Over this summer I needed to make some money so I decided to pick up a job as a server. Working in the food and beverage category has changed my view on people a lot. You learn a lot of things when working in a restaurant, especially how to hold your tongue and have lots of patience. There's a time during every shift called 'the weeds' where it is just absolutely crazy. This is where you realize how important self-control is and being a team player is too. Being a server is not an easy job, so a reminder to everyone: please by kind to your servers and tip. Don't be rude. Here are ten common emotions we servers feel during a shift.
1. Exhaustion
This is very real, especially if you've worked a double. You've been on your feet all day running around. Even without working a double, by the end of the shift, you're tired and hangry.
2. Irritation
No, we don't have that item you want. You know that? Then why ask for it if you know we don't have it. At this point you're just setting yourself up for disappointment.
3. Disbelief
It can be astonishing how rude and dumb people can be.
4. Frustration
For those people who want to order the most complicated thing there is and then are mad when it's not out 10 minutes later. Or when people decide to add people to their ticket halfway through their meal.
5. Patience
This is an emotion that comes in an abundance. You need all the patience you have plus more. This is for everyone. The screaming kids, rude drunks, annoying adults and everything between.
6. Sarcasm
This is reserved for only a special few. Usually coworkers.
7. Sickeningly Sweet
I need those tips, ya feel?
8. Pure Anger
There's always that one table that comes in 5 minutes before the kitchen closes so due to policy, you have to serve them. Please, please don't be that table.
9. Pain
Walking all day will do that to you and lifting heavy trays with plates that way 10 lbs each will most definitely throw your back out.
10. Panic
When the order you put in is supposed to be ready and the table is done with the appetizer but the order is no where in sight. Or the moment when you worry that you wrote down the wrong seat arrangement.
But overall, I think that everyone should work in food and bev in at least some point in their life. It teaches you a lot of valuable lessons and how to react with people. You also make great friends and great connections for future use.
