Anyone who works in catering would understand the patience and struggles that the job requires. We face many obstacles like fussy customers, long hours and misunderstandings, but the pay back is minimal. Here are 19 problems only waiters and waitresses face…
When a customer complains about their food not being ready… after literally 10 minutes
Comfortable shoes are EVERYTHING
We’re on our feet for hours; we don’t really care if our work shoes aren’t stylish
There are either no orders at all, or there are 10 at once… there’s no in between
When people come in the last 5 minutes before closing, thinking it’s okay
But you have to serve them anyways; otherwise you’ll get into trouble
And then you’re actually closing, but someone comes in asking if you’re closing
Can’t you see us stacking chairs?
When a client clicks or whistles at you to get your attention
This is downright disrespectful… we’re your servers, not your servants
Looking at instagrammers taking a full on photo shoot of their food
Don’t you dare complain that your food is cold…
When people order 4 cappuccinos and 3 fresh orange juice during a rush hour
Just a heads up – everyone in catering HATES making fresh orange juice
And then you experience that rare, joyous moment when the coffee machine malfunctions
Or better yet, you’re out of oranges
Getting blamed for prices or food you didn’t even make
When you try explaining something to a customer, and they ask for the manager
But that doesn’t scare you because you know the manager is going to tell them the exact same thing you did
Feeling like you’re walking on a circus wire when you’re carrying a tray full of drinks
And the absolute embarrassment if you accidentally drop it
When customers are on their phone, wanting to order, whilst still on their phone…
I’ll happily take your order, but can you get your face out of your phone?
When a customer tells you they’re ready to order, but they’re not
Or you ask them if they’d like anything else, and they say no so you print out their receipt…only for them to add something else after
Tipping is a lost art
When people want their phones on the table more than they want their food
That’s cool, I’ll just move your crap out of the way with my third hand
Your fake smile is so good, it looks real
Not to mention your fake customer voice
When the cash register malfunctions, and you get the classic “Oh, so it’s free?”
But, whenever you go to another restaurant, you automatically start helping the waiters because you feel their pain – there is a bond that cannot break you