My respect for waitresses increased tenfold the day I became one.
As a young teenager who never had any service job experience, or any job actually, I really never bothered to think about the people who were serving us. I understood it was their job, and I treated them with respect I would give to any stranger. Tipping was always at random, and my frustrations would grow as the mistakes were made.
Then I stepped into their shoes.
My first and current job is as a waitress/barista for a restaurant in my hometown. I was nervous because I began on New Year’s Eve and wasn't sure what to do. The building was packed with holiday spirit and hungry faces. As I was learning, there wasn't a minute I could stop moving. I was lucky enough to get such a wonderful training staff, but not everything comes to you in just a few lessons.
It took me three months until I had everything memorized, and even now, I still make mistakes.
I remember my first one and how nervous I was because I had heard horror stories of rude customers. I apologized profusely and I remember to this day the lady stopped me and said, “We all make mistakes, in work, in life, but we are all human”. There was no tone or complaint. There was nothing but understanding, and I relaxed, because it’s true.
We are all human.
I mentioned earlier how I also didn’t really care much when I tipped. Laid a couple dollars down without even looking at the bill I paid for and left. Only when I began working did I realize how tips mean so much by the end of the night.
I read online quite often how people ridicule tipping. They say the system is flawed, but let me explain. Waitresses are paid an average of around $2.50 an hour, varying where you go. The tip becomes a major part of their final earnings for the night. The standard tip is usually around 20%, but that is just a suggestion.
The motto I have adapted, and will always keep is, base the tip on the attitude and work of the waitress, not the restaurant.
As waitstaff, we can’t demand respect without giving it. It is our job to serve you with the best attitude, not only for our job, but because that’s simply how people should treat other people. We are all working cogs in this giant machine of the world. We move together and keep the flow going.
Lastly, I believe everyone should have a chance to be in a service job. The amount you learn, not only about your work, but about the world around is astonishing. You develop better skills in patience, communication, and work ethic. It’s a true life lesson.
So please, next time you go into a restaurant, remember.
We are all human.