I keep fearing I will drop trays of food, or pour water on someone....I know it is stupid but all of a sudden I am concerned that I am inadequate.

Did ya'll go through this? Please tell me I will do fine...lol

It has been over 10 years since I waited tables

and my last job was systems/supervisor in a huge insurance office sitting on my butt all day typing and problem solving the system that ran our insurance policy info.

You'll be fine, just keep a big ole smile on your face!!

:hug: Waiting tables can be rough. It'll get easier, though.

It has been over 10 years since I waited tables

.

Really?? I wait on 1 table 3 x a day and the tips blow:lol:

KR- you'll do great and get a lot of tips b/c your're so nice.

KR don't worry, you'll do just fine, just be your cheery self and put on a happy, smiley face !:) Just share with us your tips after the shift, okay ?:)

When I first started waiting tables I dropped a whole pitcher of tea on a lady and the floor. Most of it got on the floor, but there was still a good bunch that got on her leg. I was freaking out, saying sorrysorrysorry, so I ran and got a few rags to clean up--and I started cleaning the FLOOR first! Can you believe it?! She was like "how about giving me a rag so I can clean MYSELF!" Heehee. So if you spill, clean the person first, not the floor/table :D

:hug:

You'll be fine, but I do understand. I took several years off and it took a while to start feeling comfortable again. Luckily, I had a supervisor that was very understanding of my insecurities (not my incompetencies because the problem was my insecurities - which is where I think that you likely are: insecure, but not incompetent).

It'll come back to you. You'll have a few weeks of feeling frazzeled, but then you'll be back in the swing of it as if no time had passed at all.

Oh, I'm just reading this now. You'll make mistakes, but you'll pull it off.

Of all the things my ex wasn't, he was an excellent waiter. Just remember that you are a sales person and your income increases when you sell more. For appetizers, desserts, etc, sell them!
Don't just ask "Do you want dessert." say "our chocolate pie is to die for. We also have some terrific bread pudding that the chef made special today. Here is the dessert menu." You really boost your per person price by selling appetizers, desserts and drinks, so sell them. Blast them with your sweet smile, make them feel special. Personal service will make you lots of $$.

Good luck! Keep us updated.

you will do great :)

DId you know my uncle is Mr. Eatiquette?
EATiQuette Dining Etiquette and Waiter/Waitress Training (http://www.eatiquette.com)
he's published some books - one is on how to be a great server.
EATiQuette's "The Main Course on Table Service" (http://www.users.qwest.net/~bdrothschild/maincourse.html)
sorry, didn't mean to spam my uncle , but I waited tables for years (so did he) and its really helpful.

Everyone is right - it'll come back to you! I was home 6 1/2 years and went back to my old field and am right back in the swing of things after a month or so.
You'll be great :)

LOL...some of you made me laugh so hard....Thank you- i needed that!

Come on over Leng and I will share my tips with you ok..lol

You will be great! A little bit of the jitters and it will be all fine. You have such a wonderful personality, that comes through on these boards, it will be even better in person. Those people you will wait on are lucky!:hug:

How was your first day at work, KR ? :) Care to share some tips now ? :lol:

No tips yet! doggone it!
I am training so I get a larger hourly while I learn the aspects of the restaurant. I prefer this actually becuase it is alot to learn at the moment.

Today we were slammed. I was supposed to hostess but they threw me into a party where about 30 people were there at the same time somewhat...

I was nervous at first helping get drinks and such and made an ass of my self the first hour...after that we were so busy running, it did not matter anymore...and I think I did ok after I made an ass of myself:)

Cancer doctor appointment tommarrow so I have the day off. Wish me well at the doc...no more cancer! That is what I need...never any cancer ever again!

Need to cut alot of soap. I missed yesterdays cutting. Adjusting to this a bit.

Thanks for asking Leng:heart:

Yup! I'd been home full-time for over 12 years and then took a teaching job this year and I was really nervous until I got there and then all was great and has been getting better since!

Being home for so many years was nice, but socially it retarded me a lot and I really have had to learn a lot rather quickly! (not about teaching....that is second nature to me. But about dealing with other teachers, politics and that side of the job)

Kristerae, you are a wonderful woman and you'll do a great job at any job you decided to take. :)

Michelle

:hug: You'll be amazing.