Ah, waitressing! A role where you cultivate a smile while managing the complaints and demands of customers who often forget their manners. I worked as a server during my college years, and while I briefly applied my psychology degree, I can confidently assert that my time in the restaurant industry provided invaluable insights into human behavior—especially as I transitioned into the demanding realm of motherhood.
Here are five key takeaways from my waitressing experience that have equipped me for the challenges of parenting:
1. Recognize the Difficult Personalities
In waitressing, I quickly learned to identify the “difficult” customers. As I watched new tables being seated, I would gauge their demeanor before approaching them with a friendly greeting. It was often the case that I would be interrupted before I could even finish my welcome, with demands for specific drinks or menu items. Just yesterday, as I emerged from my room, my four-year-old son approached me, looking adorable in his oversized onesie. Yet before I could say, “Good morning, sweetie,” he interrupted with a detailed request for his chocolate milk. The lesson here? Don’t take rudeness personally; instead, model the respect you wish to receive. And perhaps, consider “forgetting” the chocolate next time.
2. Take Accountability
There were times when I became overwhelmed during a busy shift and completely forgot to place a table’s order for over 45 minutes. My instinct was to blame the kitchen for the delay. However, I learned the hard way that taking responsibility for my actions is crucial. Now, when my children create chaos at home or I find myself running late, I remind myself that I may be the one at fault. I am grateful for my experience in waitressing, which has helped me own up to my mistakes.
3. Expect the Unexpected Mess
During my early days as a waitress, I faced a variety of messy situations—from dropping a whole tray of food to being splattered with chili. Fast forward to motherhood, and I quickly learned that diaper blowouts and baby spit-up are just part of the gig. My youngest son, now a lively 15-month-old, has taken “messy eating” to a new level by launching spaghetti at my face. Thanks to my waitressing background, I’ve learned to embrace the chaos, as it can always get worse.
4. Practice Patience with Complaints
In the restaurant world, I encountered all types of complaints—from too much ice in drinks to meals deemed “too spicy.” Children are no different; they possess an innate ability to express dissatisfaction. When my son pushes away his dinner, claiming it’s “too stringy,” I remind myself of the importance of patience. I acknowledge their grievances with a smile, then take a step back to appreciate the absurdity of their complaints, knowing I’ve handled far worse.
5. Prioritize the Kids
As a server, I quickly realized that the key to obtaining good tips from families was to prioritize the children. Getting their meals and drinks out first and engaging with them often led to satisfied parents. Now, as a mother of two rambunctious boys, I understand this principle even better. A happy child typically results in happy parents. When people show kindness to my children, it fosters goodwill toward them as well.
In summary, the skills I honed while waitressing have proven essential in navigating the challenges of motherhood. One day, I hope to guide my children as they embark on their own journeys in the workforce, perhaps in a restaurant setting, where they’ll learn the value of hard work and the importance of treating others with respect, especially those who serve them.
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Keyphrase: waitressing and motherhood
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