Being a server is the definition of a love-hate relationship. Friends often say how badly they want to be a server, but it's not as glamorous as it may seems. All black, no-slip shoes, and aprons only save you from so much in the restaurant industry. I have seen a lot of "What Your Server Wants You To Know" or "Server Struggles" posts, but here is something to consider if you are thinking of applying to a restaurant.
- Drink trays. Wobbly wine glasses and overflowing drafts that all look the same once strategically placed on that thin piece of plastic determine your fate with your tables, considering it is your first interaction.
- Big tops. Parties of six or more can be extremely overwhelming. Getting attention and getting customers to interact with you in a somewhat organized fashion can be next to impossible.
- Children. As much as I love kids, knowing you'll have to wipe spaghetti off of the walls, scrub crayon off the menu, and essentially disinfect the entire booth is rather unnerving. Making sure they don't burn themselves is also quite a struggle.
- Being double or triple sat. Getting multiple tables at the same time is quite a struggle. Guests will essentially need things at the same time, and running to the bar to grab drinks for multiple tables while also trying to grab both of their appetizers can be rather difficult.
- Food allergies. As much as you care about special instructions for the food, it's up to the kitchen to take care of this. If something does go wrong, customers will turn to you to take responsibility and fix the problem. Not to mention those three minutes of panic while bringing out the entrees where you second guess what each of your guests ordered.
- Splitting checks. Memorizing what each of your guests orders is tough enough. What is worse is when they would like to add "whatever Michelle had" to their bill. I don't know who Michelle is and I most certainly don’t know what she had.
- The hours. While most people think once they leave the servers are done. Little do they know. Rolling silverware, sweeping, mopping, bussing, cleaning…the list goes on and on. Before you know it it's 3 am and you need to go back at work by 11 am.
- Breaks. Another thing most people are unaware of is that we do not get breaks. If we were to take breaks, our tables would not be taken care of. Basically, you can be on your feet for 12 hours straight with nothing but stolen french-fries in your stomach.
- Doubles. While the money is fantastic, working from 10am-11pm with no break can be rather rough. Don't worry, you'll learn to adjust.
- Server dreams. No matter where you work, you will have nightmares about forgotten entrees and spilled drinks. You'll wake up in a panic ready to sprint back to the kitchen, until you realize you have 3 more hours until you have to go to work and stress out.
- Cash. While walking out of work with cash in hand is a thrilling feeling, it can be tricky at the same time. Spending cash goes quickly and putting it in the bank can be equally as difficult.
While being a server is a great way to make some extra cash and get to know some amazing individuals, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Spending day after day working with people can be extremely rewarding and frustrating all at the same time. While I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything, it most certainly is not for everyone
