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What Is A Waitress?

Dkprincess6 by Dkprincess6

My Experience

Since I've been working as a waitress off and on for more than 10 years now, I thought I'd make a page about it.  I started working as a server because I was in school, and it was much easier to work a server schedule around school, then a retail job.  I'm also somewhat of an introvert, and I thought being a waitress might help me with that.

I've worked in everything from a diner, to a 24-hour pizza joint, to restaurant/bar combinations. Each place has it's own pros and cons, but I'll tell you this, there's more to being a waitress than meets the eye!

Places I've Worked

Here's a list of the different places I've worked as a server in.
1. Flameburger - 24 hour greasy spoon diner
2. J's Pizza - 24 hour pizza restaurant
3. Pizza Factory/Adagio Lounge - Italian Restaurant with a bar attached
4. Welsch's Big Ten Supper Club - Despite the fancy name, this wasn't much more than a working man's bar/restaurant. It was complete with pool tables, video games, and dart boards.

If you want me to pick my favorite place that I've worked, I'd have to say it was the Pizza Factory/Adagio Lounge. Had kind of a "Cheers" type feel to it.

Do I Enjoy This Work?

Do I enjoy working as a waitress? Yes and no. It was a great way to work a job around my schooling. Taking money home every time I worked was great too! If you're actually more introvert than extrovert like me, this is a great way to work on it.

Overall, the hours are terrible, there's no benefits in most places, and it's not an easy way to make a living. Most servers don't ever get raises either.

I guess, like every other job it has it's pros and cons. For the most part I enjoy doing the work, and I will probably continue to do it off and on whenever necessary.

The Downside

Not so fun things

When you work as a server, you need to get used to hearing the same lines over and over, especially if you work in a bar. Everyone who says a line you've already heard a thousand times, thinks they're saying it for the first time.

A lot of people think that a server is a server because they're too dumb to do anything else. To you, my humble readers, most of us are NOT stupid. We don't appreciate being treated like we are.

You need to be a maid too. Not everyone who takes their children out to eat with them, cleans up after them. Remember, you have to be nice to your customers no matter what mood you're in, your income depends on it.

The Top 3 Things I Think You Should Know

1. Most of us are NOT stupid, and we don't like being treated like we are. Believe it or not, some people enjoy being servers.
2. Be prepared to hear a lot of the same lines over and over again. Especially if you're working in a bar.
3. Even if you're having the worst day ever, you can't let your customers know that. It affects your tips, and in some cases, you lose your job.

What Is Your Opinion Of The Humble Server?

Most of us aren't dumb. Some of us actually enjoy working as servers.

Do you think people who work as servers are too dumb to do anything else?

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Yes

gem says:

no of course not as you need some qualifications to become a waitress

Susan says:

No. As a server for fifteen years, it was a great job for me to earn income and be home with my young family. I have always had respect for servers. However, I finally decided to get into the world of work with my degree, and sadly, lots of employers only see servers, as well servers. Sure they want me to test for their jobs, and even interview, but that's where it ends. They want someone with experience and yes, I have loads of that and could probably do a better job than many who have been in the field that I want to get into, but there's a little stigma to being a server that you aren't as up to par as other candidates, and that hurts.

Becky says:

no. I was a waitress/server for Shoney's restaurant for over 10 years. I worked there while I was going to college and even after school. I love being able to take care of people and eventually had my regulars come in that wanted nobody else but me and that made me feel good.
I knew that if they were asking for me that I was doing a great job. Believe me when I say that servers are not dumb people. I memorized my drink orders and food orders and called them in before I wrote them down on paper.
I am now a substitute teacher and working on bachelors to become an elementary teacher but I would also love to be able to go back to waitressing as well so for all those people that think we are dumb or that restaurant work is not hard, you need to rethink your thoughts and go out and get a job in a restaurant and I guarantee that you will change your mind.

No

Leah says:

I am a university educated individual who has worked as server in nightclubs and pubs for several years. I make a $70,000 a year income from waitressing - much more than I would at most other jobs. Yes it is a stressful job at times, it requires a quick mind and body to multitask and run around for 8-10 hours - and some customers can be hard to take. But the money and the freedom (and the workout!) it gives me if well worth it!

Oh and most servers aren't "just servers" they are usually doing it to finance their actual goals - such as paying their tuition, or running their business. In my case, I run a successful online women's clothing boutique that I wouldn't have been able to start up if it weren't for the good pay and flexible schedule that I get from serving!

COUNTRYLUTHIER says:

Of course not. Not all doctors and surgeons have people skills and would make terrible food service staff. Great lens.

perso says:

No and once more no!

Candice says:

I don't, but where I live, potential employers do. They don't see the multitasking, working under pressure, and great memory that we have. They see dumb, unprofessional all because we have what is deemed a low class job.l

naheedahsan says:

i don't think so

 
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Have You Worked As A Server?

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Waitress Search

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And In The Blogs...

Every one and their brother probably has an opinion on this. Interesting to see what they have to say.
Gaza: First Restaurant Waitress Since Hamas Takeover
For the first time in Gaza, since Hamas seized control in 2007, a woman has been allowed to work as a waitress in a restaurant, serving men food and drinks. Ranad al-Ghozz, 24, from Gaza City recently made local media headlines in Gaza when she began ...
Bookworm: 'Hot' new release wrestles humor from despair
She couldn't afford health insurance on a waitress's salary, but as you'll see in her new book ?Hot Cripple,? she paid anyhow. Hogan Gorman was a ?slasher.? That is, she was an actress-slash-waitress and the latter paid the bills, though not very well.
Gilchrist: The waitress felt him up
In addition to the superb food and atmosphere, Husband enjoyed the unexpected pleasure of being groped by our waitress, a robust young woman whom I'll refer to as Miss Frotteur. Frotteur is not her real name, but rather, a French term of art that you ...
Exclusive: SUR Waitress Scheana Marie Talks Spinoff, Lisa Vanderpump, and Her ...
Like most LA restaurant workers, Scheana Marie isn't just a waitress. She's also an actress and budding pop singer who just released her first single. And these days, she can add reality star to her resume. Thanks to her day job working for Lisa ...
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For My Fans

Whether you're a fan of me or not, let me know you were here. I just love when other Squids visit me.

  • arperinos Feb 24, 2012 @ 6:47 am | delete
    excellent.
  • naheedahsan Feb 11, 2012 @ 12:52 pm | delete
    challenging work.
  • Mistel Nov 25, 2011 @ 8:15 pm | delete
    I used to work as a waitress and a bartender. I loved the job as you get to talk to so many different types of people. There are the bad stories of course, but mostly people are super nice and friendly and will give you a smile if you shoot them one. I don't think anyone has ever thought I was stupid and if they did, then they quickly learned that they were wrong. :)
    I think everyone should walk a day in a waitress shoes though, would be a great learning experience for some people.
  • AndyPo Nov 9, 2011 @ 4:48 pm | delete
    I hate it when people treat servers badly, but I now have a two-year old child who makes an incredible mess, so I do take your point about the server having to be a maid as well (he's always very nice and friendly, but makes up for that with flying food)
  • NancyOram Oct 13, 2011 @ 12:44 pm | delete
    My pet peeve is being with someone who treats a server poorly. I'm mortified and want to crawl out. I've had poor service for one reason or other, but never intentionally. I could never do this job - I'd run home bawling the first day. There should be a national server's day.
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Dkprincess6

I've been a member of Squidoo since January 8, 2009. I made Giant Squid in my first try in April of 2009. I have an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology... more »

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