Before I knew it the time read 18:30. Confused? Yes, Al and Rich’s uses military time. Thats 6:30 for those of you who are having a tough time. The cars continued to trickle in and the time kept on rolling. Sunday ended with a solid night of $23 in tips. As I headed home a sense of relief came over me. My work week was finished, until Tuesday of course, but that is a different story.

For those interested in learning more about the job, my hours and location will be posted below. I invite readers to visit, but please do not ask me for free gas.

I will not give it to you.

Tuesday: Gulf 4-8 Island 3

Thursday: Gulf 4-10 Island 1

Friday: Gulf 4-10 Island 2

Saturday: Citgo 2-10 Island 2

Sunday: Citgo 2-8 Island 1