Things I Learned As A Server | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Things I Learned As A Server

Lessons from the kitchen.

12
Things I Learned As A Server
lifehacker.com

Like a lot of other people, my first job was a waitress. I served at a local retirement home for three years before leaving for college, and I ended up going back this summer. I wore a lot of hats at this job, and it taught me a ton of skills and responsibility as well. Here are a few things I've learned in my time as a server.

1. A smile and a positive attitude can solve a lot of problems

It sounds cheesy, I know, but it's true! Serving can be incredibly stressful, especially when everyone is behind or you're understaffed. A hard situation can be made a lot easier if you're in a good state of mind. Staying cool, calm and collected will help you keep your head and will rub off on others around you. In the service industry, it's also very helpful when dealing with an unhappy or impatient customer.

2. There is a huge difference between skim milk and 2% milk. HUGE.

Of all the things that can bring out a person's bad side, I never expected milk to be one of them. Honestly, I don't understand why people get so worked up over this, but for some it's a big deal. I have had several encounters that resulted in getting yelled at for daring to bring the wrong kind of milk, and I have also heard people openly fighting over which type is best. Hey, more power to these people, though. Being aware of what you're putting in your body is never a bad thing. Maybe just don't take it so seriously; at the end of the day, it's all milk.

3. You will encounter people who will always have something to complain about

Everyone knows someone who's hard to please. In the service industry, these people really come out to play. It's a harsh reality of life that some individuals just aren't going to be easily satisfied. I recall quite a few residents in the retirement home who actively sought out things to complain about. Even if there was nothing wrong, these people would find something. This requires a lot of patience and a good attitude, as mentioned above. However, it was valuable to learn from these individuals that giving your best effort is important.

4. Cliques never go away

This was one of the most apparent things from watching the same people come in for meals every day. Each person had a set spot at "their" table and if the natural order of which people sat together at their table was interrupted, chaos ensued. Everyone had their set group, and these groups were almost never broken. It was a little sad for me to watch, but it was a harsh lesson to learn. Cliques exist from childhood all the way to late adulthood. Some will be friendly and some won't, but they'll always exist in some form.

5. Time management is essential

Never underestimate the importance of a minute. I learned this the hard way a few times at work when choosing to take a break at the wrong time earned me a reprimanding from my customers and poor time management slowed down my night. Time management is one of the most crucial skills to have, both in working life and personal life. Being able to balance everything that needs doing will help you be better at whatever it is you're doing.

6. The customer is always right

I know that everyone hears this all the time, but it's so completely true that I had to include it. It does not matter what the situation is: the customer is always right. It might stink to always be the one caving even if you're not the one in the wrong, but that's just the way it is. You'd probably expect the same thing if you were in their shoes, so just put on a smile and bear it. You'll be seen as an excellent server if you do.

These definitely aren't all of the things I learned during my time as a server, but they're some of the ones that stick out. If you have any others that you've experienced or seen, feel free to comment below!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
nothing on to-do list

Winter break is a cherished time for many after enduring a grueling fall semester. It’s a time of relaxation and time spent with loved ones over the holidays. However, once the new year rolls around, we’re all ready to go back to school. Here are thoughts every college student has during winter break.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

2973
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

5511
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

3451
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments