Being A Waiter: The Love-Hate Relationship | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Being A Waiter: The Love-Hate Relationship

Lessons I've learned.

261
Being A Waiter: The Love-Hate Relationship

Although being a waiter may not seem too glamorous, I would have to say that I enjoy my job very much. My first job waiting tables was when I was 17 years old and had just graduated from high school. I thought it was a great way to make some cash and still have time to hang out with friends. I really did not expect working in a restaurant to be something I would learn from as a human being, but it sure did prove to be one of those experiences. Here are just a few things that make my job so much more incredible than yours.

1. Waiters are some of the funniest people alive

It isn't a surprise to find out that many waiters and waitresses are comedians, as well. What makes my job so much more tolerable is the fact that you pass time by chatting with other servers and cracking jokes. If it weren't for my co-workers, I do not think I would still be a waiter. There is always that one person you have an absolute blast with while working together. The idea of side work escapes your mind and the shift inevitably becomes a reality show involving your lives. There is never too much drama to handle in one shift.

2. You get to meet all different types of people

Working in a restaurant just minutes away from one of the busiest airports in the United States has its perks. For instance, in the last week I have served a table from Germany, Brazil, Guatemala, and South Africa. By meeting so many people of different nationalities, I have a newfound respect for the area I live in. I never knew how many tourists came through my town until I started waiting tables and actually meeting so many people! In just one day, I will meet and converse with hundreds of different people. The only thing that can go bad with serving tourists is that some do not tip. Many people from Asian and European countries are not accustomed to tipping, since gratuity is either included or not traditional to the culture.

3. We don't like people who do not tip

Nothing angers a server more than people who do not tip. Even 50 cents is less of a slap in the face than leaving a penniless table. If you are not going to tip us, then at least be upfront about it. Waiters make less than minimum wage, starting at $4.25 an hour. Tips are what pay for the concerts, vacations and outings I go to. Not only is it extremely rude not to tip a waiter, but it is even worse if you are a rude customer, as well. Leaving the restaurant with a wad of cash is one of the greatest feelings known to servers.

4. We have to deal with "problem" customers

I have had my fair share of problem customers -- customers who walk in the restaurant with an attitude even before they get a chance to critique the restaurant. Often, customers take out their frustrations with life on us. One night, a woman came in -- reeking of alcohol -- and started screaming at me and my co-worker saying that she had been waiting 30 minutes for her food in the drive thru. She then proceeded to throw a glass full of knives and silverware at my manager, and the cops had to be called. She called me and my co-workers bitches and the drive thru attendant fat. Yes. That really did happen and, no, we did not see her ever again.

5. I know how I'd want my kids to act in a restaurant

My job as a waiter is to interact with my tables and try to figure out how I can best help them leave happy. In doing so, I have met so many rude people, and sometimes even rude children. I was raised by my parents to say "please" and "thank you" when any waiter took our order, or anything for that matter. Some people really do not realize how demanding and rude they come off. You, as the customer, are no better than the waitstaff. We are all people and we all deserve respect and dignity. Parenting really does reflect in children when they eat out. Leaving a booth like a bomb just went off is one of those things.

Overall, I really enjoy my job and I couldn't picture myself doing anything else. The benefits outweigh the negatives, and I am grateful for my experiences.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

177887
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

5016
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451033
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22512
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments