MetaChat - Any former (or current) servers out there?

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06 March 2013

Any former (or current) servers out there? Feel like taking a quick survey to help out a student? My GF is working on her thesis and has put together a short survey - if you've ever worked as a waiter or waitress, it'd be awesome if you could take a few minutes to click through!

post by: richat at: 10:35 | 12 comments

Done! I put a note in the comments because most of my waitress experience is a couple decades old now.

I worked at a few chains (blech), but the majority of my waitressing / bartending work was at an independently run restaurant, which I absolutely loved. I am still friends with the owners and their daughter who is my age. I really miss it and was sorry when it had to close. Some of my best stories are from The Breadline.

posted by Sil 06 March | 12:21

Done!

posted by occhiblu 06 March | 13:37

And done.

posted by Splunge 06 March | 14:10

Thanks everyone! I know it's appreciated :-)

It's been interesting to hear Mel's stories of serving over the years. She's put herself though school as a server, and that's one job I've never done. Man, the shit you guys have to deal with!

posted by richat 06 March | 15:44

Only about 12 years. Submitted!

I totally loved all my time as a server even though it created some crunches sometimes. I learned a lot, made a lot of money (which gave me the ability to get a foothold in a career with low-paying entry levels), and enjoyed the atmosphere and being around food and other interesting people. Like Sil says, it makes a big big difference that I only ever worked for owner-operated restaurants, never chains.

posted by Miko 06 March | 23:31

Does she need a certain number or minimum? Because I can try to pass it on to a bunch of servers.
I've done it but never on the books so I'm betting it isn't quite kosher, but then I've done lots of things in an emergency pinch hitter capacity, but then the tipping documentary I was working on ages ago informs me a bit in different ways.

posted by ethylene 07 March | 07:38

Sharing would be fantastic, eth! Last night, I think the goal of #s hadn't quite been met. I think it's close, but more would be better, for sure!

posted by richat 07 March | 08:56

I got my daughter to do it and I did it as well. My experience is nearly 20 years out of date but I don't think much has changed.

posted by mygothlaundry 07 March | 10:41

Thanks guys! Turns out she's still about 20 completed surveys from her low end requirement, so if you do know anyone else you could share with, that'd be amazing. Thanks again for helping out!

posted by richat 07 March | 12:00

Well, I'm getting a lot of bouncing, but if needed, I can get to people more directly. Hopefully, it will be passed along a bit.
Trying to think of any attractive servers or owners I want to talk to. Hmm.

posted by ethylene 07 March | 23:36

Done!

I enjoyed waiting tables, honestly. In a good restaurant with a sane owner and regular return customers you can make mad cash. And it's a job that doesn't follow you home. Plus, booze and drugs. That's always nice.

posted by BitterOldPunk 08 March | 03:36

Plus, booze and drugs. That's always nice.

And flirtation! Don't forget that.

posted by Miko 08 March | 23:49

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