Did I say bitter? I meant better. I genuinely believe that waiting tables and working in the service industry can shape you into a better person. I’ve had my fair share of roles in this field, starting at the age of fifteen at a “Greek” chain restaurant called Yaya’s Kitchen in our local mall. I put “Greek” in quotes because while it had a Greek name and served Greek salad, the menu was primarily Americanized versions of gyros. I can’t confirm if there are Chinese chicken gyros in Greece, but I do know that no one in my hometown cared about the authenticity of our offerings.
At Yaya’s, I began my journey at the cash register, seating customers, ringing up their orders, and selling enormous muffins that were the size of Fiat cars. Customers would often come just for coffee and these delightful muffins. If someone was unhappy with their meal, we’d simply deliver one of these giant treats along with a smile and a sympathetic apology. The free muffin became our secret weapon to turn frowns into smiles. If only life were that simple everywhere else!
Once I turned sixteen, I graduated from being a hostess to the coveted role of waitress, where the real tips were made. Our head waitress, who went by the name of Claire, was a remarkable woman who had an ageless quality about her. Claire showed me the ropes, helped me when I was overwhelmed, and taught me that while we had to work hard, we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously. After all, it was just Yaya’s Kitchen, not a five-star establishment!
All of us wore matching uniforms and name tags, but if we forgot ours, a drawer filled with discarded tags let us pick a new name for the shift. I found being a “Lynn” much more enjoyable than being “Pat.” My tips usually reflected how engaged I was, which was often directly linked to the name tag I wore.
Some memorable moments included flirting with the kitchen staff, who were mostly local high school seniors or community college students, and the free food. While we weren’t allowed to take gyros home, we could munch on unlimited pita, salad, and soup. My creativity with free pita led to a delicious invention: salad-stuffed gyros dipped in soup. To this day, I attribute my love for feta cheese to my time at Yaya’s.
Those early years taught me invaluable life skills: from navigating customer complaints to mastering the art of appearing busy while not actually doing much at all. Back in the late ’90s Midwest, food allergies and dietary restrictions were minimal. People simply enjoyed their BBQ pork gyros and muffins without a second thought.
My next gig was at a trendy restaurant in Chicago called The Urban Table. I was a college freshman at the time, juggling jobs and classes. After a rocky stint at a clothing store where honesty about style choices got me banned from the floor, I was eager for a new opportunity. One day, while biking to work, I met two charming guys who invited me to apply at their restaurant. They were looking for waitstaff, and with my previous experience, I decided to take the plunge.
Walking into The Urban Table was like entering another world. The clientele was sophisticated, the atmosphere rich with energy, and I quickly realized I was way out of my depth. The manager, Ian, mistook my age, thinking I was twenty-one instead of eighteen, and before I knew it, I was on the schedule for lunch shifts. I felt totally overwhelmed; I had no idea how to open a bottle of wine or navigate an extensive menu.
Despite my initial trepidation, I found camaraderie among my coworkers. We pooled tips and often went out together after shifts, creating a little family dynamic. However, like many things, it had to come to an end. As the restaurant slowed down and the manager left for London, I redirected my focus back to school.
Eventually, I found a job at Stardust, a nightclub that proved to be another challenge. Working as a cocktail waitress was chaotic, and I quickly realized I lacked the assertiveness needed to navigate the crowd. After a few exhausting hours, I switched to coat check, which, while physically demanding, felt more manageable. I learned to crawl through piles of coats and often lost items, but it was a winter filled with chaos and laughter.
Through all these experiences, I realized that working in the service industry truly shapes your character. It teaches you empathy, resilience, and a sense of community. If you’re interested in exploring more about the intersection of life skills and personal growth, check out our other blog post on the home insemination kit. For couples on a fertility journey, Make a Mom offers invaluable resources. Plus, for a deeper understanding of the science behind IVF, you can visit Genetics and IVF Institute for excellent information.
In summary, waiting tables can be more than just a job; it can be a transformative experience that cultivates essential life skills and fosters personal growth.