After spending multiple summers as a worker in the food service industry, I've met a lot of people and seen a lot of things (some that I wish I hadn't). While there are endless rewarding aspects to these jobs, such as wonderful customers or coworkers and developing a great work ethic, there are also some parts of the job that are ... not so wonderful. Regardless of if they're good or bad, there are a few trademark experiences that everyone who's worked in the food industry will instantly recognize.
1. Re–stocking rituals.
You've had the rules of stocking merchandise so deeply ingrained in your head you may have even found yourself arranging your fridge in accordance.
2. The perks.
Arguably the best part of working the food industry? Free. Food. All. The. Time. Bakers made too much of something? It's yours. Leftover food at closing time? Also yours. Between lunch break and all of the other freebies, you definitely don't go hungry.
3. Hilarious mispronunciations.
It's so hard not to bust into a fit of laughter when people pronounce jalapeno as "jal-app-en-no" or come up with some other ridiculous way to say something, but you've mastered the art of keeping a straight face, partly to be polite and partly to keep your job.
4. The "Can I get something free?" complainer.
While some customers can make your day, there are always a select few you'd rather not interact with. You can usually spot these people the instant they walk through the door, which is good because it takes time to mentally prepare for all the time they're about to waste.
5. Being constantly doubted.
Being asked, "Are you sure that's the price?" on a daily basis is something you're used to, and people have to triple check to make sure you put "no onions" on their order.
6. Lingering smells.
Whether it be fried chicken or coffee, the food and drinks you work around stick to you like glue. At least people will know when you're there.
7. When customers ask to put their order on "rush."
Some people don't seem to understand the concept of lines, and you constantly have to remind customers that some items on the menu take longer to prepare than others.
8. Thinking, "Oh God. I'm going to have to clean that."
After working in the food industry, you come to learn that humans are capable of messes you never imagined.
9. Having to list every flavor/option of something.
The infamous inquiry, "What flavors do you have?" is especially dreadful and results in a recital of all 30 items plainly listed on the menu. But they'll probably just pick the first flavor you say anyways.
10. Coworkers being your second family.
Through all the ups and downs, teamwork has been your savior, and your coworkers are some of the closest people to you, which makes it all worth it in the end.
