Journal logo

My Time Working in Hospitality

My time working at restaurants and events, and why the thought of applying for jobs makes me incredibly nervous

By Stephi DurandPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
Like

When you're out looking for your first ever job, you'll most likely know to not expect too much from it, quality-wise.

My first job was a zero-hour contract, working as an events assistant at my college during events they'd host.

They'd host parties, awards, events, and during the Christmas period, every night was a Christmas party to multiple companies.

At first, the job was alright. The payment was national minimum wage, which for when I was 16 was, let's face it, not a lot. But as my first job, I was happy with what I made for the hours I did.

Before the Christmas season, my main duties were simple. I could accept jobs if I wanted to/was able to, and it was usually prep work. I'd spend some shifts doing nothing but glass polishing. It was boring as hell and caused me a lot of wrist pain the following days, but I could sit and work through the tedious task.

I would also help out with setting up the tables. Placing glasses and cutlery where they needed to be, ensuring everything was up to standard.

The job was pretty dull. Socialising with guests was an awkward exchange (I get rather shy around strangers, my small talk skills are not something to be desired) but I could have some fun with some of the other staff on occasion and they paid me.

Then the Christmas party period arrived.

This is where I learnt the hard way that cooks will happily treat you like shit, for no apparent reason.

Was I aware of this at the time? Nope. Was I shocked that they were allowed to treat minors like shit? Absolutely.

After taking my first two plates around to be filled with food, I was doing everything in my power to not allow the tears in my eyes to escape.

The cooks weren't clear when explaining what they wanted us to do. So instead of simply telling you, they would scream it at you. I had one cook slam the plates which I was holding onto the surface below. Bear in mind, at the time I dealt with a health problem which could affect my hands and fingers, leaving me unable to use them. I was fucking lucky she didn't set that off.

By the time I got to the end, the person next to me was watching me to make sure I was alright and wasn't about to cry in front of a room of adolescents and verbally abusive staff.

The worst part? When their job was over, they were chatting to us as happy as anything. As if they hadn't just been hurling abuse at us an hour previously.

When it came to clearing up, we had to put cutlery into specific bins. (The staff behind there also treated you like shit, they really didn't have the right to either) The person next to me must've put a fork in the wrong bin, because the next thing I know, the end of the fork (I wish I could say the handle) was almost hitting me in the face. The woman, who was now giving me a death glare had decided to throw the fork at my face instead of just moving it.

This job ruined what little confidence I had left after my educational experience. When I left, I was terrified to apply for jobs which would involve working with cooks in any way. To this day, if I ever need to apply for a hospitality job, my first question is to always ask how the cooks treat other staff. Because the sheer anxiety it gives me isn't worth it, and neither is the fear of applying for it.

career
Like

About the Creator

Stephi Durand

Indie Author | Content Creator

'Look Up' is available to purchase at all online book retailers in Paperback and eBook.

Writing here, writing there, writing everywhere...

Instagram: @stevie_dd

Twitter: @StephiDurand

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.