There’s no way you’ve never heard someone say “Everyone should work in the service industry.”
The service industry serves as the gateway to the workforce for many, spanning fast food, restaurants, retail, and barista roles. Within these positions lie numerous chances to cultivate skills in cash handling, time management, conflict resolution, and customer service.
One of my favorite service industry roles I think everyone should experience, is working as a server in a restaurant. Servers learn to balance the needs of customers, workings of the restaurant, and communication with the kitchen and bar. They learn an absurd amount of information regarding food allergies (what exactly is gluten??), how food is prepared, and most importantly, how to work with various types of people.
Aside from the notable hard skills, there are equally as important lessons and soft skills you learn working as a server.
Things You Learn Working As A Server
How to be considerate.
Self awareness really is key. Servers are balancing the needs of various tables within their section, their colleagues, and patrons outside of their sections that always seem to make requests. To ensure everyone’s needs are met promptly, contributing to a seamless experience is as simple as being a thoughtful and considerate table.
Things that your table could probably improve on:
Being on your phone. It’s incredibly inconsiderate when the server is trying to place your food on the table and you’re ignoring the request to move because you’re glued to your phone, taking up the space your food should go. Plates are hot and heavy.
Communicating clearly. Literally. It can be frustrating trying to take someone’s order when their face is in their menu and they’re looking the opposite direction. In addition, be specific about your preferences or dietary restrictions. If you’re someone who is going to want extra ketchup, let them know in advance. If you only drink your old fashioned with three cherries, let them know in advance.
Your children’s behavior. Hey I get it, kids are kids. However, if your kids are running around the walkways unattended when people are running food, that is very inconsiderate. Other tables should not have to suffer delays on their items from children making it difficult to run items, or my favorite personal story; when a kid was standing in the walkway and wouldn’t let me pass unless I guessed the password, then started to get emotional when I said I needed to work.
Respectfully, using your eyes. There are always items on the menu that you haven’t heard of that you should definitely ask about. That being said, you’d be amazed what you’re capable of learning about an item by reading its description.
Your patience. There is such a thing as just bad service and I’m not discounting that. While it can be annoying to wait, try not to be rude. Also, you should always feel comfortable telling your server directly if you’re trying to get in and out and they can accommodate. If not, the assumption is typically that people are there as a social outing – maybe old friends, distant family, dates, whatever.
How to tip appropriately.
Did you know, in most states, the minimum wage restaurants can pay servers is $2.13? And that is exactly what they pay. I note that because many servers rely entirely on tips to make ends meet, while patrons may assume they have adequate pay aside from tips.
It’s one thing if you feel you had poor service; but if your drinks never got low, all your questions were answered, accommodations were met, then that is great service and should be tipped accordingly. If these things don’t matter to you, you can always order in.
What does it mean to tip accordingly?
General rule of thumb is 20%. While this is a great point to reference, it should really only apply if it aligns with your bill. For example, if you go out to eat, take advantage of all the deals, ask for several accommodations, modify the menu items, get extra sauces, refill after refill and a water to go, and your bill comes out to $10, then $2 is absolutely not the correct amount to tip.
It’s not about refraining from enjoying deals or ordering your desired meal when dining out. However, individuals with server experience often understand the dynamics. For instance, with a $10 bill they occupied a table in a section for an extended period, they recognize that other patrons could have brought in more business. Therefore, they aim to compensate with a more appropriate tip that reflects the service and time spent at the table.
Is it on customers to pay the servers? Why don’t restaurants pay more?
This is a hot topic. There are restaurants that pay their servers livable salaries, but with that is a major increase in the cost of their food and drinks.
How to roll with the punches.
At the end of the day, your job is serving people food and drinks. There will be people who see you as equals, but there will also be people who simply view you as their server. Fortunately you’re not alone. The bonds you form with your coworkers can only be understood by someone else who worked as a server.
Below is a video showcasing a slightly exaggerated point of view as a server.
So, should everyone give serving a shot? Without a doubt. It’s quick cash with a humbling twist. It teaches you various hard and soft skills, but most importantly, it teaches self awareness and consideration.
Shut Up Madi 