Most college students are broke, and want to make money. Being a girl and having expensive taste really does not help me being broke. But, thanks to waitressing, I'm not always broke. Not only does waitressing help me financially, but it helps me become a better person all around. So here's a few thing that waittressing taught me.
1. Patience.
Table of 12 and 11 of them kids. Can you say nightmare? It only takes roughly what feels like 30 minutes for them to get settled and still and quiet enough for you to talk in a cute little baby voice and ask what do you want to drink and eat. Kids always test your patience, even after they throw everything on the floor.
2. How to fake smile, the right way.
Smiling my whole way through but thinking about kicking all those kids right back out the door and sending them to get Happy Meals. Seriously.
3. How to talk to someone like you're really interested in what their saying.
Waitressing most definitely taught me how to act like I care about you talking my head off. Smiling the whole time I'm not paying attention to you and nodding and laughing, oh and my favorite, the "mhm's."
4. Carrying 10 things in one hand.
Menus, silverware, napkins, plates and just 10 other things all at once. Praying and hoping you don't trip and drop it all.
5. Being on time.
Shift starts at 3, and that one time you're late you missed a $25 tip from some rich man. Never. Late. Again.
6. Multitasking.
Table 3 needs ranch, table 6 needs a refill, three people waiting on the bill I haven't finished putting to together, so let's just get it all together and get it done all at once.
7. How to work under pressure.
Stressed to the max but it only lasts one shift then you're free.
8. Budgeting.
$7 one night, $203 the next. Better save that money because your next shift is on a Monday night and those are always slow.
9. "Please" and "Thank you"
Waitressing did not teach me how to use my manners, I say you're welcome every two minutes. What I learned is how many people lack manners like a simple "please" and "thank you."
10. How to tip.
20 percent people. We make $2 per hour, what you leave on that table pays for our gas to go to school, work, and wherever else. It pays our bills and the few quarters you dug out the bottom of your purse or pocket isn't going to cut it. I learned from others mistakes so that when I go to eat out, I always leave more than I should because I know the struggle too.
