I started working for the gym in 1994. I had originally moved to NYC in 1992 to work for the electric utility (Con Edison). After about a month, I realized that my future was not in "babysitting" a bunch of tecnicians and mechanics (read: union brats). I got out of that and immediately started working at the New York Sports Clubs' front desk to make some cash (albeit $6.00/hour) while I decided what I wanted to do.

Little did I know that I would be "babysitting" a bunch of spoiled middle-class brats who mostly worked in middle-management and a whole lot of upper-class hags whose lives consisted of way too much time spent deciding what shoes to wear. In all fairness, I have to say that I started working at a location on the Upper East Side which is a section of NYC that these overly insecure and irritating people seemed to have an affinity to. That is not to say that other locations in other parts of the cities don't have their members who occasionally send you into moments where you wish you certains acts were not considered a felony.

Why is it so difficult for some people to understand that paying a monthly fee to use a gym facility does not mean that you are superior to the staff at the gym? I cannot tell you the number of times people use the phrases "You work for me!" or "I pay your salary!". To which I respond, "Can I get a raise?"

Why do people insist on bringing their valuables (minks, diamond earrings, $1000 in cash, laptops, etc.) to the gym without bringing a heavy-duty lock for their lockers? People, spring for the $6.50 lock for your locker. Better yet, leave all that crap at home AND "NO! We won't put keep an eye on your stuff behind the front desk."

Do people really need more than three towels when they come to the gym? You need one for when you shower, a second one to help you dry off more, and possibly a third one for the sauna/steam room. What's going on with the need for six towels? Dude, is your butt that big?

People, what's up with not carrying your gym ID card when you come to the gym? It's really easy, put the card in your wallet, when you get to the gym, show it to the front desk representative who in turn will punch in the numbers and let you in. Done. No fuss, no drama, more time for you to workout. Is it me or is there something difficult about that process?

The front desk is definitely the most difficult place to work in the gym. For a measly hourly rate, you get to listen to the gripes and neuroses of members who think that they are doing you a favor by showing up at the gym. I, for one, am glad that I no longer am there.
  ¶ 11:20 AM