Any tips on my first ever job?

I've never had a job before (I'm a senior in HS) and I decided I needed to make some money so I can go to Korea this summer and visit my family and friends after I graduate from High School.

So I got a part time job as a server at this Bullet train Sushi place.

 

I thought Hey this can't be that bad because the bullet train serves the Sushi so all I have to do is explain to customers how to order on tablets and take away dishes and all that etc.

So I walk in on my first day, telling myself to try really hard and just be your best.

But the trouble started as soon as the first customer walked in.

So before we opened, the manager gave me a walkie talke and in-ear set so we can comminucate with the front desk.

There are four stations in the restaurant and each server (3 including me) was responsible for one station because that day only 3 were open. But no one told me how to use the walkie talkie and I even asked them but they were all ignoring me, so when they called for my station I couldn't hear them and the staff got so pissed off at me.

I don't know if this is my fault or not.

After that, a few hours into the job I got in so much trouble.. well rather than trouble they kept on saying stuff to me.

They said I was too slow on cleaning up the dishes, setting the tables and just doing everything and that I needed to work faster. I was really stressed because I was working the fastest I could work but they kept on telling me I was slow.

I didn't want to crack the plates or make a mess so I was being careful but I think they thought of that as being slow.

They told me not to hold cups that way, not do this, not do that.

Eventually they were just like "Can you not go anywhere and just stay in your station?"

 

What was worse was that these two other people who came to serve with me were Juniors in High school so they're two years younger than me. (Technically they're supposed to be one year younger but when I came to America from Korea I went down one year because they told me that would be the best)

They happened to be twins, one girl and one boy and they were SO MUCH better at everything than I was.

Because they were so so good like professionals, I looked even worser.

I was so embarrassed that I had to keep on asking them how to do everything and where everything was and I really just wanted to go home because I was so embarrassed.

It was such a hard day for me because it was my first ever job and there was just so much hecticness and I had to get used to all these things that I had never done before and  no one really understood the fact that it was my first time... ToT

On top of that I am a quiet person so my voice is naturally small, so when I was explaining how tablets work to customers I had to speak louder and it just sounded like I was screaming and the customers looked at me like I was a maniac.. (ok maybe I'm exaggerating but I felt that way..)

I know that it's the workplace is different to school and that I can't expect anyone to go easy on me because it's my first time.

I know how society works lmao

But I guess I've never really experienced it in person so it was just hard..

 

I have to go to work again tomorrow and I'm absolutely terrified because tomorrow I feel like I will screw up so bad tomorrow as well and although different people are coming to serve with me, I have a feeling I will be the worst one again..

This has been such a trauma to me I don't think I have the courage to go back tomorrow..

I know it's my first day and everyone makes mistakes, but that day only I was the only one getting scored and all that so I felt so bad.. I just don't think I will improve at all..

 

Do you guys have any tips for me on how I can do better..? :(

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Top ↑

Comments

You must be logged in to comment
ctmgonzaga #1
Awww i dont have an experience yet though. Im still studying. T__T
This post makes me quite scared and anxious for my future huhu.
It surely is challenging to go to work when you have been accustomed to study at school majority of your life.
I find those two twins inconsiderate huhu people nowadays....considering they're younger than you..well, it's not something we can control.
Just think positive and focus on why you're earning money. It'll help you to continue on. At least you'll have an experience and when something like that happens again in the future, you wont get too depressed anymore.. :)
I hope the best for you. And just like what you've said, there may be other people coming to serve with you so there are chances you'll meet kind people who'll help you in your job. :) Just enjoy
fentanyl #2
Retail is and drains the life from you. But it gets easier, honestly. It's your first day, they can't expect you to be perfect.
Just keep working at it and you'll be fine. I know its awful and feels like crap though.
That's sad that people were ignoring you though. Good luck, I hope things get better for you.
sleepingprince #3
It's because it was your first experience it's going to be precious . I think you should give yourself a time frame like a week or two to basically learn and know the basics of how everything should run . Everyone have their own way of working so I think you shouldn't let what others do to have influence on you. No matter how you do it as long as it's effective and comfortable for you that's good enough. Dont be nervous it's only normal to make some mistakes since you are still new . Take the chance to learn as much as you can . Ask questions if you are not sure and don't be afraid to repeat the same question. Since you have your own station , it's good to know everything about your station and then try learn about other station as well. Don't limit yourself . Who knows they might change you to other station since what I know usually they have rotation system . If possible write it down in a note what you learn , the tricks that they teach you , learn the menu , the recipe and anything that you gain from there . Then go home you revised it . Make it like a log book so next time in future you can keep track of your work to help better . Also you can the your manager or boss at the end of the day about his /her opinion on where you should improve more .. They will tell you and you can focus more on your weak point. Since you are shy then you should practiced more everyday before you sleep try talk to the mirror . I think you'l be fine with a few practiced . Lastly it's great that you work and find your own pocket money . It's also one way of getting experience. From here you'l learn to value money , and appreciate hard work even more . Thumbs up for that and I hope things get better for you. Never give up and try make good memories while working . When you are happy you will like your job more . Don't be embarrassed or scared. Everyone make mistakes. Lastly all the best to you. Fighting ! :) I also work a lot in restaurants and cafe. I even burn my finger once .
MinnieCrafts #4
Girl, I feel you...
I felt the same way when I first worked as a server at a restaurant. I always felt like I was going to drop the dishes, utensils, water cups, etc. so I was pretty slow and careful, and not to mention, I spoke quietly when taking orders because I had to speak Korean and the ahjummas kept scolding me the first few days. I dreaded going back the next day but after a while, or maybe another few days or so, you'll get used to how things work and you'll pick up a lot faster than on your first day. It may be a bit embarrassing to ask a junior for help, but if it's gonna help you learn quicker and if they don't seem to be annoyed with you, keep doing it lol. I would rather keep asking for help rather than get scolded later by the other workers for not doing the job well.
It always gets better, so don't give up! It may take a few days, weeks, or months at most but I'm telling you now, you'll get used to it sooner or later!
Back to Top ↑