11 Things To Consider Before Applying To A Restaurant
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

11 Things To Consider Before Applying To A Restaurant

Because wearing all one color isn't as glorious as it seems.

79
11 Things To Consider Before Applying To A Restaurant

Being a server is the definition of a love-hate relationship. Friends often say how badly they want to be a server, but it's not as glamorous as it may seems. All black, no-slip shoes, and aprons only save you from so much in the restaurant industry. I have seen a lot of "What Your Server Wants You To Know" or "Server Struggles" posts, but here is something to consider if you are thinking of applying to a restaurant.

  1. Drink trays. Wobbly wine glasses and overflowing drafts that all look the same once strategically placed on that thin piece of plastic determine your fate with your tables, considering it is your first interaction.

  2. Big tops. Parties of six or more can be extremely overwhelming. Getting attention and getting customers to interact with you in a somewhat organized fashion can be next to impossible.

  3. Children. As much as I love kids, knowing you'll have to wipe spaghetti off of the walls, scrub crayon off the menu, and essentially disinfect the entire booth is rather unnerving. Making sure they don't burn themselves is also quite a struggle.

  4. Being double or triple sat. Getting multiple tables at the same time is quite a struggle. Guests will essentially need things at the same time, and running to the bar to grab drinks for multiple tables while also trying to grab both of their appetizers can be rather difficult.



  5. Food allergies. As much as you care about special instructions for the food, it's up to the kitchen to take care of this. If something does go wrong, customers will turn to you to take responsibility and fix the problem. Not to mention those three minutes of panic while bringing out the entrees where you second guess what each of your guests ordered.

  6. Splitting checks. Memorizing what each of your guests orders is tough enough. What is worse is when they would like to add "whatever Michelle had" to their bill. I don't know who Michelle is and I most certainly don’t know what she had.

  7. The hours. While most people think once they leave the servers are done. Little do they know. Rolling silverware, sweeping, mopping, bussing, cleaning…the list goes on and on. Before you know it it's 3 am and you need to go back at work by 11 am.



  8. Breaks. Another thing most people are unaware of is that we do not get breaks. If we were to take breaks, our tables would not be taken care of. Basically, you can be on your feet for 12 hours straight with nothing but stolen french-fries in your stomach.



  9. Doubles. While the money is fantastic, working from 10am-11pm with no break can be rather rough. Don't worry, you'll learn to adjust.

  10. Server dreams. No matter where you work, you will have nightmares about forgotten entrees and spilled drinks. You'll wake up in a panic ready to sprint back to the kitchen, until you realize you have 3 more hours until you have to go to work and stress out.



  11. Cash. While walking out of work with cash in hand is a thrilling feeling, it can be tricky at the same time. Spending cash goes quickly and putting it in the bank can be equally as difficult.

While being a server is a great way to make some extra cash and get to know some amazing individuals, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Spending day after day working with people can be extremely rewarding and frustrating all at the same time. While I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything, it most certainly is not for everyone

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.

53443
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?

34353
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.

956878
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.

181628
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