Serving is a tough job, one of the toughest I've ever had. But it is also the most rewarding and the most fun. Even my worst days as a server are better than my best days as a cashier or retailer. As challenging as it is, I have learned many valuable lessons from serving, most of which I can utilize for the rest of my life.
1. How to deal with the rudest of people
One time I had a lady literally yell at me for not bringing her a spoon for her broccoli. Forgive me if I've never heard of anyone eating broccoli with a spoon. One thing I know for certain is that I've definitely mastered the fake smile.
2. How to multi-task like my life depended on it
Or at least my tips did. "Okay A6 needs ranch but I just got sat a 10-top all the way across the dining room, oh and B4's food is in the window, C1 needs another coke, and B1 is probably ready to cash out, okay breathe"
3. How to brush off the creepy old men
You know the ones I'm talking about, the ones who try to flirt even though they're at least two decades older than me. Just smile and wave boys, smile and wave.
4. How to be a part of a team
And not just any team. One that pushes each other to be the very best versions of themselves, one that helps each other out whether it be at work or outside of work, and one that I've learned to call friends.
5. How to stay calm when customers are spilling through the door like ants.
Okay so maybe I don't have this one completely down pat but I'm getting there. It's really nerve-racking when you already have 5 or 6 tables and the people will just NOT stop pouring in. It's even worse when there's only 3 servers schedules because its a Sunday night and it's not usually busy on Sunday nights- speaking from experience.
6. How to not get too upset over a totally undeserved under-tip.
Yeah so what if I just worked my butt off to give you an excellent experience eating out and you only tipped me two bucks. I try not to take it personally.
7. How to fake it 'till you make it
With two assignments due and a test on Wednesday the last thing I want to worry about is if the guy at A6 wants his fish grilled or blackened, but sometimes you have to put on a smile and do the best you can. No one's gonna tip a crabby or distracted server.
8. How to be a good listener without really listening
the only thing I care to hear is your order so I can go put it in and get onto my next table. Of course I can't tell my tables that and I always seem to get the chatty ones. So I stand there, and listen and nod, but I'm really just repeating all the things I need to get done over and over in my head.
9. How to deal with making mistakes
And trust me, I make a lot. It's better not to dwell on them and apologize when necessary. Everyone makes mistakes and most customers will know that and for the ones who don't, well maybe they're just perfect and have never made a mistake in their lives and good for them. They're usually the ones who weren't going to leave a decent tip anyways so I try not to sweat it.
10. How to put in the effort to get the reward
Most of the time, the more you work and the harder you try, the better the outcome will be and serving is not exempt from this philosophy. Put in the effort, go the extra mile to make your customers happy and your hard work will usually pay off in the end. Being polite, always wearing a smile, and making sure the customer is satisfied has gotten me some very unexpected and humbling tips and compliments.
