10.17.2009

calling all self-proclaimed multitasking wizards

if you think you are good at multitasking ( like i once did)
then please take a job at a restaurant.
particularly one like this:
in addition to taking orders and trying to get them exactly correct, memorizing the menu and various changes to it, putting on a smiling face, juggling multiple tables sometimes scattered across the restaurant, reading the minds and moods of your customers, waiting on them hand and foot, running hither and thither bringing them every little thing, desperately trying to 'earn' another dollar or two on your tip, (side note: i am now a strong believer that most people are either lousy tippers or generous ones...regardless of the service they receive), trying to act like you are happy to see the next table come in when secretly you wish they would get back in their cars and drive far, far away so you could go home....
you also, simultaneously:
wash your own dishes
run your own food
pour your own pitchers/refills
make your own change
bus your own tables
(sometimes) seat your own tables
sanitize your own silverware
roll your own silverware/napkin combos
take out trash
sweep floors
carry 30 lb. ice buckets
burn your fingers on hot plates
keep the dressings/toppings/napkins stocked
get yelled at by the cooks
get yelled at by the managers
get yelled at by the customers
get yelled at by other servers
touch nastier things than you have ever imagined
wash your hands 1,235,638 times/shift
negotiate with the cooks
negotiate with the bartender
run around like a crazy person
crash into another server carrying bbq sauce, a beer and two glasses of ice water
clean up the mess
wipe ranch/bbq/dishwasher juice off your shirt/face/hair
run to the 'back' kitchen to get extra of whatever we are out of
run to the grocery store to get extra of whatever we are out of
wipe down tables
wipe down seats
wipe down counters
learn how to use a crazy computer system
learn how to keep the floorchart straight
learn the restaurant 'lingo'
organize the sugar packets
fill up the salt and pepper shakers
wonder why in the world you are doing this again?
think about student loans

and do all of this....until 1 o'clock in morning.
thats right. applebees is open late. yuck.

there are a few things i really enjoy about working there, (read: free/discounted food, tips, flexible schedule) and many things i don't (read: see above). but its work and its good money sometimes. my multitasking skills are tremendous, and growing. i hope soon i'll turn into a superhero...

1 comment:

Mazoto Monarengs said...

Oh Mary! You are going to be a great mother with your tremendous multi-tasking skills! So I have a newfound appreciation for the servers out there. Is 15-20% ok or would I be one of your cheapies? I'm sorry you are working such a tough job. Hang in there! Try to be positive like Pres Hinkley.