1. You know how hard it is to be nice all the time.
When you waitress, you learn that it is very difficult to be nice all the time, especially when the customers are rude and constantly complaining. Working anywhere else it is different because in order to get paid in a restaurant have to be nice to hopefully get tipped better. Fake it till you make it becomes your motto.
2. Lots of pens!
If you have ever worked in a restaurant, then you know the importance of this one. There is no such thing as having too many pens on you, but you can definitely have too few. You learn quickly that's the one thing customers always steal.
3. You have scars from the bread oven.
When I got my job waitressing, most of my coworkers were showing me their burn scars from the bread oven. They called it a "right of passage" for working in any restaurant; needless to say I have earned my place among them.
4. No such thing as breaks.
Breaks are only acceptable if you don't have a table, and if you usually don't have a table then you are headed home. The two seconds I stand in the back waiting to grab bread is the closest thing to a break I have ever gotten, but they are always a welcome two seconds.
5. Wanting to have a slow night but also wanting a busy one.
If you waitress, then you more than likely get paid the crappy wage of $2.13 like most people. The money you make comes from the tips you get every night. In any other job you can wish for it to be slow so you can go home early and still make your money every week. Sadly it doesn't work like that if you waitress.
6. Forever being blamed on slow, incorrect food.
For the record, the kitchen makes the food. Most guests seem to forget that when their food wasn't cooked right or is missing something. With that being said, if it is a busy night in the restaurant then don't expect food in 5-10 minutes, this isn't fast food. There have been numerous times when I have been cussed out from customers for both when everything past ringing the food in is out of my hands.
7. Those tables that keep you running.
Lists are preferred if every time I come to your table you need something else. I don't mind getting anything for you, but I also have 3 other tables that I can't attend to if I am constantly running back and forth for you. This will just make it easier on everyone.
8. Being stared down.
I hate when a customer needs something so they stare me down until I notice. Even if I just checked on you guys. I can't read minds, and I am not trying to guess what you need.So don't hesitate to ask.
9. Being hit on.
As a very awkward individual I hate when guys try hitting on me, especially if they are at my table. I feel mean when I ignore their comments or respond with "no's" when they ask for my number, and I always feel like I am hurting myself tip wise.
10. You grow close to your coworkers.
These people are probably some of the only people you know who truly understand what you go through on a weekly basis. They take the mood swings in stride and are always there to help you when you have a 15 top.
11. When they don't tip..
This is a biggie. Most servers are going to be nice and work hard so they can make some money, but if you aren't going to tip then why did you come? They wasted their time waiting on you and you don't repay them at all. I know for me I get irritated that I put so much time and effort into them, but I also question where I could have gone wrong.
12. You learn how to tip.
Through all of your struggles you come out in the end with a better understanding and appreciation for people in the food industry. It isn't a glamorous job, but in the end you take away some great lessons and learn how to tip your future waiters!
