5 Reasons The Food Industry Sucks

For the past 5 years I have had the "privilege" of working in the food service industry. For any of you that have, or are currently, working in the food industry know that it takes a toll. Some people make it their livelihood and others have this job just to get through a small part of their life. Here are my top 5 reasons why I could not be happier that I am no longer serving patrons.

1. People are assholes

Apparently if you are a waitress, people think you are a slave. They don't care if they are the only table you have or if you have 12 tables. They expect you to give them your undivided attention at all times.

2. Unpredictable income

There is no guarantee in your income. Every time you claim tips, it comes out of your paycheck. And it's weird, the government makes you claim a certain percentage or you will get audited. So working 46 hours in a week really only comes out to MAYBE $150 each paycheck. We can't survive without our tips. And let's be real, most people don't tip.

3. You smell bad

No matter how hard you try, you will ALWAYS smell like the restaurant you work at. It doesn't matter the amount of perfume you put on or how many times you shower in a day. You will smell like food. The only comfort in this is the fact that other people in the food service industry will feel, and notice, the same way you do.

4. Hours suck

Weekends and holidays are never allowed to be "requested off" and if you try, you are laughed at. I have spent so many holidays traveling to see my family for a few hours to rush back to work so I can make a total of $27.

5. It all falls on you

One of the hardest parts of serving is the fact that no matter what goes wrong it's your fault, no matter what. If the cooks screw up an order, and you don't catch it, your tip is affected and you still have to tip out the cooks and bussers. And if the tables change their mind, the cooks get mad at you because they think you messed up and are blaming it on you and not the table.

Serving can be very rewarding but can take a huge toll. It isn't for everyone but for some, it is a calling. Regardless, you will learn a lot about people and appreciate them for their differences in the customer service industry. The next time you are out, watch your server and try to understand his or her position in the restaurant. This may be just a job for a few people but for most, this is their only form of income; they deserve the same amount of respect and appreciation as the next person that crosses your path.

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