Working at a restauran t isn't for the faint of heart. For some reason, before I got my job at a Mediterranean restaurant on the Upper East Side, I thought I was a natural-born server. Describing food to people is basically my hobby, and if I could get paid for it? Dream gig. I was so, so wrong. Before reaching server status at this restaurant, I had to do some time as a backwaiter. Backwaiters are glorified busboys. They're integral to the operation, gracefully pouring water and pulling empty…

I've met a lot of people in my life who have scoffed at restaurant workers and bartenders . “Get a real job," they say, with contempt. The reality is, however, that restaurant and bartending work are often more stressful and physical than what any average desk jockey is up against during their nine-to-five gigs. Sure, in both cases, people can enjoy some free coffee and banter but the act of dealing with e ntitled customers , complicated orders, and an unorthodox work schedule are not for the f…

Working at a restaurant is kind of bad for your health. I've seen both front of house and back of house people succumb to alcoholism, drug addiction, burnout and dark depression. I've experienced some of these ails as well. Unfortunately, working a high-paced and high-stress job kind of goes along with those pitfalls. But for all the glaring problems with restaurant work , the industry can help people develop much-needed empathy and compassion. Servers, bartenders, and even broke line cooks are…

A lot of people look down on those who work at restaurants. It's true that it's not a job for everyone, but “serving” people doesn't make you “less than” anyone else. While it's stressful, restaurant work gives a lot of time to people who want to pursue their art, school, or even some daytime hobbies. Playing music all day and then working 4 hours at night is a dream for many people. The same goes for those in the fine arts or people who are grinding away at grad school. So while it's definitel…

The underbelly of working in the restaurant industry has gained a lot of attention since FX dropped their latest smash hit The Bear. The single-camera dramedy has both critics and viewers raving. Let's just say that awards season will be featuring a lot of “chef speak”. But the kitchen slang that has become so popular is only one facet of chaotic restaurant life and the jobs that make the whole operation happen. The reality is a lot less sexy than Jeremy Allen White The reality of working both…

There's a very specific camaraderie you develop when working in a restaurant/bar. People are actually relatively on point when they refer to working together as “being in the trenches.” When the rush comes around it's almost like you're put on autopilot. Swerving through the bus stations, screaming “Corner!” to prevent a terrible accident, and going back and forth from the table because they refuse to order their drinks at the same time. The stress of it all is pretty unparalleled - and if you'…

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