Server. The Underpaid Actor.

Server. The Underpaid Actor.

"Hi welcome to Tomfooleries. Hi, I'm Joshua. I'll....(Did this Bitch just stop my greeting to tell me she wants water, no ice, and a cup of hot water?)"

Don't you hate that? Do they have any idea how long it has taken you to perfect your own way at the greeting your restaurant wants you to say?

I got this job because in my interview my smile, presence, and attitude were welcome. We both did a dance, and we both played a part. There was a pretending from the beginning. The moment you walk in the door you put on a facade; get into your costume, check your makeup, check yourSelf, and get into character. Yeah, you're a server, with the potential to make BANK, but let's be real. You hate it, as much as you LOVE the money, you hate the job. You get off late during the week, your weekends are filled with making everyone else happy , only to close at 11, and don't get a chance to leave until damn near one am, because you're a closer. You had six tables walk-in within 30-45mins to close, including a seven-top, and a four-top that walked in, LITERALLY, five minutes before locking the doors. To top in off, the kitchen already shut shit down, and YOU began your closing work. All in hopes of at least breaking $150, especially on the weekend.

You think that's a lot of money? My servers, we understand. The amount of work that goes into a seven-, sometimes, thirteen-hour shift (with no break), we deserve a lot more. If everybody tipped accordingly, servers would do even better. Service standard would also better, I believe.

Before every table it's a deep breath, a "put on your game face" moment. We are human, and can be going through like everyone else. We come to work to escape, to be grateful, and know that we gone get turnt, and spend some money and do it all over again. Because that what we do. We, Servers, our job is to keep you entertained, and mystified. There is so much drama and bullshit that goes on backstage at work, and if we don't play into the illusion you'd lose interest. Then we gotta' be psychic for y'all motha' fucka's. We gauge how you feel, or at least attempt to. Most of you are so disconnected, I'd do better if I had my cell phone at every table and took your orders through FB Messenger. We try to put our best foot forward. Like, literally better than we put on for our family. Treating each table as if it's our last. trying hard not to try too hard. Man, Fuck That! Especially if you not  trying to connect, share the moment.. Damn.

"To Be, or Not to Be?"