Updated: April 19, 2021
Originally Published: May 3, 2010
Did I say bitter? I meant better. I genuinely believe that working in the service industry, particularly as a waitress, can enhance your character. My journey began at fifteen, at a mall eatery called “Olga’s Kitchen.” I say “Greek” with quotes, as while it carried a Greek name and served Greek salad, the menu mostly consisted of Americanized gyros—not exactly what you’d find in Greece, as I suspect.
My first role involved working the cash register, seating guests, and peddling enormous, scrumptious muffins that could be used to placate unhappy customers. If someone raised concerns about their meal, we would offer them one of our giant muffins, presenting it with a smile and saying, “Here’s a treat for your troubles.” More often than not, this simple gesture turned their frown upside down, and they would leave a generous tip. If only resolving life’s challenges were as easy as delivering muffins!
Once I turned sixteen, I graduated to the more lucrative position of waitress. Jo, our head waitress, was a remarkable presence. Her age was a mystery—she could have been anywhere from thirty to sixty—but she was a cool mentor who always had my back, whether I was overwhelmed or just needed a breather. Jo preferred waitressing to management, enjoying the benefits of higher pay without the added responsibilities. We all respected her, so she rarely had to do the less desirable tasks. Her influence taught me to work hard while not taking things too seriously; after all, it was just a restaurant, not a diplomatic summit.
We wore polyester uniforms and name tags, though if we forgot ours, we could grab a random one from a box of discarded labels. Sometimes I would find myself as “Linda” or “Susan” for the day, but honestly, those alternate identities didn’t always help my performance.
Flirting with the kitchen staff, mostly high school seniors or community college students, was part of the job, and we had access to free food—though gyros were off-limits. However, crafty as I was, I crafted salad-stuffed gyros and dipped them in the free soup. My obsession with feta cheese? Totally a product of my time at Olga’s Kitchen.
Working there taught me invaluable life skills. I mastered the art of pretending to clean a bathroom and how to mislead customers about their salads. Thankfully, the late ’90s Midwest didn’t have the vast array of dietary restrictions we see today. Customers enjoyed their BBQ pork gyros without a second thought.
After Olga’s, my next stop was I Tre Merli in Chicago, where I started as a freshman in college. I was originally stuck at a clothing store, where I was banished from the sales floor for being too honest with customers. Luckily, I made my escape after meeting some charming motorcycle guys who suggested I apply at their restaurant, where they needed waitstaff.
Walking into I Tre Merli felt like entering another world—busy, upscale, filled with well-dressed patrons. I was intimidated but eager. Alistair, the manager, surprisingly hired me on the spot, instructing me to start the next day. I was overwhelmed by the fine dining atmosphere and felt out of place among the glamorous crowd.
Despite my initial reservations, I found camaraderie among my coworkers; we pooled tips and forged friendships. However, as the restaurant’s popularity waned, I eventually shifted my focus back to school.
My next adventure was at a nightclub called Stardust. Hired as a cocktail waitress, I quickly realized I wasn’t cut out for the chaos of delivering drinks through throngs of dancing patrons. After a few exhausting hours, I switched roles to coat check, which, while challenging in its own right, suited me better.
Through all these experiences, I learned not just about serving food but about life itself. As I reflect on my journey, I realize that waiting tables was much more than a job; it was a rite of passage that shaped me into the person I am today.
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In summary, working in the service industry not only provides practical skills but also fosters resilience, empathy, and a greater understanding of human interactions. Embracing these experiences can lead to personal growth and a unique perspective on life.
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