“Make sure to mop the floors before you clock out.”

“Greet the people at the front door.”

“Could you print the menus? We’re out.”

“Please bring the salad to table 7.”

If you have ever had a job in a restaurant, these requests might seem familiar to you. Although these tasks seem simple, they are important building blocks for people to learn how to be respectful and work with customers or as a team. 

I had my very first job over the summer of 2021, as a hostess/busser at a restaurant named Liberty Station. When I first started out, I dropped a wine glass, spilled the mop bucket all over the floor and burnt myself lighting a candle. Even though these mistakes were embarrassing at the moment, now that I look back at them, I’ve realized you need to make mistakes in order to learn from them. 

I have learned how to properly mop a floor, not rush—critical because you are more likely to make mistakes—and how to efficiently light a candle without scorching my finger. 

Unfortunately, I had to quit being a hostess and busser in Arizona because my dad transferred jobs to here, Carlsbad. However, leaving my job made me notice how far I had come since starting it. I had improved my communication skills dramatically, made connections with the regulars at the bar, made friends with the hostesses and bussers and I made a great connection with my manager who taught me everything I need to know about working in a restaurant. 

My friend and fellow hostess Ashley Gamez has been a loyal employee at Liberty Station, working at two locations and balancing her job with a hectic college schedule. 

“My social skills have improved almost 100% by being a hostess,” Gamez said. “I am a better communicator with people and can easily spark a conversation with almost anyone.”

I couldn’t agree with her more. I have also learned the same skills when it comes to working with others and socializing. 

Although Gamez moved to college at Arizona State University (ASU), she says that the skills she has learned from her job can even apply to college. 

“Due to my job, I have been able to be a better, efficient communicator,” Gamez said. “In college, everyone has a tight schedule due to extensive and challenging classes while some maintain a job, so I have been able to make a short conversation be as efficient as possible in order to get my meetings across.”

I highly recommend students in high school to acquire a job. You may say, “What is she saying? I have so much going on right now and that’s so much work.” If you are busy during the weekdays, that is reasonable. Although, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, you could use your time for a job.

Not only do students need jobs, but many businesses are in need of workers because of COVID-19 and have lost workers from the virus. Most businesses would be more than happy to hire a teenager for at least three days a week. 

Having a job has numerous benefits. Teens are able to work for their own money, learn how to work with money (such as counting and knowing how much to hand back), learn responsibility while gaining independence and even develop interpersonal skills. 

Stephanie Schober is another friend and co-worker I met during my time at the restaurant. She truly loves her job and she has been working since May of 2021.

“I would say, ‘yes get a job,’ if your schedule allows it,” Schober said. “Not only are you making your own money, [but] you’re also developing money managing skills and growing your socials skills at a younger age, which is helpful for when you become an adult.”

I encourage you to apply to a place near you. If you do, you will likely thrive while doing something for your community and the people around you.