Perusing down Memory and Lane
One of my earlier jerbs (no typo here) was working in a restaurant. Yes, if you've ever wonder what @meno used to do when he was agile as a gazelle (so the rumor says) he worked as a waiter. Honestly, as much as there is very little glamour(this word is also hilarious) to the whole thing, it was a paying job, and one that I'm proud to have held.
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Now, don't think I worked at some fancy place neither, nothing of the sort. I worked for a few months for a mom and pops restaurant, then for a famous franchise. I remember those years with a little bit of nostalgia, funny enough. It's not because it was easy, but because it was my first experience with the University of Life.
You would be very surprised to know what kind of people work at restaurants. I mean, I honestly could not have been more surprised myself. We had philosophers, singers, an ex lawyer (not joking), single moms, boy we had those. It was a gama of different cultural backgrounds and life stories. But somehow, someway we all learned to get along.
In my earliest memories of "people watching" I vividly remember seeing people hold themselves back intentionally. In particular I remember this gentleman in his late 50's that spoke five languages, but decided that his old job was too impersonal, and preferred to work with people, even if they pay was not as good. I remember being confused, asking myself if I would ever choose a path like that. I was younger, I was idealistic, and money in many ways sat among the holy concepts.
I've asked myself a time or two if I would incentivize a child of my own to work in a restaurant too. As an experience, as a clever way to value simpler things. Who would argue against understanding what hard work means? I think the fact that as society we are forgetting that, is costing us big time, and its inflating concepts of entitlement.
I'm not really sure where I'm going with this trip down memory lane, I guess I felt like sharing something personal. I've changed careers so many times, it feels some days as if I used to be another person, literally another person. I guess that's what motivated me to share, I wanted to remember that older me a little bit, and maybe get to know an older version of someone who reads my crazy ramblings too.
img src
Now, don't think I worked at some fancy place neither, nothing of the sort. I worked for a few months for a mom and pops restaurant, then for a famous franchise. I remember those years with a little bit of nostalgia, funny enough. It's not because it was easy, but because it was my first experience with the University of Life.
You would be very surprised to know what kind of people work at restaurants. I mean, I honestly could not have been more surprised myself. We had philosophers, singers, an ex lawyer (not joking), single moms, boy we had those. It was a gama of different cultural backgrounds and life stories. But somehow, someway we all learned to get along.
In my earliest memories of "people watching" I vividly remember seeing people hold themselves back intentionally. In particular I remember this gentleman in his late 50's that spoke five languages, but decided that his old job was too impersonal, and preferred to work with people, even if they pay was not as good. I remember being confused, asking myself if I would ever choose a path like that. I was younger, I was idealistic, and money in many ways sat among the holy concepts.
I've asked myself a time or two if I would incentivize a child of my own to work in a restaurant too. As an experience, as a clever way to value simpler things. Who would argue against understanding what hard work means? I think the fact that as society we are forgetting that, is costing us big time, and its inflating concepts of entitlement.
I'm not really sure where I'm going with this trip down memory lane, I guess I felt like sharing something personal. I've changed careers so many times, it feels some days as if I used to be another person, literally another person. I guess that's what motivated me to share, I wanted to remember that older me a little bit, and maybe get to know an older version of someone who reads my crazy ramblings too.
So tell me... Who did you use to be?
Other posts by yours truly
• If the keyboard takes over I want impunity
• Join me Tonight for Songwriter Shop Talk Featuring Dino Romanelli
• Some Youtubers who are failing at Steemin - Do they know why?
• Conversations with mental Larvas
• I've been thinking about the Oracles - Collective Wisdom / Collective Consensus
should write this somewhere and see everyday!
my answer: I was selling shoes in school! also selling weird stuff that some parents called me! I was a teacher, I was a visitor, I was a tour guide I was............!
great post! helped me recall many things!
that sounds like an awesome life brother, filled with stories!!
Thanks buddy 🙇🏻 everyone's life is full of stories. I wish all the best ones
I worked in a restaurant for a few years when I was young and had a child to raise. I meet some great people that 25 years later I still see and talk to. I think everyone should have to work in the service industry just to get an understanding of human nature. I think the world might be a little bit better place and for sure would have more compassion towards each other.
My younger brother worked in restaurants too, he is a musician by trade, but he feels exactly the same way.
Nice. And you know what? It's not hard at all to imagine you serving other people... how could that be... ? ;-)
I used to be tending bars in three different Coffee-Shops here in the Netherlands; and that also is a great place to get acquainted with the peculiarities of human lack-of-nature. It's where I learned there's no such thing as human nature, but that there's infinite possibilities in each of us; when you're surrounded by high people all day, discussions tend to get philosophical real fast... at least in our own perception that is ;-)
And after that I've had so much different jobs I don't even remember them all. Best time I had though was in my years as a freelance games-reviewer for magazines like PC-Zone and PC-Gamer, the Dutch versions. I've been all over the world in that capacity and even visited E3 in L.A. a couple times.
Always had work to do with communicating with other people though and there's no better place to start learning that than in a bar, restaurant or coffeeshop...
This is basically what everyone calls the University of Life... Communication is so important, empathy, sympathy, human connection. I don't know if that can be taught with a book.
Awesome commentary - I've been working in the food industry on and off for 5 years now, and while it isn't glamorous, I have found the same sort of interesting communities you talk about here in restaurants. Everybody starts somewhere, and most of the time it's in food (or retail). I was lucky enough to have a boss that took the time to teach me to really work, respect coworkers, and deal with pressure in the workplace. My coworkers were nerds, gamers, jocks, stoners, musicians, you name it. The best part of working late night restaurants is the beers and the laughs after the shift. Thanks for inadvertently sending me down memory lane as well :)
You know what stuck with me... 20 years later its still present... I never leave a table nasty.. I just cant!
I remember being on the other side of that dynamic thinking....
"WHAT A D...."
so I make it a point to clean up, always do. Is it the same for you?
Hahaha, I'm a different human at work than I am at home, although I do my best to clean some of our many dirty tables :) "Nasty" is different than dirty... If something is nasty I'll defenitely do something about it. Today I cleaned up an 8 top that could have easily been 4 different 4 tops in terms of wasted food... Some people, man. I've often thought about a way to give unused restaurant food to the area homeless... Some of these programs exist, but not where I'm from. #foodforthought
I always wanted to be an archaeologist when I was growing up but ended up doing mostly server work. I also worked in a few factories. One of them was a Nike shirt factory but I worked on the hat side and made custom hats! It was neat to watch a 20 head sewing machine doing 20 hats at once!
An archaeologist... I do find that wish of yours way to curious for you to just leave like that... tell me.. What made you want to be one?
Haha! Well... I always wanted to dig in the dirt and figure out the mysteries of our human pasts. Plus I'm obsessed with skulls and bones, since that is the only real evidence we leave behind when we pass, and ancient places and things as well. There is still so much to learn about our past and so many questions left to answer. And I mean, digging in the dirt and traveling everywhere... Who doesn't love doing that?!?! ;) But unfortunately I was told by a counselor that there aren't many job openings doing that, so I went to college to work on computers and became a waitress instead.
When I was 14,15 I thought I was going to be a professional Basketball player... I guess I did not see my 5'11 height as an issue until I got drafted to a semi-pro team and my knees struggled to keep up.
Life is funny that way... ;)
It sure is! My cousin was a great basketball player but was also just a bit shorter than they like, so he didn't get much play time in school. Although his skill was amazing, he was just looked over by most because of his height(which is close to 6 foot). And even though he never got to go pro, he still plays in the community and helps kids learn how to play! So I see that as being a better use of his skills anyway!
Hahahahah, meno working where the menu was served..... Just kidding anyway
I have never work in a restaurant, probably it would have helped me to know how to prepare different food types... Lol
Though, I've worked with a road construction company. It was an amazing experience because that was my very first work experience after school.
Their is always something beautiful about old memories like this.
its special to know the value of hard work... very special...
I have changed so many jobs and often wonder who I was when I was doing it.
I went full Sith Lord when I was a Supervisor for a call center
I was a Joan of Arc crusader type when I worked in Human Resources in Employee Labor law
I was a chef (more like a cook) who poured his heart and feelings to his food
I was a baker that scientifically measured all his ingredients
I was so many people at so many different times when it was needed.
hahahah full Sith Lord... I love it!
I agree whole-heartedly about how waiting on tables can teach good work ethic and appreciation for certain things in life!
I have been and am actually a waitress right now, and it is certainly not always the easiest job. Waiting on tables has definitely helped me to have more kindness and empathy for those who work in customer service jobs and has taught me to appreciate some of the simpler things in life.
I am becoming a model at the time and know that some day I will look back on the time of my waitressing as the past-- but I will always appreciate what it has taught me.
Thanks for sharing this, it is very reflective!
Thank you for sharing your little story with the rest of us. Its one of those things I honestly hope most people incentivize their kids to do....
The University of Life's Master Degree is probably on the floors of a restaurant.
I work at a restaurant right now :p I am the cook there on only just a few days since now I have kids and am limited to what I can do because of.
I like working in the kitchen because of the satisfaction of making good food for people. Food is everything and it brings people together. If people are coming to eat my food, it becomes a great feeling to know that people are having a good time with a part of me there. It's not a fancy restaurant. Pretty basic but that doesn't matter in the sense of happiness so to speak. I mean if we are to be technical I can say that I would rather make healthier food for people which would make their bodies happier, but we tried that and no one wants it. Sad that the people here want that much grease for food.
I use to do many jobs as well. Worked as a secretary, a toll booth at a campground, clientele service for a phone/internet/tv company, meat factory, maple syrup factory, shoe store, clothing store, grocery stores and will all that I can say I still prefer making food. The other jobs had no challenges, it was boring, time went by slow and no chances of moving up much. I know in the kitchen it's a standstill job unless its a fancy restaurant and each their own spots... fry cook, line cook, sous chef, chef etc. The one I work at, I'm the only cook. I do everything. When we get a rush, so do I and there lies the challenge. Get everything done in good timing, the tables food done all together so the plates go out together, nice platting, not over or undercooked, making sure the amounts are equal. And it's never the same. Yes its the same like burgers, clubhouses, fries, poutines, fried chicken, the odd salads; but it's never the same orders in the same order. The clean up sucks though :P
For sure there are other jobs that make more money, but where will the happiness take place if we always stick to the money aspect and not the fulfillment that we need in our hearts and soul?
I think everyone that do make a lot of money and big business should take a break and try these little jobs that we do, see and feel the connections, what is real. Then they can go back to their normal jobs and reflect. There are beautiful lessons that lies therein. At least I like to think so.
I've enjoyed your blog very much so. You got me talking and reflecting. Good job! The best of all though is when I bake a special cake for someone. To make people happy with cake is the biggest joy for me, coming at a close second after my kids. <3
that's beautiful @foxyspirit thank you for sharing. I just remembered something awesome thanks to you.
There was this little book someone gave me a long time ago, it was called the languages of love.
It basically proposed the idea that people understand they are loved by different means. Some, through poetry others by attention to detail, etc etc...
but my favorite one, my absolute favorite one was FOOD.
Some people show they love by preparing food and others understand they are loved when they are given a meal.
Isn't that awesome, its basic I'll grant you that, but there is a certain simple truth to it, that i love.
It is awesomely great! Even though its simple and basic, what better feelings can there be?
I love you, here's cake ^_^
Everything comes with food; romantic meals, gatherings, weddings, birthdays, holidays, towns potluck gatherings, life celebrations, work celebrations... I could go on and on. Everything we do has food included.
I think I like your book and I haven't even read it lol. Something to be on the hunt for :D
Waiting at tables is an essential experience in life. I learned so much when doing that. To answer your question, oh man, that list is a long one :)).
Damn, I am pretty old for my age :)))!
I feel like that at times too brother, but I think that is a life well lived, thats all!