How people choose to make money is different; working at a law firm, a school district or a restaurant, everyone makes an income in their own way. While it is not my place to say if one job is better than another, I do believe that at least once in everyone's life, a person should work at a restaurant. Not only does working in a restaurant teach important values, but it makes for a stronger and more well-rounded community. In addition, working in a restaurant is just plain fun. The camaraderie of working with others to make people smile and to fill one of their most basic needs -- food -- is a pleasure. Therefore, the following are what I think are 10 of the best reasons why everyone should work in a restaurant at least once.
1. You learn basic people skills
Learning how to speak politely to even the rudest people is a skill you definitely have to learn as a restaurant worker, especially as a server.
2. You perfect the art of having manners
Like at Chick-fil-A, having manners is a big part of working at a restaurant, especially when the customer is not always right.
3. It teaches you patience
The difficult customers, the impatient children, the people who think your restaurant is a playground fit for food fights... anyway, working in a restaurant really teaches a person to stop and take a breath.
4. You'll meet the best kind of people
They know what you're going through. Especially when you're on hour four of an eight-hour shift and your back is already killing you from standing all day. But overall, the people you meet at work, especially in the kitchen, will be friends for life.
5. You learn to only order what you can eat
Speaking from a server's point of view, it's very sad to see the chef's face when you clear plates with a ton of food left on them. They worked hard to make that, if you can't eat it all now, take it to go. Or if you know you won't finish it, don't order it. It's all about respect.
6. You learn to do things promptly and well
Having the ability to do something well and do it quickly is not only something that applies in the restaurant business, but in life in general. Having to cook food quickly and getting it out just as fast is a lesson that can roll over to multiple aspects of life.
7. You learn self respect
People can be mean, but when someone get's pissed off about their meal or their day you gotta realize it's not your fault. The first step to being happy is respecting yourself, and to do a job and do it well you have to respect yourself.
8. You learn to tip well
Most servers, including myself, make our entire income off of tips. So, even if you're meal wasn't the best, please remember we didn't cook it, so don't kill the messenger. 20 percent is graciously appreciated.
9. You learn to multitask
Taking an order, answering questions, pouring water and clearing appetizer plates is actually a skill that needs to be learned. This kind of skill can also be applied to answering phone calls, taking notes and other multitasking objectives in other disciplines.
10. You realize you can't please everyone
Everyone will never be happy, therefore make yourself happy and you're good. This will not only be something you can learn in the restaurant business but in every aspect of life.
