An important part of growing up is working a minimum wage job at some point in your life. The day I turned 16, I got my license and instantly started my first job as a server at Steak n' Shake. I FINALLY had all the freedom I could ever dream of. I could go wherever I wanted (with my mom's permission), and I didn't have to ask my mom for money to go the the movies anymore. I was so excited to finally have some independence.
I quickly learned that working sucks.
Working while going to high school and doing sports was a lot to juggle, and I wasn't used to it. This was the first time I had to juggle real life responsibilities. Whether you worked in fast-food, restaurant or retail, working is an important part of growing up. I have worked in the restaurant business on and off for a couple of years and I learned many lessons that I can take throughout the rest of my life.
Team Work
No matter how much drama occurs at your job (and trust me, there is always drama at your job), at the end of the day you all have the same goal and you have to put your pettiness aside. If you are overwhelmed because your section got double sat, it doesn't matter if your co-worker was sassy earlier, they'll still help you because you know you'd do the same.
A Good Attitude Can Change Everything
Especially now while I am home over break and having to work early morning shifts at a breakfast restaurant, all I really want to do is relax. Although I know how much i'll appreciate the cash in the following weeks, waking up at 6am has been pretty tough to get excited about. I notice a very big difference if I walk in trying to make the best of my day, rather than already hating the world for making me wake up before 10am. This goes for everything that comes at you in life. You can't do fun things all the time, but you can try to have a good attitude and make the best of each and everyday.
PATIENCE
I tend to have very little patience. When a customer orders the most modified and complicated order, I have to listen and understand their request with a smile on my face. Sometimes it is very hard to listen and care about the smallest details of a customer's orders, but you are there doing a job and it is your duty to be pleasant and let them enjoy their food.
Politeness Can Go a Long Way
Please and thank you are the magic words!!!!! Kind of joking, but not really. Just being kind and understanding to people can go a long way. I keep this in mind when I go out to eat anywhere. I know what it's like to have a day that just keeps getting worse, but if someone is polite to me I truly appreciate it. Not that I am the most amazing and polite person, but I am never rude to someone who is serving me or cashing me out ever. I am sure someone has already made their day harder than it needs to be, so why would I want to add on to that?
People Skills
You learn to deal with a wide variety of people. Some people will definitely be more difficult than others, but either way, it gives you great people skills. Being able to talk and communicate with others well can help with any career field. Knowing how to talk and treat people in difficult situations can help with professional confrontations or just everyday arguments.
Although I don't want to be a server forever, and it's not always fun, I do appreciate the life lessons it has given me. I think all these are lessons everyone could use, so if you are considering going into food service I highly recommend doing it.
