I have a desire to be a waitress. I am not afraid of hard work. But I AM afraid of verbal abuse by customers...especially drunks.
What advice can you give me?
2006-10-22 12:33:39 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Dining Out ➔ Other - Dining Out
Waitressing is an awesome way to earn great money.. Try to get a job at an upscale or at least respectable establishment and you don't have to worry too much about verbal abuse from customers> Definatley don't work in a bar if you don't have the personality to handle drunks ! Good luck with that!
2006-10-22 12:37:35 · answer #1 · answered by simichka 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't work at a bar and don't work where there is a bar.
Okay, that's probably too restrictive. Work in a place like Outback that does have a bar, but doesn't keep bar hours. If a place is open until 2 AM, you're more likely to get people coming in specifically to drink.
But really, you probably won't have to worry about abusive drunks too terribly much, if you stick to one of the chains like Friday's or Applebees, or even a local place with a good bouncer. Most places get only some very few isolated incidents where drunks get really out of hand, but your managers aren't going to let that sort of thing go on too long, and if they do, they should try a new line of work.
One other thing, is if a drunk is acting up, don't let him get to you. If you start getting irritated and talking back to him, that's going to make it a lot worse. Often if you just keep smiling and ignoring his nastiness (as long as he's not getting physical), you can diffuse the situation on your own. But if you don't think you can handle a customer, don't hesitate to get the manager.
Good luck.
2006-10-22 19:44:42 · answer #2 · answered by answersBeta2.1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure -- it's good money if you work in the right place, you make a lot of friends . . . many people become quite attached to their waitresses! . . . and you're an important link in the food chain! As for problems, there are assholes in every business and they don't necessarily have to be drunk. One of the worst incidents I ever witnessed was in an average family restaurant where the young lady asked an elderly couple, "Would you guys like any dessert?" and the old woman got offended, saying "I AM NOT A GUY!" and they left in a huff after their steak dinner, leaving no tip and the poor waitress in tears! Be tough!
2006-10-22 22:16:46 · answer #3 · answered by worldinspector 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will have to put up with crap from rude people. But that is true for any job where you have to deal with the public. As decency and respect degrade, it's pretty hard to avoid that. But....
If you learn to be a good waitress and get into a good restaurant where meals are more expensive, and you learn the techniques of sucking up and giving excellent service, tips can be great. If you're good, and you're working in a high-class place, you can rake in good money.
2006-10-22 20:10:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you like working around large crowds of people of all types, it can be very satisfying. As long as you are very friendly and respect yourself, you should not get anything verbal from the customers, know matter what type they are and if you do just say have a nice day and go about your business. When you go out of your way to be nice to people, it will rub off on them and they will also be nice to you. And lets face it, the nicer you are the more tips you will receive.
2006-10-22 19:46:37 · answer #5 · answered by mary r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Work someplace where they do not serve alcohol. And why be afraid of something that has not even happened? Besides if I had this happen, I would just make sure that I ah, kinda, sorta, tripped with a full glass of soda. Yep, right in the old lap! Peace be with ya!
2006-10-22 19:58:43 · answer #6 · answered by It All Matters.~☺♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't want to serve drinks then you should try a buffet style restaraunt. According to your situation, I think it is definately worth it. I raised my two kids alone by waiting on tables for 7 years. Remeber your attitude is what determines the money you make and the way customers react to your sevice.
2006-10-24 00:08:07 · answer #7 · answered by blue 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am a waitress going on 7 years and love it . i have good days and some bad.it makes you a better person but can make you bitter sometimes..me and all my friends love the movie Waiting.heehee.that never happened where i worked but sometimes we wish we had the balls to do it..sundays people are extra rude.dont work sunday days!!!!!!!!!!
2006-10-25 21:28:44 · answer #8 · answered by red 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you work at better restaurants, you are less likely to be bothered by drunks.
Put on a happy face. If a customer senses fear, he is more likely to be abusive.
2006-10-22 19:41:07 · answer #9 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe waitress in a upscale neighborhood...not in a dive! don' t work in a chain restaurant.
2006-10-23 09:35:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋