I've now served for three years. I honestly love serving. It's a hard job but you meet some pretty incredible people and it's very flexible with my weird school schedule. Over the years, I have had to bite my tongue when I really wanted to scream. I've had to smile when I've wanted to cry. There are many things you may not know about serving so I am here to tell you.
1. You're not my only table.
If I could receive a dollar for every time someone acted as if I didn't have other tables, I could quit my serving job and sleep for a living. Please understand that I am trying. I really go to each table with every intention of making your dining experience the best it can possibly be. I want you to want to come back, but better yet, I want you to want to come back in and sit in my section. So please understand that I am trying to get the things you need, but I am also getting what two to five other tables need as well.
2. "Take your time."
You will honestly never know the power behind the words "Take your time" until you're in the middle of a rush and you're trying to keep it together, but you're so close to a break down and a guest says, "Take your time." It's important you know how much we appreciate those three words.
3. We tip out.
OK, this is my pet peeve. Let's say you get a beer. I tip out on that. When you leave, I tip out to have that table cleaned. I tip out a food runner. If you do not tip appropriately or at all, you cost me money. Just like you, I work incredibly hard for my money. I work anywhere from six-hour shifts to 11-hour shifts. So please, tip appropriately. This is how I take care of myself.
4. We're human.
Mistakes happen. Sometimes we honestly do mess up, and the fact that some people get so angry over a dish of food doesn't help. If that's all that you have to complain about in your life, then I think you're doing just fine.
5. I am not just a server.
If your drink becomes low and you don't see me around there's a huge chance I am running food, helping out the hosts or doing side work. I am not discussing my weekend plans with my coworkers, I am honestly doing the many responsibilities that a server has.
6. I am your server, not your servant.
Please do not make me feel as if I am below you because of my job, because I am not. I will work incredibly hard to make sure you enjoy your dining experience, but your tip is not worth the price of my dignity. Therefore, if you make me feel worthless, I don’t have to give you the quality of service you feel you deserve, and I won’t care if my tip reflects that. Sometimes the loss is worth it.
7. I wish I was paid more.
No, I do not make fair wages. Yes, it’s annoying, but you still should tip. I make 0.00 dollars after taxes, and just like you, I work incredibly hard for my money. I sometimes work 10 hours without a break. If you feel servers don’t deserve tips then don’t go out to eat or better yet try it! Serving is not as easy as it looks which is why many people do not stick with it. It’s not a hard concept to understand. Tip your server! I would love to find another job because it does take a toll on you to deal with the stress we have to deal with, but unfortunately there isn’t another field that works with my school schedule, believe me I’ve tried to leave serving, but I keep coming back. College doesn’t pay for itself.
8. I don’t make the prices.
No, the owner does not care if I think sour cream should be cheaper. No, I will not get it to you for free. Either get what you want at the price the establishment has or get something cheaper, it’s simple.
9. Thank you.
As your server, thank you for coming in because if you didn’t, I wouldn’t be employed. Thank you for enjoying the place I work as much as I do. Thank you for making jokes with me or laughing at me when I try not to be awkward. I really do love my job and sometimes it’s due to the customers that walk in the door.
