Waitressing can be one of the best and worst jobs a person could have. Sure, it can pay really well, but some nights it just feels like everything is going wrong. And on top of that, people will leave you crappy tips. You are like the representation of the whole restaurant; that's a LOT of pressure! If the kitchen makes a mistake, you get blamed. If the customers don't like their seat, you get blamed. Basically, everything is your fault. But don't get discouraged, because waitressing can also really pay off, both financially and socially. What are some things that can go wrong, though? A lot, unfortunately!
1. The customer CANNOT figure out what they want but do not want you to leave the table.
Umm, sorry sir but I have two other tables who don’t even have drinks yet and are looking quite impatient.
2. The kitchen makes something totally opposite of what your table wanted.
So, they sit there for another 20 minutes probably mad at you (hangry people are NOT fun people).
3. The hostess double-sat you AND you already have a needy party of seven you are catering to.
Oh yeah, I forgot that I have two heads and six arms that I have to use!
4. Your table wants to move after already getting their drinks and an appetizer and they are in another person’s section.
Oh sure, because we don’t have a seating system here and I know that I’ll have to move all your stuff for you…
5. Your very time-consuming table leaves you $2 on a $30 bill.
Oh I’m sorry, was I not indulging in your needs enough? Or do you think I get paid adequately in an hour?
6. There are kids at your table and they are throwing things EVERYWHERE.
Of course, the parents are doing absolutely nothing because they’re not the ones that have to clean it up.
7. You forget the tables in your section and one table sits for a good ten minutes before you remember that it’s yours.
Don’t worry, maybe they’ll be nice about it? But no, usually not. I have had people leave from another waitress’s section because of this, but thankfully it was wasn’t me!
8. When you spill something on a costumer and they get super mad about it!
Yes, I have done this, and the guy was obviously very upset and I lost out most of the tip on that table. Luckily, others have been cooler about it (I am a klutz and a waitress; this does not make sense but something has got to pay the bills!).
9. When you get a huge party and have to split it with another waitress, and the bill is split into like, 20.
This takes a lot of time to separate and organize, and you have to run the right cards under the right bills and blah, blah, blah.
10. You have a lone, weird guy that seems to be trying to creep on you but you don’t want to be rude because TIPS.
Hasn't this happened to, like, every waitress?
With all of these things that can go wrong, waitressing is definitely not for the weak of heart. But with fun coworkers and a positive attitude, the job can be quite enjoyable and worth some of the trouble! People really should respect waitresses more if it shows that they are trying, because any of these things could be happening to them while you are at one of their tables. Bless all the waitresses like me out there doing their thing!
