8: Service Workers

I have never worked as a waitress before. Or in any customer service job. But from what I’ve seen and what I’ve heard, working in that kind of setting is not easy. I completely disagree with the things Drucker stated about service workers.

When I go out to eat at a restaurant, I always make sure that I show the employees with respect. I know they already get treated like crap by a lot of customers that they get so the least I can do the make their job easier is to be respectful. As an introvert, it amazes me how a lot of hosts and waiters can manage to keep a positive attitude throughout their whole shift, even if they’re just faking it. They always have to constantly talk and ask customers if they need anything. It just seems like a job that would tire anyone out quickly you know? So really, props to those who work in the service industry.

“Inactive service workers lack the necessary education to be ‘knowledge workers.’” I don’t know if I’m understanding this statement correctly, but I think it’s a load of bull. It’s very difficult to get a job in your field of study these days, even with a college degree. But people have to find ways to make a living. And service industry jobs may be easy to get, but they’re not easy. There are also different situations in which this quote just sounds flat-out ignorant. A lot of college students that don’t get financial support from anyone work service industry jobs. It doesn’t mean they “lack the necessary education.” Single parents who struggle to make money may need to keep their job working at a restaurant. They can’t afford to go to school because if they do, then who will feed their kids? Just because they don’t have a college degree, it doesn’t mean they “lack the necessary education.” They’re just struggling to pay the rent every month and trying to put food on the table for their children. I find it really sad when someone looks or talks down on service industry workers. They’re probably so used to exercising their privilege that they don’t stop and think how being a host is the only way some people are able to afford food.

Even though I’ve never worked as a waitress before, I can still say that this job definitely requires some sort of ability to solve problems. These workers stand on their feet all day, taking orders from parties of two to five, and even a dozen sometimes. I don’t know about you, but I’d probably pass out from talking to too many people in a small crowded space, navigating my way through tables, frantically getting everyone’s different and complicated orders, and asking to stop if someone needs water. Honestly, service workers are God-sent. What would we do without them? Imagine eating out with some friends or family. But all the waiters and hosts boycotted the work day. Isn’t that such a shitty thing to think about? It’s depressing. So please, respect the service workers that have to please your privileged lives.