I grew up sitting at restaurant tables, thinking I understood what was happening on the other side. It looked easy.<\/p>\n
Greet, take orders, run food and collect payment\u2014simple.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At 16, I decided to see for myself and work in the service industry. <\/p>\n
I was wrong.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I landed a job as a host at a small family-run restaurant in my hometown. <\/p>\n
Getting hired was exciting, but the idea of earning tips made it even better.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Like any first job, it was overwhelming. But stepping into the industry was something else entirely. It has shaped me in ways I didn\u2019t expect, both good and bad.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, at 20 and still working part-time in the restaurant industry, I\u2019ve had time to reflect. I\u2019ve realized the job is not nearly as glamorous as it once seemed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kitchen culture<\/p>\n
Restaurants bring together a diverse mix of people\u2014both customers and staff. I\u2019ve worked with people from all walks of life, from students just like me to older adults seeking extra income.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve met some of my closest friends working in this industry, and I\u2019ll forever be grateful for that. I have also worked with people I never would have met otherwise. <\/p>\n
From former inmates to people struggling with addiction, the industry has a way with introductions. <\/p>\n
What I didn\u2019t expect, entering this industry at 16, was just how different that environment would be. <\/p>\n
Coming from a sheltered background and the Catholic school system, it was a culture shock.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Over time, I\u2019ve realized many of my assumptions about people were unfair.<\/p>\n
Still, I\u2019ve learned to stay cautious by keeping relationships professional.<\/p>\n
The snap<\/p>\n
The truth is, people snap at you\u2014literally.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At first, I thought I was the problem because I wasn\u2019t fast enough. But I\u2019ve learned I\u2019m good at my job. Some customers are simply entitled.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In a\u00a0Toronto Life article<\/a>, restaurant owners share that they are being pushed by customers more than ever. <\/p>\n They constantly have to deal with outrageous behaviour and complaints from patrons.\u00a0<\/p>\n