I've had a lot of jobs. A Dunkin' Donuts barista at three different locations, a babysitter,  a supermarket cashier/bagger/cart gatherer (which was so terrible on so many levels) and finally a waitress. For over five years now, I serve the best and worst of Rhode Island, most recently Providence. From the cheap, disrespectful, over entitled, verbal tipper-type customers, it never ceases to amaze me how rude people are. I could go on for hours about my love-hate relationship with the restaurant business so let me break down for you the basics in proper restaurant edict...

Here are the appropriate essentials while dining at a restaurant:

1.READ THE MENU. I know, ridiculous right? I have been caught up at tables while my section is slammed because customers are asking me what the difference between the burgers are. JUST READ!!!

2.Treat your server the way you would like to be treated. Like most college students, including myself, serving tables is inevitable.  The last thing we want to do is wait on a cranky, condescending customer after studying for finals. Screw off.

3.Tip your servers 20%. I can't say this for all countries, but in America, 20% tips are highly appreciated. Regardless of how bad the food is at a restaurant, I will never reflect it on the tip because it isn't the servers fault if the food tastes bad. We are taught to never question a tip but COME ON.... it is common sense people. Just double the first digit(s) and move the decimal over. Voila!

The fast-cash lifestyle is what intrigues people to the restaurant industry. When a large party gets seated in your section, CHACHING, you know the check will be large which would result, in a perfect world, with a 20% tip. Adding an automatic gratuity would ensure at least a minimum of 18%, but the option to leave more money was also available if the table was feeling generous. This is being changed now, starting the beginning of this year. Gratuity will now be factoring into the waitstaff's check, which means it will be taxed. For those of you who didn't know, servers make $2.89 an hour. This is the standard at most restaurants. Our checks are always/mostly voided because the taxed credit card tips doesn't cover the tax amount they expect from us. Waitstaff are "obligated" to claim their cash tips at the end of their shift for tax purposes but it doesn't always happen. So now, this new tactic through taxing gratuity will mean restaurants won't add it automatically to checks. So people, whip out your calculators on your smart phones and make sure you are tipping accordingly. DON'T FORGET, tips will no longer be included. I hope this rant helps the end of forgotten tips on a big table's check. An article was written to uncover the details of the new law.  Click this link to explain it further.  (The picture above is from the article)

Anyway, I love what I do. You have too because your life becomes engulfed in the lifestyle. Serving can be considered a way of life. You start thinking like a server while dining at other restaurants. I find myself stacking plates at the end of my meal because I know it makes it easier for the waitstaff.  Pay it forward. Or I will get the terrible "in the weeds" dream (any server knows what I am talking about). I am paying my own college education because I did not come from an extremely privileged family. Coming from the now diminishing middle class, we were fortunate growing up, however, I would never expect my parents to pay for a $50,000 college education. Not only would they be paying for me but for my twin sister, older sister and older brother. (Here's a picture of the family at my twin and I's URI graduation, including my incredible grandmother who is 92!)

To bypass the stresses of the industry, you have to love your job and your fellow employees. I believe by having a good relationship with your colleagues, it will make your shift pleasurable. Of course, you are bound to dislike or have disagreements with some co-workers but make the best of it. During my restaurant's busiest season, I organized a Harlem Shake video with the whole front of house staff and managers at the end of a staff meeting. Check out the video that I posted below, it is rather amusing. (I am to the right with the green tutu). The moral of the story, be respectful and courteous because after all, we are serving your food. Not all servers are the best at their job but if you like your service overall, please tip accordingly.