What Not to Say to Your Server
“Why don’t you tell her to get a real job instead of working here?”
Not exactly what I wanted to hear on my first day at my new job this summer. But my coworker who was training me just laughed and moved on. So I did as well, for this wasn’t my lifelong job. I didn’t want to work at a brunch restaurant forever.
I began my first restaurant job at 15, but it wasn’t until this summer, four years later, that I realized how much privilege I had working in the service industry. Every time a customer condescended me, belittled me or made sexist remarks, I didn’t care for more than a moment. I, unlike my coworkers who had been with the company for more than half my lifetime, knew this was only temporary.
Sometimes it's difficult to remind myself of my privilege, especially when everyone around me also has that privilege. That being, attending college. Throughout my time working in the service industry, I would imagine how different my life would be if this was my career. I would imagine how those comments would make me feel if it wasn’t temporary. I wouldn’t laugh it off like my coworker, but I would learn to.
Image courtesy: Pinterest
Being a server this summer while my friends traveled the world was the epitome of a first world problem. I say this because my job was not difficult and my daily schedule didn’t exceed seven hours. A 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift didn’t affect anything except how many hours I slept after the sun came up. But another reason I say this is a first world problem is because of my personal privilege as someone working in the service industry.
Immediately upon approaching guests and tables at my place of work, they would ask, “Where do you go to school?” I don't know what gave it away. I wasn’t allowed to model Gator merch at work, but without fail, customers always assumed I was a college student.
Every time I was cross-examined like this, I responded cheerfully, just as they had hoped, proud to say I attend UF. Except in the back of my head I always imagined what my response would be if I wasn’t a college student. And this was my full-time job.
The restaurant industry plays a strong role in precipitating class distinctions, and this summer I saw first-hand how prevalent this was. Since it was a part-time job for me, customers assumed it granted them permission to advise me against serving professionally. The disrespect I saw while working around intelligent and hard-working people made me angry at how other people viewed restaurant servers.
I don't mean to suggest that servers face more discrimination than any other job; in fact, the conditions of serving can be very beneficial for individuals who need flexibility and fast-cash. Though like any other worker, you should treat your waiter or waitress with respect, whether or not you consider them to be a professional.
Image courtesy: Pinterest
Strike Out,
Writer: Olivia Hansen
Editor: Daniella Conde
Gainesville
