As a broke Vietnamese student, I spent countless hours searching for a job that would help me support my studies. After much research, I thought I had finally found the perfect job for me: working as a waiter in a busy café shop in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam.
There is no such thing as an easy job
Excited to start my new job, I quickly learned that being a waiter was much harder than I had anticipated. I struggled to remember all the different menu items, and the café was often filled with customers who often behaved impolitely. As a result, I frequently made mistakes and received complaints from unhappy customers.
To make matters worse, I found it challenging to balance my job with my studies. Often, I would work long hours at the café and come home too exhausted to focus on my schoolwork. I began to feel discouraged, wondering if I had made the right decision in taking this job.
But had I given up, I would never know what was waiting for me. I found that by engaging with customers and asking about their experiences in Hanoi, I was able to make personal connections and build rapport. Not only did this make my job more enjoyable, but it also resulted in increased tips and a boost in my self-confidence.
If you have doubts about your current part-time job, here are some lessons to consider
1. Embrace new challenges
It can be intimidating to try something new, but stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to incredible growth and opportunities. Embrace challenges and approach them with a positive attitude, and you’ll be surprised at what you’re capable of achieving.
2. Build connections
In any job or industry, building relationships with your customers, colleagues, and superiors is essential. Take the time to engage with people, ask questions, and make personal connections. Not only will this make your job more enjoyable, but it can also lead to valuable networking opportunities.
3. Seek Support
Building a support system with like-minded individuals who share similar academic and personal goals can be motivating. Join online study groups like Study with GenZ on Facebook or find study buddies on websites like LEAN Social.
4. Find balance
Balancing work and school can be difficult, but it’s essential for maintaining your physical and mental health. Set realistic goals and boundaries for yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or support when needed. By finding balance in your life, you’ll be able to perform better both in your job and in your studies.
5. Believe in yourself
Finally, the most important lesson is to believe in yourself and your abilities. You may encounter challenges or setbacks along the way, but don’t let them discourage you. Focus on your strengths, celebrate your accomplishments, and keep pushing yourself to grow and learn. With hard work, determination, and self-confidence, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
By the end of my tenure at the café, I had come to love my job as a waiter. Despite the initial challenges, I had found a way to balance my studies and my job, and I had developed new skills in customer service and communication. I was proud of what I had accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to work in such a vibrant and bustling environment.
I realized that taking a chance and trying something new can lead to great rewards. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it.
What do you thi
