As a student, money is hard to come by. We all have ways of making ends meet so we can afford our school books, pay our bills and somehow make it through the semester. Let’s face it — most of us have to have part-time jobs because financial aid can’t cover everything.
I’ve worked in the restaurant business for four years as a server and, personally, it is a challenging job.
If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, I highly recommend the experience. I’m expected to be polite and composed while I have an overwhelming amount of things to do. Customers always think they can do a better job than me, yet most of them can’t even remember my name even when it’s pinned to my shirt. Try having to take orders for three tables, getting drinks for two, dropping the check off at another and locating the one manager to discount this one’s bill. All in less than five minutes while getting paid below minimum wage with a smile on my face.
It’s a tougher job than you might think, and servers should be tipped accordingly. If you respect your server, then your dining experience might not turn out like the horrifying scenes from the movie, “Waiting.”
First of all, if you can’t afford to tip, then you can’t afford to go out to eat. By tipping, I mean 18 percent or higher — not $2 on an $80 check. If you get something discounted from your bill, tip before the discount. I still do the same work and shouldn’t be paid less for it.
If your food was prepared wrong and taken off the bill, it is not my fault. The cooks prepare the meal and still get paid regardless of how cold your chicken tenders came out. I can only give you what they give me, so don’t blame your sever.
And, by the way, compliments do not count as tips. Thank you for noting that my service was excellent, but let me know how good I was by leaving a little extra cash. Also, please don’t give out those prayer pamphlets as a tip. I was told once that Jesus didn’t ask for tips. Well, that may be true, but I’m not Jesus.
Another thing to remember, if you come in 10 minutes to closing time, you will greatly upset every employee in the store. Once we’re closed, please don’t take your sweet time leaving. You might not know this, but I have a life, too, and I can’t leave until you do. If you want to socialize all night, go to a bar or Taco Bell. They stay open until midnight or later.
There are many difficult types of customers servers have to deal with. Obviously, there are the people who ask for so many things I feel I’m walking in circles. Others expect me to be a mind-reader, acting completely unresponsive when I ask a question. There are also those called “campers,” or customers who keep the table long after they are finished. Once your bill is paid, it’s time to go. I can’t make money if you take up one of my tables all night.
I also have to deal with children, which, for the most part, is all right. However, children who are not disciplined by their parents are brats. They whine, back-talk and, once they leave, I have a table covered in french fries and spilled milk. If you allow your child to throw their food on the table instead of into their mouths, there is something seriously wrong. Still, I’d rather deal with a frustrated child than a snobbish, criticizing patron any day.
Serving isn’t always a discouraging job. Most of the time I make excellent money, and, if I’m lucky, can get through the night without having any disgruntled customers. It is, however, not the most glamorous job. I’m aware there will always be people who ask for a diet instead of regular Coca-Cola and give me 50 cents for said mistake.
Like many students, I’m going to school so I can have a career and get that dream job, but, in the meantime, I have to make do.
So, the next time you go out to eat, be mindful of your server.
They may not always be happy to be doing their job, but at least help them out and respect what they do.
By CLAIRE MUNN
Features Editor
clamunn@umail.iu.edu