I am a waitress, and I have been working at a local restaurant for about three years now. Interacting with customers every shift has changed me for the better, though. Sounds cliche, right? When customers are polite, it makes my day. However, I have learned to deal with some attitudes. Service with a smile is the only way to deal with rude customers. They never think that they are wrong; however, if the roles were reversed it would be clear that I am not in the wrong. I know I am not in the position to stand up for myself when a customer complains or gets angry because then it would be and for business. I work to make money, not to make sure the pepperoni on somebody's pizza is evenly spread out.
Working at this restaurant has taught me a lot about patience. I used to always complain when I had to wait in a line or wait for something to be done cooking. But, I know how it feels to be rushed when I have no control over the situation so I do not feel irritated when I have to wait for something. Customers support our business in exchange for competent and good service. I work hard to make sure our customers have the best service and experience at my job. I think it is great seeing new faces in the restaurant, which is why I am patient and kind to all of the customers even when they are not the most pleasant.
I think working in customer service is an experience that everybody should go through. It teaches you a lot about treating others the way you want to be treated. I know how it feels now to be on the other side of the table. Servers do not get enough credit for the work they put in. It sounds our job is so easy, but when you are trying to appease them hand and foot it gets to be overwhelming. This job, I think, builds character and teaches many people to respect those who do us a service. I have had many customers yell or aggressively complain to me about their food, and all I do is apologize and smile. It is so awkward to smile while in a position of inferiority, but it is part of the job. I like my job, but sometimes I just wish people would appreciate what I do for them.
The customer is supposed to always be right, but that may not be the case from time to time. There is really nothing we servers can do about it though to stand up for ourselves. We know we did not mess up, but the customer is expecting the best service they can get so we just subject to their dominance and try to fix their wrong.
My job has taught me a lot about respecting those who help us and to be patient with others. Patience was a weakness of mine prior to becoming a waitress, but now I understand that patience is a necessity to getting through not only a serving shift but other jobs and life.
