by Danielle Somers

Created on: April 07, 2009

Don't worry, food service is never a dead end job...it is an opportunity to take away life lessons and to pass on a piece of yourself to others.

Perhaps some would say that there is a specific science to find the perfect place to wait tables, maybe the perfect place to work period. In my opinion, this is an incorrect theory. I believe that life, and all aspects within, are a measurement of our experiences and choices that we make. I also believe in leading by example and that my own experiences both personal and professional may have a great impact on someone's life someday.

I have been working in the food service industry for about 13 years. I have worked for only a few companies, however I have worked a variety of jobs in the field. I have found that all too many people in such a situation look at this work as a job, where as I chose to respect it as a career. You never know who you will meet, or who you will have the opportunity to work with. Working in fast food, I once served lunch to a professional football player. In another location, I served a popular recording artist on numerous occasions. In this line of work, I have also had the opportunity to save the life of a customer who had over dosed on heroin in the restroom. I will not go on about my own experiences, but the meat and potatoes I hope is there.

If you still believe that there is the one place that will give you the correct training, well that is somewhat simple. Become a people watcher. Most people would rather work somewhere they know, not to mention that is close to where they live. Next time you pass by that new classy restraunt, why not go in and have a meal. How did the meal taste? How was the service? Did the manager come out and "touch tables"? How was your over all experience? If you were not blown away by a wonderful eperience, then maybe that is not the place for you. In addition, don't be afraid to talk to people. It is not a crime to ask a waiter/waitress if they like their job. If it is a reputable place to work for, then that will most likely shine through. I would also advice talking to the manager. If the manager seems overly stressed out, they probably won't handle training you all that well.

Please, whatever you do, do not become obsessed that you have to work at the best restaurant out there. Everything is meant to be, and there is something to be said for getting your foot in the door. Keep searching, and who knows, maybe we'll work together someday!

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