Being a server can be just as rewarding as it can be challenging. The hours aren't always the best or most flexible, you deal with a lot of BS and high maintenance people, but you also have an opportunity to make a lot of connections and meet people that literally become your second family.
From big restaurants to small, these 21 things are relatable to any and all servers:
1. There's no such thing as fun Friday and Saturday nights.
These are THE nights to be scheduled. Obviously the restaurant is busiest on the weekend and you'll make the most money, but you give up some fun nights of your own.
2. People not knowing how to act when you tell them that they can choose where to sit.
Saying "sit anywhere you'd like" to a group of people causes them noticeable stress. Prepare to awkwardly maze around the restaurant waiting for them to pick a spot.
3. Having an awkward table greeting and then thinking about it for 25 minutes.
Whether you introduce yourself weirdly, stutter, or forget the specials, a weird table greeting is never the right foot to start off on.
4. "So, what do you recommend?"
The million dollar question.
5. Modifications and substitutions out the wazoo.
"Can I get the salmon? BUT without...*insert 20 modifications*"
Here we go again.
6. Avoiding side work.
When you sure as hell know you're gonna have to do it to leave anyway...why do we do this to ourselves?!?!?
7. Tables saying they're ready to order when they're 100% not.
You don't have to lie to me— I'll come back in a few minutes.
8. A walk-in 15 minutes before closing.
"Wait, are you guys still open?"
I meaaaaaan.....
9. Silently thinking "not my section, not my section, not my section" when a large table comes through the door and you're busy.
Before you know it, they're in your section anyway.
10. Sharing funny stories with co-workers in small segments in the back.
One story could, in fact, take all night to tell.
11. "Can you split the check four ways?"
Yes, but I don't want to.
12. People who expect everything immediately after they ask for it.
High maintenance tables... a total vibe killer.
13. The flag down.
Please do not wave me down across the restaurant for that extra ranch.
14. Restaurant drama.
Behind the scenes of every great restaurant with close servers is a whooooole lotta gossip! It's how we kill time.
15. Knowing you're getting a bomb tip from your family or people you know.
Mom and Dad want to come out to eat while you're serving? BE. MY. GUEST.
16. The regulars.
You know exactly where they want to sit and what they're going to order.
BTW, they never get dessert.
17. Dreading a double 3 days in advance.
Yes, it's Tuesday and I'm 100% complaining about the double I have to work on Friday already. It's called mental preparation.
18. The awkward check battle of a table of adult friends.
"Give it to me!"
"No, I'll take it."
"Susan, please, you paid last month."
I'll just awkwardly put the check on the end of the table and you guys can enter the boxing ring.
19. "I'm working."
The answer to every text asking "what're you doing tonight?" or "what're your plans this weekend?"
20. The feeling of a good tip when you didn't expect it.
Opening up the book after they leave and seeing a bomb tip is for sure the best feeling.
21. Having a second family.
In the end, your coworkers are your family. After all, you're with them more than your biological one—whether you like it or not.
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