Buezo Week 4

Waitressing 

    The day I turned sixteen my parents reminded me that I had to pay for car expenses, since they wanted to teach me responsibility. That meant I had to get a job. So I decided to work for my parents as a waitress. The first time I ever waited on a table was nerve racking, and to add on I did an awful job. I remember it so vividly. I figured since my mom owned the diner I would know the menu well. I was certainly wrong. I didn't know what to ask, what to get, or where to get it. I neglected to ask my customers if they wanted sides for their entree. I also didn't ask how they wanted their steaks cooked because I was so nervous. I brought out their entree, without any sides or even bread for the table and my customer completely screamed at me. I got so red, I didn't know what to do besides run back to my mom and ask for help. Thankfully I had her there to guide me. Luckily she took over for me, told the kitchen what to prepare and made me apologize to the customers since it was my first time waitressing. They were very understanding, but their initial reaction made sense since they were long time customers and were very confused why half their meal was missing. They ended up leaving me a $20 dollars as my first tip, they were kind at the end and knew I still had a lot to learn. I also still thank to this day for giving me a learning experience and forcing me to learn the menu. 

    It has now been over a year since I have been waitressing and I have grown tremendously. It has taught me many life skills that include being able to communicate, multitask, and be responsible. I had to learn how to do side work which is folding silverware, filling dressings, and always keeping my work space clean.  Waitressing is a tricky job and you must be able to deal with all kinds of people and meet their request. Weekdays the shifts are more relaxed but if you are ever in a restaurant on a weekend, it is chaotic to say the least. It is challenging but on a good day I make anywhere between $150-$200 a night. This is during COVID too, before the pandemic I remember all my parents waiters bragging about the loads of money they would make from a shift on the weekends. Waitress only make good money if their customers tip them well. Our paycheck are very low because we always rely on tips. We don't always make great money, and on slow nights, especially snowy nights we have been seeing we make only $40- $60 a night. When you go out to eat please always try to leave at least 18% on tips. Its not an easy job and very labor intense. Balancing 2 to 4 plates at a time is very difficult especially since they are so hot. I often feel burns on the tops of hands from holding plates that absorb the heat from the food that just got out the oven. Fun fact too if you order a "baked meal" those plates go directly into the oven and we have to grab them once they come out. So when your waiters says "be careful its hot" they really mean it. Waitressing has its pros and cons but it did make a more responsible and patient person.