I think being a server is one of those jobs that look easy from the outside, but once you get into it wow, I mean it’s not rocket science or anything but it sure can get pretty hectic. Before I started serving I thought that I was going into the most chill job ever, I mean common, it’s really just ringing burgers and beer at the end of the day, but no, it’s a lot more. From dealing with extreme allergies, to serving someone’s engagement dinner, to of course all the Karens that come and sit in your section, it’s a lot, it’s insane, but it can be kinda fun. 

From the outside looking in, serving might seem straightforward. Smile, take the order, bring the food, get the tip. Simple, right? Not quite. In reality you’re serving up to 10 different tables at a time, each with their own allergies, moods, and of course, preferences. You’re mentally juggling a million different thoughts at once trying to remember what table 7 flagged you down for while getting refills for table 4, and you probably just got double sat (a servers worst nightmare). Most guests don’t see what goes on behind the scenes, especially if they don’t have any experience within the industry, and sometimes they can be pretty misunderstanding and just plain rude if not everything is perfect. Guests don’t see how backed up the kitchen or the bar is, or maybe they don’t see all the tables you have in your section, so they jump to conclusions that you’re off in the back slacking and chatting with your co-workers. The amount of times guests have made comments to me with something along the lines of “I guess you need a break too” or “how was chatting in the back” is insane, little did they know I probably was ringing in an anaphylactic peanut allergy or ringing in broken class, thanks a lot for the added stress, Karen. 

Sometimes I like to think of serving as being an entrepreneur, or like running my own business. You are literally running for your money. You learn quickly that time is money, your money. The more efficient you are, the more tables you flip, and the more tips you (hopefully) earn. It’s kinda exciting, but also a little bit unsettling with having the majority of your income be tips. You never know if you’re going to walk out and be able to go on a shopping spree, or maybe you won’t be able to fill up your gas tank all the way, it’s definitely a gamble. Every shift is a hustle, and no two are ever the same. One night, you’re riding high, your tables love you, the banter is good, the team on is great, and the kitchen is on it, while other nights your just watching a disaster unfold right in front of you, maybe you forgot to punch in table 12s food, or table 9 asked for no cheese on their salad and of course, it came out with cheese on it. It just feels like one bad thing after another. Those are the nights where I find myself questioning if it’s all worth it. But one thing serving teaches is is how to bounce back quickly, a lot of guests can be passive aggressive and kinda just demeaning, but at the same time there are so many other people in your section who are they having a good time, you just have to let the Karens be Karens and move on, it’s their own loss for being so negative! 

Serving can be pretty physically draining, but to be honest, it’s 100% more emotionally draining than anything. You’re expected to be “on” no matter what kind of day you’re having. Bad mood? Doesn’t matter. Dealing with something personal? Push it down. Because the second you step onto the floor, you’re in performance mode. If you aren’t a social butterfly or have a low social battery, then I hate to break it to you, this is not the job for you. I even consider myself a pretty social person but by the end of my shift I turn mute. There’s also the emotional toll of dealing with difficult guests. Rude customers, inappropriate comments, complaints over things outside of your control—it’s all part of the gig. And you have to take it with a smile because, at the end of the day, your income is literally tied to how much someone likes you. As a very opinionated and vocal person I think the hardest part of the job is not responding back, I really have to bite my tongue and try to forget the comments because responding back out probably results in losing out on some cash. The best way to deal with it is just to fake it till you make it and agree with everything the guests are saying even if you 100% know it’s not true.  

But it’s not all bad guests, I’ve met some pretty amazing people and got to be a part of some pretty special days too. Serving birthday parties, grad parties, anniversaries, or even engagement dinners, are definitely one of my favourite parts of the job. Knowing you’re adding a special touch to someone’s day whether it’s a free dessert on the house or a couple of tequila shots to celebrate a 19th birthday, it can really be a blast and feels good knowing you’re making a positive impact on their experience and their day. 

I think it’s pretty obvious that minimum wage is not a livable wage, so being able to take home some cash at the end of the night is a real blessing. But it can also be kinda weird. Your earnings depend not on how well you do your job, but on how someone feels about how you did your job. You can give flawless service and still get stiffed. It can feel brutal, but it’s just part of the game. Serving can be a real hit or a miss, a gamble like I said. You also have to remember that going out to eat can be crazy expensive and there’s going to be times where tipping is just not on the table, and that’s totally okay too, no reason to get down about one table, you still have the whole night and section to go. 

At the end of the day, it’s no doubt that serving can be overwhelming and exhausting but at the same time, I think it’s also the perfect side hustle or job to have while you’re in school. I’ve met some of my closest friends on the job, made some great memories, and of course, some good tips. And while it’s not always glamorous, and sometimes you feel very far from appreciated, it’s just a fun job. So cheers to the servers out there, it can be tough but don’t forget it can be so, so worth it!