Alright, let's just get right to the point here. While serving can be a job that brings in the most money for a broke college student, it also can be a job that makes you want to pull your hair out. From the dinner rushes, to the tiniest complaints, to not being tipped the proper amount, every server knows that patience is something you must possess to even attempt serving. It is safe to say that every server alike will appreciate all eight points made here, starting with...
1. "Hi, how are-..." "WATER, WITH LEMON."
Being a server you obviously have to be very friendly with your tables since you will be dealing with them for the next hour or so. Walking up to a table in a good mood, wanting to greet them and give a good first impression, you start to ask the most basic question, how are you?Something you would think would be so simple to answer, right? Or a question you would at least be allowed to finish? Yeah, not always. Nothing is more irritating than this. It sets the mood for the rest of the time you will be serving people who made it very known they did not want any small talk with you.
2. People who say they're ready to order, but are not.
Walking up to a table & saying, "do we need a few more minutes or are we ready now?" for some reason can be the most stressful question for a person placing an order. They will rush to say "yes I'm ready!!" as they open the menu & start contemplating over four different meals offered....don't worry, I'll just sit here in an awkward silence & patiently wait for you to order (even though I gave you the option to have a few more minutes to look over the menu.)
3. The people who always need an extra something, but won't tell you everything they need at one time.
"Okay, looks like I brought out everything, can I grab anything else?" "A refill." *comes back with a refill* "Also, extra napkins" *comes back with napkins" "Ketchup as well." Pleeeeeeasssseeeee just tell your server all at one time what you need. Save us both the time.
4. When someone tries to get your attention the same way they would with their dog.
Do not even think about snapping your fingers at me to get my attention. If it's a refill you need on your drink or something of that nature, chances are I probably have noticed that and was going to get to it after doing the thousands of other things that were on my plate. Regardless, I don't understand when snapping your fingers at someone like they were an animal was ever okay.
5. As if serving wasn't stressful enough, side work comes in...
Ever walk into a shift where you are on the floor from the time you clock in to your out time? After a busy day, your time finally comes to leave and you feel free, but then you are reminded to roll the silverware before you go. & stock dishes. & take out the trash. So basically just add another hour onto your shift that you did not expect to work.
6. Not being tipped enough, or at all.
I think just saying that is enough. Apparently not though, because still to this day there are soooo many people who just do not tip. No matter how hard you work, no matter how much attitude you take, no matter what you do to appease customers, it will never be enough for some people. I would give anything to be able to just ask customers who don't ever tip why they don't, and see what "logical" explanation they try to pull out of their a**.
7. Leaving with cash every time you work.
Probably thought every point would be negative, right? As hard as it may seem to believe, there are some benefits to being a server. While a long, busy day might want to make you rip your hair out, you see why it is all worth it when you are counting your tips at the end of your shift. Definitely a huge excitement walking into work with not a dollar to your name, to walking out with a potential $100, and sometimes even more.
8. Not every customer is bad...
I think every server can agree it is a blessing that when you are stressed out dealing with rude customers, there is always that one table that says things like, "Oh hun, take your time!" or just are extremely sweet to you. People who are understanding of what is going on literally can change your whole mood instantly. Those beautiful, beautiful souls. Thank you for being you, truly.
