Party of 2..er 22, Please

 

I just ended an eventful night at the restaurant covering a shift on my own and I was bombarded with a party of 22 people. I was overwhelmed to say the least and wanted to end my night breaking down as tired and spent as I felt.

This family came in to celebrate not one but two birthdays. The owner gave me a heads up that I was in for a big party tonight when I came in earlier so I was able to set up the tables and not only mentally prepare, but physically prepare for a big group. I thought I could manage by drawing out a diagram of where everyone was sitting, take orders and separate them as needed.

It was a great thought, but the families were scattered from one table to the other and I was mixed up in order between the two. One family tried to help by saying, “I have those two kids over there” pointing to the other table. The other family did the same. They tried to be helpful, but the layout on my paper was still messed up.

Other people were coming in and the owner was helping with those tables while I was trying to take care of this big group. I had some help, but it wasn’t enough. Food was piling up on at the kitchen window and I was trying to remember who had what and where while trying not to feel overwhelmed and stressed and deciphering my scribbles on my tab to figure out who’s plate I had before the food got cold.

I was feeling flustered needless to say. I was running to and fro from table to table making sure everyone was getting their salads, sushi, steamed rice, fried rice, teriyaki dinners, and refills on water on top of checking other diners. The hibachi dinners were to come last.

At the end of the course, I tried to work with one of the families and divide my tabs as best as I could, but separating everything was still confusing. I spent so much time trying to figure it out, I ended up just starting a new tab and dividing what I could decipher when I still messed it up!

The husbands stayed behind patiently waiting on me to give them their tab, but when I handed it to each member, I was missing a few food items, so I had to rehearse what each family had, write them down, correct the tab and then conduct final payout. They were very understanding and patient while I worked with them to sort it out.

I felt so bad. I kept apologizing and they were kindly responsive with compassion.

There were five families total who dined in. A little over $400 worth of ordered food, and I ended up being $20 short at the end of the night. So, there was something that I missed that didn’t get paid. OMG. [insert facepalm here]

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This is just one of many tiring and stressful nights that I have had where I feel that I work too much to get paid so little. It’s disheartening that I have to work two-part time jobs, as well as living on my disability income, and I still can’t survive.

I feel so discouraged right now. This is probably more of a rant than a blog post, but I felt the need to write it all out so I can digress in a more healthy manner rather than suppressing it inside and allowing this to simmer into something that might not turn out so well.

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“Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic and fear which is inherent in a human situation.”

― Graham Greene, Ways of Escape

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You see, I am a survivor of trauma with a history of Post-Traumatic Stress accompanied by depression and anxiety. I am a high-functioning type who finds purpose by working to stay sane. I work towards the greater good by doing my service to the community and world while trying to earn an honest living.

I am at my wit’s end, however. Having been a workaholic for the past 21 years, I am at the point of mental, emotional and physical “I’m done” exhaustion. Does that make sense? I just want a break from the economic battle of trying to get ahead, only to sink in sand.

What can you learn from my story?

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Well, for one, when things don’t go so well, take it all in stride and appreciate the patience of the people that you’re serving.

If you run into a difficult person that you’re engaged with, try to be more reasonable and see if you can come to a mutual understanding or agreement. Allow the person who is upset or dissatisfied to calm down. Give the person space and do your best to make things right by accommodating their experience with a complimentary service (even if you may not be at fault).

“Customer is always right” plays a huge role in the service industry. Happy customers = repeat business.

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I understand that we are human and humans make mistakes. It was a relief that the families were patient enough to wait for me to sort everything out, but I felt like such a mess. I am often hard on myself if I felt that I have fallen short and have not been at my optimal best.

Next, give yourself some grace. Life happens, things happen. You can only do so much. Give yourself grace. Have the compassion with understanding to know that things aren’t perfect and that we can only do our best.

At the end of the night, all I can go away with is that I did my best and tried to be the best server. I may not have felt that I performed to standard, but I was welcomed with appreciation and for that, I am grateful.

With that said, an attitude of gratitude is the key to positive living and blessings.

I am grateful for tonight because it showed me that without Christ, I am nothing (see John 15:4-5). But with Him, all things are possible (See Luke 1:37. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) and I am well-able to do all that He has equipped me to do (See Numbers 13:30).

Ta-ta for now!

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