And what it taught me
When I began to work at a restaurant, I was content with being a host or a part of to-gos. I didn’t want to be a server because I saw the servers always running around and on their feet. It wasn’t until I started serving that it taught me many decisions that help me in everyday life, and I firmly believe it was the best thing I could have done.
The first thing that being a server taught me was how to interact with many different types of people. As a server, it is your job to make the guest’s experience the best it can be. It can be challenging at times but, when you connect with guests, it no longer feels like a job and simply feels like you’re getting to know someone. Even the smallest interaction that you have with a guest can make their day, and it can have the same effect on a server. Having daily interactions with others is not only helpful for fine-tuning communication skills, but it is also important to learn how to develop relationships and enhance interactions.
Something that has translated into my educational experience is being able to control my stress. When serving, I have to remember so many small details and things on my mental to-do list that I have learned to become very organized in my everyday life. I have learned to acknowledge stress instead of letting it consume me like I did before working in a position where I have to control my stress daily.
Another thing I learned is how to act in different situations. I am around people from the moment I clock in until I step into my car. There are occasionally rough days (that’s bound to happen), but I learned that it is essential to keep smiling even when it feels like all I want to do is cry. It can sometimes even distract me from what is on my mind because I am constantly moving around and thinking about 20 things at once.
The final, and most important, thing I have learned is how to be a good customer. I have been on the receiving end of serving someone rude as a server, so I have developed an immense amount of patience for those who are serving me when I am a customer. It is easy to think that servers do not have feelings like customers do because they are moving so fast and can be so efficient. I learned that it is important to make sure they are treated with the utmost respect because they are providing us with great service even when they are having a very bad day. I am someone who wants to know the server’s name and will always tip more than 20%. I try to make everything easier on them in any way I can, without being annoying.
I believe being a server was the best decision for me and is an amazing opportunity for everyone because of the lessons that can be learned. Everyone should have a serving job at some point in their life because of the lessons they can learn from it. It can even teach someone how to be a better customer when dining out.