Everyone Should Have Service Job At Least Once
Start writing a post
Adulting

As A Waitress, I Believe Everyone Should Have To Work A Service Job At Least Once

Not only does serving "bring in the big bucks," it teaches you patience, resistance, empathy, and even more patience.

164
As A Waitress, I Believe Everyone Should Have To Work A Service Job At Least Once
Ashley Sizemore

I have been an employee at an amusement park resort for two summers now, and I work in a family restaurant that specializes in breakfast but has a couple of dinner options as well. This means I'm either getting someone's hopefully perfect day started or helping create the perfect finale to their day in the sun.

Serving is definitely one of my favorite jobs I have had, but it has also been the most educational. What many see as the perfect summer job for the college kids, I see as a great learning experience that builds a lot of character, because when you're a server, your personality makes your paycheck at the end of each shift.

I used to be super reserved and closed off in high school. I was the expert at keeping to myself, but I always thought I had a good sense of humor, and I was good at taking care of others and knowing how to make people happy. I wanted to try something new: I was used to retail, hosting, and lifeguarding. I then found the job with Cedar Point.

My first few weeks were full of plenty of "yikes" moments, but what job isn't? It was finally time for me to really break out of my shell and put myself out there, and no part of it was easy.

At the restaurant I serve at, you are responsible for anywhere between three to eight tables, and sometimes large parties. (The largest I ever took alone was 25.)

This is where multitasking becomes a fantastic skill to have. Along with customer service skills, of course, because people will complain. It is their vacation, anyway.

The key thing I've learned this season is to not take things personally, ever, because people will do what they do no matter what. I have been stiffed many times, I have been talked down to, and I have had several bad days. However, there are good ones too. I have connected with many guests, I have gotten great tips, and I have learned so much, made some great friends, and it's a great resume booster.

To anyone who is a little nervous to try out such a complex job, I will admit that it is not easy, especially when the customer is always right. I do recommend it to everyone, though. I think that a serving job would help make everyone much more empathetic and thoughtful toward others while teaching multi-tasking skills, respect (this one is rare in some), thoroughness, and how to smile⁠—a lot. (That one was extra hard for me.)

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39505
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24061
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950129
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

129047
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments