Waiters have a hard job. Oftentimes, we run around like chickens with our heads cut off, hoping that we can get the right orders to the right tables in a timely manner so that they will like us and tip us well. There's a lot to think about at all moments and always something to do. Nonetheless, being a waiter really is a rewarding experience. I have learned so many relatable life lessons from being a waitress that can be applied to all areas of my life. Here are 10 life lessons that all waiters know:

1. You don't always get what you deserve

You did everything right. Your table seemed to love you, maybe even complimented you. But when you get the check back from them, you're disappointed. In life, you can do everything right and exceed expectations and still end up feeling cheated. You have to remember that in many situations, it isn't your fault. There are 10,000 different reasons why you may not have gotten what you think you deserved. This should never discourage you from doing your absolute best in everything you do. Luck and goodness have ways of coming around full circle. If you don't get what you deserve out of today, you may find it tomorrow.

2. Life is a balancing act

In the world of service, you have to learn to balance things physically and mentally. You may have 10 different orders at once that you have to sort out in your brain. You might have a bunch of tables at the same time and have to figure out how you will balance your attention to all of these tables. You may have multiple trays and plates stacked up on your arms that you have to carry. Much like in the life of service, everything is a balancing act. No one can balance things perfectly on the first try. You have to gradually work up to being able to handle multiple things at once. Take time to learn how to balance things in a way that works for you. You'll save yourself a lot of stress in the long run.

3. A smile can change everything

Smiles work miracles. One of the first things the table you serve will do when you arrive is read your body language. A smile can be the difference between average service and great service. Plus, it could really brighten up someone else's day. If you smile, even when you're not happy, eventually you'll feel better.

4. Complainers seldom get their way

it just isn't fair. Your coworker got 17 covers tonight and you only have six.This is a lesson that I'm still working on learning and applying. Complaining hardly ever changes the situation for the better. In fact, it most likely will just make things worse. Sometimes you just have to grin and bear it.

5. Sometimes, you get blamed for things that aren't your fault

Sure, it may not be your fault that the steak came out way too rare, but that doesn't stop your table from being upset. Sometimes in life, people will take things out on you even if it isn't your own fault. Remember that the people who are on your team are doing their best to support you, so the last thing you want to do is throw them under the bus. Smile and move on. Life is better when you don't have to worry about pointing a finger at someone else.

6. Write things down

It's happened to all waiters. Sometimes, you completly forget what your table just ordered. It is so important to write things down. Even if you are 100 percent sure that you can keep everything in your brain, it is so much better to write things down just in case. Life can throw a lot at you, and when it does, you're going to want your mind clear to handle whatever is in your way. Write things down. Journal. It'll give you peace in your mind.

7. Numbers don't determine your worth

As a waiter, you have to remember that the number written down on the "tip" line does not define your value. If you got a bad tip, that doesn't necessarily mean you are a bad waiter. Similiarly in life, your salary doesn't define your success. The numbers on the scale don't define your beauty and the ratings that other people give you don't necessarily reflect who you really are. You're more than a number. You're a person.

8. Life gets messy, and sometimes you'll be stuck with your own mess and someone else's

When you work in food service, you are constantly expected to clean up after the people you serve. It's just a part of life. Cleaning up messes is something you have to learn how to do, and fast. Life can throw a lot of messes at you and you'll sometimes wonder why you're cleaning up after someone else. Just remember, people have and will clean up after you sometimes. It's a cycle of giving and receiving. Think of it this way

--say you clean up your own front yard and your neighbor's yard. It not only helps them, but it also makes a better view for you.

9. Be prepared for the unexpected

It's five minutes until closing time and a party of five walks in and wants to be served. The unexpected happens all the time in life. You have to always be prepared and have a plan when things don't go the way you expect them to. Sure, it can be annoying and aggravating, but it's just the way things work. Going with the flow will make for a calmer self.

10. It pays to serve others

Being a waiter, it literally pays to serve. But in life, service is so much more. To see someone else smile after you've helped them is so rewarding and it makes you feel good. Look for ways to serve others everyday. it can be as simple as holding the door for someone else. You'll make someone else smile, and you'll feel glad to be the reason for that smile.

It's tough work being an employee in the service world. But if you open your eyes to everything happening around you, you can away with so much more than a paycheck. This is applicable to any life situation. When you take time to reflect, you can find a life lesson or two in everything that you do. To my fellow waiters, keep on doing what you do. It really does pay off.