I started working at a restaurant called Sea Dog Brewing Company in South Portland when I was 16. (Shoutout to any Sea Dog people reading this!!!) Here is a list of seven reasons why I'm glad I chose this as a first job. Not to throw shade at retail, but this could also be looked at as a list of reasons why the restaurant industry is better to start off in than retail is.

1. The atmosphere

One thing I've always enjoyed about working in a restaurant is the atmosphere. Generally, if people go out to eat, they're in a good mood. People are usually friendly as they come in and out, and you meet some interesting customers too. Another thing I enjoy at the restaurant I work at, in particular, is the entertainment factor. Numerous days and nights of the week are dedicated to fun things like live music, karaoke, trivia, and open mic night. The building fills with people who are having a good time, and it makes working more enjoyable when the customers are happy.

2. The co-workers

I think the co-workers are a great part of the restaurant business. You get to meet such a wide variety of people, most of which you wouldn't have met if it wasn't for work. You meet people of all different ages and personalities, and essentially hang out with them all day.

3. The customer service experience

Working in the restaurant business, you will receive rude customers from time to time. However, dealing with their complaints trains you well for future occupations. If you can handle someone complaining about how long their food is taking, (something you have no control over) and still remain smiling, you likely will be prepared to handle conflict at another job. Working in a restaurant places importance on being polite and efficient, which is something that'll be useful the rest of your life.

4. The pay

For the most part, restaurant pay is better than retail. Even as a host or busser you typically earn decent tips on top of minimum wage. You also can work your way up and become a server, where you can make a lot of money; especially on busy nights.

5. Free and discounted food

Although you may need to take some of that money you just earned to buy a gym membership, working in a restaurant guarantees free food. Even if the restaurant you work at offers discounted employee meals rather than free ones (which is still awesome), the kitchen sometimes messes up orders, meaning it's up for grabs for the employees. It's honestly a blessing and a curse. Sometimes I go into work with my smoothie, planning to eat healthy all day, and someone walks out of the kitchen with a plate of slightly gooey brownies. There goes my healthy eating for the day.

6. Friends and family can visit you at work

A fun thing about working in a restaurant is your family and friends can come in and it's totally normal. They can stay for an hour and it's not even weird. You also can bring them their food or seat them, and they can experience the menu and environment.

7. The hours

For the most part, the restaurant hours are pretty good. Since people don't want to eat super early in the morning, the restaurant won't open unreasonably early. This means you probably won't have to wake up too early for a shift. The same goes for night time. People want to go to bed, and the kitchen eventually stops serving food. You may have some late nights, but generally you never have to stay at work unreasonably late.