As a junior in high school, one of my best friends and I were introduced to a brand new world – the restaurant industry. At first, we loved serving customers. We were meeting new people, building relationships with regulars, and having that cute, older couple (you know the one that talks your ear off about their grandkids) come in and make our whole day. Having people mistake us as sisters was funny at first. But as the months went by, we started to make a list. A list of things that customers do that drove us crazy, and how we had to keep cool, calm, and collected the entire time. Every server can agree that they have a list too, and I guarantee it looks something like this:
1. When a customer is being a jerk, but you have to keep smiling.
I am smiling right now so I don't explode. Can you tell?
2. "The customer is always right."
3. Angry people at 7 AM when you are barely awake.
I got up this morning so I could serve you, I haven't had coffee either, and you are yelling at me. Chill.
4. Praying that people leave the restaurant.
There are five minutes left until we close and all I want is for you to leave.
5. Getting a phone number you really do not want.
6. Not. Getting. Tipped.
After all my hard work, you just ripped my little heart out.
7. Little, messy, crying children.
Okay, I get it. Your son is three. But please try to control him.
8. When a party of 100 people asks for separate checks.
People do not understand how much work it is when you have to split a check multiple ways. It's a nightmare. I do not have the time to do that for you.
9. When a customer blames YOU for everything.
I am not responsible for how the food is made, how long you wait, or the person at the table next to you that you don't like. It's not my fault.
10. When someone sits at a dirty table.
There are SO MANY clean tables and you choose this one? Really?
11. Any form of snapping, whistling, or touching.
If anyone snaps or whistles at you or touches you in any way, you have my full permission to react any way you want to. That is just straight disrespectful. We are human beings too.
12. When it's only halfway through your shift and your feet are about to fall off.
We all know that feeling. It's terrible.
13. Let's not forget you're surrounded by food when you are STARVING.
14. When a customer makes a funny joke and you have to fake laugh just so they tip you well.
Wow, you're so funny. No seriously. You should be a comedian. I swear. Ha. Ha.
15. Reminding yourself over and over again that it is all worth it.
At the end of the day, it is one of the best jobs in the world. You get to meet amazing people, get weirdly close with your coworkers, and (usually) you make a good amount of money. So, to all waiters and waitresses out there, keep smiling through the pain. We're all in this together.
