I genuinely enjoy my job as a server. It's fast paced, I get to be on my feet, and I'm able to meet people while making money. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about being a server that we need to clear up.
1. My time is just as valuable as yours is.
I am fully aware that it is my job to serve you, but please do not tell me that you're ready to order if you are nowhere close. I don't mind hanging around for an extra minute, but it doesn't make sense for me to watch you flip through every page of the menu.
2. Separate checks? Not a big deal - just give us the heads up.
I once had a party of 30 people announce to me after desert that they wanted separate checks, after I asked at least twice before. They also added that they were in a rush. It took my manager and I over 20 minutes dividing the check, but if we had known before it would have made the whole process a lot smoother.
3. Think we like you? Chances are we do!
Before I was a waitress I always assumed that servers were only nice to me because they'll eventually be receiving a tip from me. However, I genuinely enjoy the guest interaction aspect of my job. Sure I might laugh at a joke a little harder than usual sometimes, but meeting interesting people is half of what makes the job fun.
4. Please don’t roll your eyes when I ask for your ID - it's my job.
No, I'm not going to serve you because you "promise" you're older than 21. I'm not willing to get fired because I served you a $3 beer.
5. You know how in movies waitresses spit in people's drinks? That does NOT happen in real life.
I've had people who won't send food back to the kitchen because they're terrified that someone will spit in it. Trust me, that is not a thing. My job, the cook's job, and the bartender's job are too important to us to alter your food in any way. Trust me, I don't care if you send a coke back because you think it's flat - I'll just get you a new one!
6. Please don't assume that I'm less educated than you are.
While I'm finishing my bachelor's degree in three years, juggling two internships and a part time job, many of my co-workers are doing the same. The majority of the people I work with are also in school working on their degree, and some of them have traditional 9-5 jobs but work here when they can for some extra money. And even if they aren't, they still deserve as much respect as anyone else.
7. Not going to lie, things get awkward when you leave your number.
The tough thing about our jobs is that sometimes our friendliness can be perceived as flirting. However if you really think you made a connection with this person, I guess it couldn't hurt? I've never reached out to anyone who's left their number, but that's not to say that I never would!
8. The best thing about our job is probably the stories we bring home to tell our friends and family.
Like the time a man was hiding from the cops in our bathroom, and we didn't find out until two police officers showed up looking for him?
9. We really do value our "regulars".
I have a few regulars at my restaurant, and when they visit that chunk of time is instantly more fun and entertaining. It's awesome to be able to connect with people, hear about their week, and feel good about the job you're doing!
10. We hate giving a spiel probably just as much as you hate listening to it.
But, our jobs require that we list to you our specials and promotions, and we promise we'll say it as quickly (but efficiently) as we can.
11. If you left a bad tip, chances are your face is etched into our brains - and trust me, we'll remember you.
If I see a familiar face at my restaurant, I can almost instantly remember whether they left me a good tip, or a bad tip. Maybe it's just me, but I'm almost always right.
12. Our coworkers make our job worthwhile.
After a bad shift, or a frustrating moment there's no one that understands more than your coworkers. And through all the chaos, lunch and dinner rushes, rude guests, big parties, and hour long waits, we all have to be a little crazy to endure the craziness - which is part of what makes us all such a great team.
