This past year I began my first job as a waitress. Being a server was never on my bucket list, but it is where things fell into place and I just went with it. I didn't know much about what I was getting myself into, but I sure knew I was strong enough to handle whatever was thrown my way. Working as a waitress really opened my eyes to the way our society is, and because of this there are a few things I want to say.
BE NICE TO YOUR WAITER/WAITRESS.
No matter how long they are taking or if they don't seem to be the best you've had, take it easy on them. They may be working a double shift, or they may have had a rough day but are doing everything they can to put a smile on their face. I have had my fair share of customers that didn't treat me right, but personally, it only made me want to be a better person. For those who have not been a server before, I recommend you try. Try so you know why your food may be taking so long, or why your waiter doesn't seem like they know the menu.
I am not going to lie, going through training to become a server was difficult and very intimidating for someone who has never done it before. Due to my experience with serving I now understand why things happen the way they do. Most of the time, and I mean this honestly, our work goes unnoticed. You may not be seeing how closely we are paying attention to what your table may need, or when it's a good time to stop by your table again, but it is something to keep an eye out for.
Something I never understood was when people didn't tip or left a tip that was close to nothing. If your server ever seemed to be doing a bad job, look around and see how many other tables they are taking care of. And how many other tables are asking them to do something new every time they walk past. In our position, we can never say no to a customer so there comes a time when you need to cut us some slack. We are doing everything we can to ensure that you all have a great meal and time at our restaurant, but sometimes things can get a little crazy and that is out of our control completely.
I believe that no matter how bad you believe your service may have been, a tip is always necessary. Waitress's get paid around $4.00 an hour sometimes higher if they are lucky. We are relying on the tips we get to get us through each shift. So, before you decide how much to tip the next time, put yourself in your server's shoes and think about how you would feel. How you would feel if you spent an hour helping a table out and serving to every one of their needs and got left with nothing.
This is a job, and you all are the ones letting us know how we did. If you are not planning on tipping in the first place, go to a restaurant where tipping is not needed such as fast food! And to those who have always tipped, and even tipped greater than needed, you guys are appreciated more than you know! Always remember, you never know what someone else may be going through, a little extra cash can get someone a lot farther than you think.
