After working in a restaurant for about a year and half, you learn a few things. I've learned so many life lessons, both positive and negative, and even some useless ones too. That said, here are 17 things I discovered about myself and the world while working on the service industry, which is arguably one of the most difficult ways to get acquainted with the working world.
I have a customer service voice that is a whole octave higher than my regular voice
I've perfected this voice, and now I can pretty much turn it on and off like a switch.
You can't please everyone
Some people are only happy when they’re making other people miserable. I’ve learned to do everything in my power to help everyone to the best of my ability, but if they’re STILL not happy, I won’t break my back when I’ve done all I can do. This goes for both coworkers and customers.
How to be fake-polite, always
Politeness is an important skill to hone and keep in your arsenal, but it doesn’t always have to be genuine. Fake it till you make it people, just be careful that it doesn’t come off as sarcastic.
"The customer is always right"
It seems that they know this, and will stop at nothing to get what they want (and make us look like idiots in the process).
... And even when they're not its still your fault
I might as well get "I apologize ma'am" tattooed right across my forehead because I've said it so much.
Don't trust everyone
This one also goes for both coworkers and customers. Be careful what you say and to whom you say it, because information spreads around a restaurant like wildfire. Not everyone will always be on your side.
How to deal with high stress and hostile environments
Running the front of a busy restaurant on a Saturday night in the winter is like nothing you’ve ever done before. I’ve learned how to keep my cool and maintain my composure in front of a bunch of angry and hungry people in a hostile and stressful environment. However frustrating it is in the moment, it gives invaluable experience in staying calm under pressure.
Don't take stranger's insults personally
They know nothing about you or what you’ve already been through on that particular day, so take their insults with a grain of salt. They may have had a bad day too.
Your coworkers won't always have your back
You have to watch out for who you spill your gossip too. Shit goes down in restaurants all the time, so you just have to pay attention to the people you choose to associate yourself with, both on and off the clock.
Buying a new uniform is pointless
This one is on a less serious note, but for real. First of all, I wear white. Second of all, no one ever finishes a shift remotely close to clean.
Show your best, even when you feel your worst
When I was younger and someone upset me, my mom always said “Be like Teflon baby, let it roll off you", and this has definitely proven to be true. You can't let anything you deal with affect you too personally. Always show the customers that you are strong, and smile even when you feel like screaming.
There has to be balance between school, work, and social interaction
As a full time college student, I’ve had to become a pro at managing my time. I have an 18 credit schedule AND I work, and I’ve come to the realization that a healthy balance is the key to success and happiness.
Your health and happiness are more important than a paycheck
It doesn’t matter how much money you’re making. It is NOT worth breaking your back and making yourself miserable over.
Don't let yourself get taken advantage of or pushed around
Always. Stand. Up. For. Your. Self. Over the last year and half one of the most important things I’ve learned is that no person or job is worth getting walked all over. Never be afraid to tell anyone how you feel or what’s is going on, because you are more than just a cog in the corporate machine.
