Being a waitress is something that teaches us many things like having patience and how to avoid distractions. It's easy to get overwhelmed, especially on a Saturday night when the tables are rolling in back to back. We get so caught up, we barely have time to think. But when we do find the time, here's what's likely going through our minds.
1. Whose table is this?
Ever have one of those tables that asks for something every time you walk by? And you're not even their waitress. Like seriously, Veronica come get your table.
2. I don't control the kitchen.
Stop asking me why your broccoli and cheese casserole is so salty. I don't know. I didn't cook it.
3. I don't control the bar either.
I'm sorry your Blue Motorcycle took 10 minutes to get to the table. I put the order in. Now it's the bartender's responsibility. If you're that impatient, go harass the bartender. Not me.
4. Table 30 needs ketchup. Check on 20's food. Don't forget 40's Caesar Salad.
*Gets back to kitchen* ... "Wait, what did I come back here for?"
5. Did I just get sat again?
Like literally, I'm already waiting half the restaurant.6. I deserve minimum wage AND tips.
I don't just take your order and bring you food. I make your salad, I prep the rolls, I line sweep, I mop, I roll silverware. But that's still only enough to get $2.13 an hour though right? Yeah. Right.
7. Did I ever put in their order?
Happens to the best of us. It finally hits us 20 minutes after we've taken a table's order that we never actually sent the order in.
8. I can't believe I have to tell my table we're out of potatoes.
I'm not in charge of inventory, but of course I have to take the blame for it.
9. Can I borrow a pen really quick?
Nothing is more valuable than a pen while waiting tables. One table gets your blue pen to sign their ticket, Sam has your black pen, your green pen is MIA. And all of a sudden you're pen-less and you need to take an order.
10. GO HOME.
You know that one table that has been cashed out and they're just sitting there conversing. You can't leave until your section's set up, but you can't set your section up until your table leaves. And so now you just sit there. And wait.
Even when it's part-time, being a waitress is a full-time job. You love it, you hate it. But to all my fellow servers out there, hang in there. The nights get better. The tips get higher. And the job gets easier.
Ok I'm lying, but which one of us is actually gonna quit though?
Exactly.
