All things on Waitressing: Why I love it, and why you will too!
Out of all of my jobs that I have had through the years, I have found that being a waitress is the most fulfilling side-hustle that I have found. Waitressing in a restaurant can be very tough. It is constantly about remembering orders, dealing with unhappy customers, balancing 8 drinks on one tray - all things that require you to focus and stay on task. Although this job can be hard at times, I have found that I have learned some of my most valuable life skills after waitressing for two years. Here is what I have learned from working inside the restaurant industry and having real experience with customer service.
Communication Skills:
It is no secret that communication is a huge part of working any position in the restaurant industry. I learned this skill by quickly adapting to the speedy environment and working together with my co-workers to get things done. In order for things to run as smoothly as possible, you cannot be scared to communicate with your co-workers, especially when things go wrong. I have always felt that my communication skills have improved hugely since becoming a waitress because of the transparency that I have developed. Honesty is the best policy in cases where you mess up, which will happen in any job. However, as a waitress, quick solutions are very important. You have to come up with a solution to a problem fast in order to ensure that the customer has a good experience. Having good communication with your co-workers will improve your communication skills in the real world and can help you in real life situations.
Multitasking:
Multitasking is a huge part of being a waitress. I have definitely had my fair share of screw-ups while trying to balance a customer's needs and my own
responsibilities during a shift. Working as a waitress teaches you to multitask in an organized way. I learned to create a mental to do list as I work, this makes it easier to do things in an organized action that is quick and easy. I have taken this skill into my personal life, mostly when I am cleaning or trying to get work done. I use the technique of making a mental to do list and try to figure out how to order my tasks in a way that will get them done in an organized but fast way. This is a skill I know I will hold onto forever.
Playing The Part:
When people say to serve with a smile, they are not lying. Having a good attitude and persona while you work as a waitress was the best skill that I have learned from working in restaurants. Putting on a good persona for your customers is the best way to ensure you make the most out of a tip. The most important thing about being a waitress is making sure that your customers know that you care. When you are able to act the part, you ensure trust in your customers. No one wants to be served by someone who has a bad attitude or does not tend to their tables responsibly - the same thing goes in the real world. While working at a job or even communicating with people on a daily basis, showing respect and a good attitude is memorable. People want to be able to have an experience of good energy throughout their day, and being a waitress teaches you to do just the thing. I have always felt that this was helpful to me while going for job interviews, because I am able to be confident and alert while talking to people. This profession will definelity build your social confidence in your work life and in your personal life.
Waitressing is not the easiest job, but it will teach you many life skills that will be useful for your future. I have always recommended to people to get a job as a waitress in college, because it prepares you for the real world and sets you up with a good basis in communication. Though some shifts will be difficult, the skills you learn within this job will last you for a lifetime. If you are ever thinking about becoming a waitress or waiter - this is your sign to go for it!