12 Lessons Waitressing Teaches You | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

12 Lessons Waitressing Teaches You

You learn more than how to hold back a "WTF?" to a dumb question.

112
12 Lessons Waitressing Teaches You
StockSnap.Io

1. Everyone has a story.


From the old man at table four, to the stern lady at table ten, everyone has a story; Waitressing has reminded me that you never know what anyone is going through, or has gone through and it's always better to be kind.

2. You'll become a "Jack of all Trades."

When you're a waitress, you're not just a waitress. You're a therapist, a singer, a marathon runner, a mathematician, a friend and sometimes a punching bag. I've honestly become the definition of a "jack of all trades."

3. Sometimes people won't like you.

I think the hardest lesson I've had to learn is that sometimes people just won't like you. I'm a people pleaser and it kills me when a customer just seems to hate me, but often times I've found that their attitude has nothing to do with me.

4. It's better to be tired than broke.

Money makes the world go round and unfortunately that means working a double shift no matter how freaking tired you are. #GottaPayThoseBills

5. Humor is the key to life.

"What's the special tonight?" "Everything is special." In all seriousness, when it comes to waitressing you have to have a sense of humor...otherwise they'll eat you alive.

6. Laughing at yourself.

I can't even tell you the amount of times I've tripped carrying plates, but it's better to just laugh it off than to cry. Laughter is really the best medicine and it's always better to laugh with the customers than to be the one they're laughing at.

7. Value of small talk.

Okay, maybe not that kind of small talk, but talking with the customers is essential. You can't just get their order and not talk to them until they pay and expect a good tip. Small talk is key. "How's your son?" "Is the weather good for a ride?" "Have you killed anyone?" Just kidding ;)

8. Value of sarcasm.


People can be assholes and you can't be an asshole back if you want to keep your job. That's where sarcasm comes in, you can be a complete and total ass and they think you're kidding.

9. Time management.

I have to clean off table one, bring food to table nine, drop off napkins to table four, refill drinks for table six and I still need to get table twelve's order. TIME IS EVERYTHING.

10. Multi-tasking.

Accurate representation of me on a Friday night. In all seriousness though, being a waitress has given me some great multitasking skills, I mean when you have to do a million things at once and still remember to check in on your table that's been here for TWO HOURS you develop some bomb skills.

11. How to treat others.

I wish people didn't take their problems out on their waitress and I wish I could treat certain customers the way they treat me, but I can't. Luckily, being on the receiving end of cruel remarks and rude behavior has made me realize that the old saying "treat others that way you'd like to be treated" is 100% correct.


12. The power of good shoes.

When it's Friday night, the place is full, there's a line going out the door, the chef is dinging the bell and you have orders to take, you realize the importance of a good pair of shoes.


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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181004
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7933
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453000
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23604
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments