Imagine a job that is physically demanding, low-wage, usually doesn't offer health insurance or benefits, and more likely to make you depressed than other jobs. If you thought, "Hey, that sounds just like MY job," then there's a good chance you're in the food service industry, according to a round-up by Health.com.
Ah, memories! My first job, while I was still in high school, was at a pizza parlor. Talk about physically taxing, low-earning, and depressing. I have a theory: When people are hungry, they become rabid, frothing-at-the-mouth jackholes. Something about pizza especially makes ... people ... craaaazy.
Now, don't get me wrong. I do know a woman who was a waitress for over a decade. She liked it. She actually loved her customers. However, even she quit her job eventually (and went into journalism) because she felt that the older she got, the more difficult it would be to be on her feet all day. And need I mention that the health insurance plan was expensive, paltry, and not worth having?
My other service industry job was as a cocktail waitress. If you're going to be a waitress, this is a better way to go. People aren't ravenous. They DO want a drink, but they're willing to wait a few minutes for one. And then, once they get a few drinks in their system, they are as nice as can be. Sometimes a little too nice, granted, but I'll take that over someone screaming at me because they want their pizza RIGHT NOW!!!! Additionally, when people start loading up on booze, they suddenly become very generous tippers. Give me a drunk tipper over a pizza tipper any day.
That reminds me of the time I was a "silver service" food server in the U.K. "Silver service" means you actually pick the food up off the plate (with utensils!) and put it on the plate of your customer. It's got to be one of the hardest jobs I've ever done. However, the British are not big on tipping. It's just not customary there. So, although I was working harder than I'd ever worked in my life, I was getting paid less than I ever got paid. Yeah, no $12,000 tip for me!
As for that particular job, I lasted one night.
Have you ever had a food service job?
Image via Adikos/ Flickr
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Comments 11
I've done it. I'm getting ready to go back to school and need a job with a lot of flexibility so unfortunately back I go soon. But only for a little while before I get my degree. It has it's perks, but it definitely is physically and mentally exhausting.
Yes. customers are all jerks. Entitled, whiny jerks. Arrogant too. And almost never right.
Food service is 90% nice and respectful people, 5% a little rude and 5% ridiculous, selfish people who frequent establishments simply to take their aggression out on someone else. I swear some people are just looking for an excuse to abuse others and "the customer is always right" attitude of restaurants allows it. The physically demanding part is still rough. Your feet take a beating.
I was a waitress for 5 years. I think everyone should waitress at least once in their life, builds great character. Teaches you how to deal with psychotic people, drunks, overly needy people, rude people, overly nice people, chatty people that you can not walk away from,..I also learned how to react when a man randomly licks your arm and when random strangers that you can not be rude to rub your pregnant stomach and ask you a million questions..then proceed to tell you horror stories. It was joyous!
the customer is always right