Being a waitress is an experience that can either be fantastic or a complete train wreck. It takes patience, multitasking, and it’s a lot harder than it looks. Some days it is difficult to maintain a smile and a positive attitude while balancing a hundred things at once, but as a waitress, you cannot let that show. It takes a bit to master, but as time goes on, we tend to learn things. I’m sure my fellow waitresses will understand everything that I touch upon.

1. Not everyone tips.

There are days where you will run around and do everything to make a customer happy, and in the end, you don’t receive a tip. To a waitress, this is a complete kick in the face, but some people just don’t tip.

2. Sometimes there is no pleasing a customer.

Maybe they didn’t like their food or maybe their meal didn’t turn out the way they wanted, and as always, the customer will take it out on you. There may even be occasions where the manager is requested.

3. What did he want to drink?

With so many tables, you sometimes might forget what the guy in the green hat wanted to drink or if the young lady in the red dress wanted a refill. These things tend to happen, especially if it becomes really busy.

4. Balancing the tray is very hard at first.

Walking out with 6 drinks on one tray can sometimes be a recipe for disaster if you aren’t comfortable. This takes practice and it’s definitely not easy.

5. So many dollar bills.

Counting tip money at the end of your shift is always fun. Those bills add up quickly though, and you walk out with a nice chunk of change in your pocket, depending on the day.

6. Spilled food.

Woops! You just dropped that guy’s plate and food is all over the floor. This is a waitress’s biggest nightmare because now, the customer has to wait even LONGER.

7. Multitasking. So much multitasking.

Ok, there’s new people walking in, I have to greet them. But wait, I have to put in that tables order! And that guy needs a refill. It’s hard not to pull your hair out when there are so many things that need to be done all at once. It takes some time to master multitasking, but once you’re able to do it, it feels like nothing.

8. My feet, ouch.

Being on your feet all day HURTS especially if you’re constantly running around. Looking back on my first week as a waitress, I had to come home after every shift and soak my feet. Those tight leather shoes didn’t exactly help either.

9. Pens, pens, pens.

ALWAYS bring an extra pen because you never know what can happen. I made the mistake once of bringing just one and I was digging through my apron in a panic. I definitely learned my lesson with that one.

10. Establishing your short hand.

When writing down an order, it has to be quick, so short hand is a necessity. And you have to make sure that YOU can understand it so that their order isn’t messed up. But once you have a system, taking orders becomes a breeze.

So, the job isn’t easy, but it definitely keeps you on your toes. Now, when I go out, I always try to be sympathetic with the waitress, because I know what it’s like. Sometimes I’ll even leave a pretty big tip so that I can see them smile. So, if you’re a waitress, be proud, cause you’re pretty dang strong.