Out of all of the jobs I have had, I have been a server for the majority of them.
I have been a server for almost four years. Most nights were full of good experiences, and others not so much. As my journey of being a waitress ends I realize that whatever I do in life I will never stop serving. Becoming a waitress for a part time job was one of the best things I could have done for myself I have learned a lot about people and other life lessons.
Being a waitress you learn the meaning behind a tip. Most waitresses earn around $5 an hour but a great, attentive waitress will end up earning around $12 an hour after tips. It's not hard to make a good tip. Most people should be able to tip at least ten percent if they can afford to go out to eat. Ten percent is a good baseline for tipping because it basically tells the waitress "everything was fine, the experience could have been better" or "this is all I have to give." Being a waitress I can usually read my customers as soon as they walk in the door. Im not trying to be biased, and I give everyone the benefit of the doubt but sometimes I will get what I expect. I know when I give good service, most of the time I do, so when someone does not tip me accordingly I try not to take it so personally. I have learned that everyone has their moments. Sometimes, I'm not having my best of days and when I get a nice tip, my day becomes a little brighter, and I try to put more pep in my step. When I go out I try to do this for other servers as well, I never tip under $5 and if it's awesome service I will tip $10 or more.
Also, I have learned how to handle good situations turned bad. If a customer has been waiting a really long time for their food I try to go talk to them to make the time go by faster. I also try to ask if maybe I can get them a salad or anything quick while they are waiting. I always try to pay attention to my customers needs and wants to make the experience as painless as possible. Sometimes I can't help that we are understaffed. There was this one time where a group of people came to eat and their bills got switched. One credit card got swiped on the others bill and vice versa. Their bills were only around four dollars difference. My boss wasn't there at the time, so I went to talk to this table and tell them their options, I could void the payment (which is not something ideal for debit card payments) or they could give the other people four dollars. They chose to not even worry about it, they were fine and happy. I know they will come back, they seemed pleased. My boss has left me in charge on numerous occasions and this has helped me grow as a server.
When you think about it, these little lessons you learn as a server, you can apply to any job. People like for you to know more than just their name, just like you know what your regulars order or drink. You learn how to take charge of tough situations, and how to not take some peoples rude behavior personally, (some people just have a bad day). I have learned that in order to please others I must put myself in their shoes and to not be concerned with my needs and wants at that time. I want to work in a hospital with patients of my own, so honestly being a waitress is no different. My job, wherever it may be, will always be to apply these simple skills of putting someone else's needs before mine.
Becoming a waitress for a part time job has been both an honor and a blessing, I love my customers and I love my co workers. Everyone starts somewhere.
