From Waitressing to Radio Stardom: Marilyn Denis's Unlikely Career Lesson

Marilyn Denis, an Alberta-born television and radio host, recently shared a nostalgic look back at one of her first jobs—waitressing at Moscow’s Country Kitchen in Idaho. Despite the challenges, this experience taught her invaluable lessons about herself and her future career path.

The Summer That Shaped Her Career

In the late seventies, Denis was a student at the University of Idaho, far from her Canadian roots. To make ends meet, she took a job at a local diner, donning a brown dress, gingham apron, and orthopedic shoes. Despite her bosses' initial confidence in her, Denis quickly realized she wasn't cut out for the job. "I was pretty helpless," she admits, struggling with everything from carrying trays to calculating change.

The Silver Lining: Mastering Conversation

While Denis may not have excelled at the technical aspects of waitressing, she discovered her knack for making conversation. The diner's jukebox provided a perfect icebreaker, allowing her to engage with customers and practice the art of timing—knowing when to jump in, when to listen, and when to wrap things up. These skills would later prove invaluable in her radio career.

The Turning Point

Denis's waitressing stint came to an abrupt end after a particularly unsettling encounter with a customer. "Is this what I’m attracting? I need to get out of this business," she recalls thinking. This moment of clarity led her to quit and pursue other opportunities, ultimately shaping her path to success.

The Lesson Learned

Looking back, Denis is grateful for the experience. "Every time you do a job and hate it, that tells you what you don’t want to be," she reflects. This early struggle helped her identify her strengths and passions, steering her toward a career where she could truly shine.