1. Everyone has a story.
From the old man at table four, to the stern lady at table ten, everyone has a story; Waitressing has reminded me that you never know what anyone is going through, or has gone through and it's always better to be kind.
2. You'll become a "Jack of all Trades."
When you're a waitress, you're not just a waitress. You're a therapist, a singer, a marathon runner, a mathematician, a friend and sometimes a punching bag. I've honestly become the definition of a "jack of all trades."
3. Sometimes people won't like you.
I think the hardest lesson I've had to learn is that sometimes people just won't like you. I'm a people pleaser and it kills me when a customer just seems to hate me, but often times I've found that their attitude has nothing to do with me.
4. It's better to be tired than broke.
Money makes the world go round and unfortunately that means working a double shift no matter how freaking tired you are. #GottaPayThoseBills
5. Humor is the key to life.
"What's the special tonight?" "Everything is special." In all seriousness, when it comes to waitressing you have to have a sense of humor...otherwise they'll eat you alive.
6. Laughing at yourself.
I can't even tell you the amount of times I've tripped carrying plates, but it's better to just laugh it off than to cry. Laughter is really the best medicine and it's always better to laugh with the customers than to be the one they're laughing at.
7. Value of small talk.
Okay, maybe not that kind of small talk, but talking with the customers is essential. You can't just get their order and not talk to them until they pay and expect a good tip. Small talk is key. "How's your son?" "Is the weather good for a ride?" "Have you killed anyone?" Just kidding ;)
8. Value of sarcasm.
People can be assholes and you can't be an asshole back if you want to keep your job. That's where sarcasm comes in, you can be a complete and total ass and they think you're kidding.
9. Time management.
I have to clean off table one, bring food to table nine, drop off napkins to table four, refill drinks for table six and I still need to get table twelve's order. TIME IS EVERYTHING.
10. Multi-tasking.
Accurate representation of me on a Friday night. In all seriousness though, being a waitress has given me some great multitasking skills, I mean when you have to do a million things at once and still remember to check in on your table that's been here for TWO HOURS you develop some bomb skills.
11. How to treat others.
I wish people didn't take their problems out on their waitress and I wish I could treat certain customers the way they treat me, but I can't. Luckily, being on the receiving end of cruel remarks and rude behavior has made me realize that the old saying "treat others that way you'd like to be treated" is 100% correct.
12. The power of good shoes.
When it's Friday night, the place is full, there's a line going out the door, the chef is dinging the bell and you have orders to take, you realize the importance of a good pair of shoes.
