Working in the service industry is definitely not easy. It requires TONNES of patience and people skills. Seriously, if you think it’s easy, be our guest and try it out for a day, lah!
Of course, we’ve all had our fair share of struggles when working, especially as waiters or waitresses. Here are just some of those instances!
1. That terrifying feeling you get when you see a big group of people walk in
Yup, we’ve all been there. Seeing a horde of people coming in to sit down at a giant table immediately gives us anxiety. How long are they gonna take to order? Are they going to move around and make a huge mess? GOD HELP US!
2. Rushing to take down orders without getting a hand cramp
Everyone’s gotten that one group of customers who run through their orders so fast, we can’t keep up!
3. When everyone in the restaurant is raising their hands but you’re short on staff
And the few of you who are in the restaurant that day are running from table to table like,
4. When it’s your first day and customers ask you to explain a weird-sounding dish
“Oh no, what was that dish again?” you think as you scramble to find the right words to use so you don’t confuse the customer even more!
5. When a customer asks for something that isn’t on the menu
The worst is when they insist that you bring it to them anyway!
6. When you serve the wrong dish to the wrong customer
…and you just know you’re gonna ‘kena’ from your manager later.
7. When it’s your break time and a huge rush comes in, but you DGAF
Hey, it’s break time after all right? They can handle it, lah!
Source: Pinterest
8. That rare moment when you get a tip
It’s quite an amazing feeling when a kind-hearted customer gives a generous tip for all your hard work. No matter how much it is, we definitely appreciate it and honestly feel a lot richer when we get one!
9. Hearing a customer say “thank you”
A simple “thank you” can really make our day, especially after all the long, tiring hours we spend slaving away!
10. When a customer asks to see the manager to complain, but your manager tells them the same thing you did
Ha! Told you so!
These experiences, regardless of them being positive or negative, have definitely taught us A LOT of patience. So, the next time you go to a restaurant, remember to take it easy on the staff there. They’re people too!
Also read: 10 Funny Things Malaysians Do to Avoid Pushy Promoters
