I’ve worked in the same restaurant for just over 3 years now and after spending my time in quite a variety of roles and now planted down as a server I can say working in the restaurant industry is quite an experience.
Along with all the experiences I’ve gained throughout the past couple of years I can also say there is quite the culture that comes with the industry and stereotypes that come with working in the industry and it definitely can have its ups and downs.
One thing that I think many people in the industry can agree on is that it is pretty easy to spot other industry workers whether you’re eating out with friends or just chatting about your work life. I can always spot servers or people in the industry from the way they act in restaurants as well, some people just get it, and that’s how we know.
What I can say is, from what I hear nobody really looovesssss serving tables it’s more everything else about it. Like chatting with friends in between tables, after work drinks to debrief the shift, and the money, it’s fast and easy. The whole culture of working in a restaurant is honestly pretty exciting, the atmosphere is almost always great, everyone is generally in a good mood, and everyone is always on the same page, clock in, have fun, make money. It’s a pretty good part time job to have when you’re a busy student and are just looking to make some extra cash and for the most part it’s kinda just good for socialization. Being a busy student and working, I find it’s hard to find the time to see friends but when I’m at work it’s just like hanging out with friends except we’re on the clock and taking orders.
However there are a couple not so great stereotypes within the restaurant industry. One thing that my friends always ask me that aren’t in the industry is, does everyone just date each other? And while the dating scene in the industry can be compared to that of highschool or middle school, it isn’t as bad as it may seem. I won’t speak too much on this as it’s kinda our restaurant’s secrets, but what I will say it can definitely be entertaining to watch all the drama unfold, especially on the slow boring shifts.
Do I sometimes want to quit on the spot and walk out mid shift? Yes! All the time! Would I? No! It’s fun and I’ve met some of my best friends there, definitely not a job I want to keep forever but for now it’s a job that will get me through school.