Many college students stumble home after the semester is over exhausted from the workload and stresses of finals. All you want to do is order in your favorite comfort food, have a beer, find yourself the warmest and fluffiest blanket around, curl up into a burrito and sleep for a week straight. I don't blame you. I do the same thing! But, then when you run out of money after eating your feelings, you realize that you need to go searching for a summer job or internship. Unfortunately, many of these jobs require previous experience, and it ends up in an unending cycle of job searching, resulting in you being frustrated and with no money.
Many people overlook the possibility of working in the restaurant or food industry. They think that the workplace is dirty, they will come home every night smelling like food, their diet will consist of the restaurant's menu and they will have to constantly deal with rude people. They're not wrong. All of those things are true! However, there are SO many perks to working in the restaurant industry. So many memories, crazy customer stories and long nights out with coworkers that you'll never forget.
After my freshman year of college, I went out looking for my first job since my high school years consisted of school and sports. As a college athlete, I thought that I had been through the longest days, made it through the most stressful situations and that a job could be nothing compared to what I went through during the school year. Working in a restaurant tests you in ways that are not explainable to those who have never worked in the service industry. These were some of the lessons I learned as a server that I have been able to apply in my life outside of the restaurant doors.
1. Multitasking is possible and effective.
Dr. Pepper, extra silverware, side of ranch for table two, drop payment for table three, take order from table five, being sat at table seven, breathe, to-go box to-go box to-go box...
2. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Whether you've had a full section the entire night, you run into rude people that you can't seem to get anything right with, or you just got sat with a 20-top who's a loud family that's all on separate checks, asking other servers or managers for help can save you from some unneeded stress.
3. "Fake it till you make it" is all you can run on some days.
There are days when you walk in to start your shift and the restaurant is the last place you would rather be at the moment. All your friends who have normal office jobs are out celebrating someone's birthday or at home spending time with their families and you're working your ass off for twelve hours straight. Some days all you can do is slap a fake smile on your face and think about all the money you'll be bringing home!
4. Show up for the rest of your teammates and stick together through the rough shifts.
Valentine's day, Graduation weekend and the week before Christmas may be some of the worst days of your life. Even though you'd rather be spending the holidays with your family and not working the busiest days of the year in the restaurant industry, complaining about being "sick" or having an attitude the entire shift does not solve any of your problems.
5. Have some self-control — know the difference between hanging out with your coworkers every night and every once in awhile.
When you have giant chunks of cash coming home with you every night, it is SO tempting to spend it all immediately by going out for a few drinks with your coworkers. But that completely defeats the purpose because then you're back where you started...frustrated with no money!
6. Some people will never like you no matter how hard you try to change their mind.
You could be on your A game and be on top of every little thing that table needs. Even listen to them rant on about their lives when you don't care at all! But even though you try to smile at them and give them the best service possible, sometimes there is nothing you can do to keep them from taking out whatever their frustrations are on you.
7. Anyone who EVER waits on you is a person and a human being who deserves respect.
Don't be that guy...
