SINGAPORE: A local man's drastic decision

A local man who made the drastic decision to leave his corporate job for a role as a service crew member at a café has opened up about the unexpected challenges he faces in the food and beverage industry through a recent social media post.

A candid discussion on r/askSingapore

In a candid discussion on the r/askSingapore forum, he expressed, “I thought it would be a straightforward job, but it’s proving to be far more demanding than the desk-bound roles I held for most of my career. I previously even managed a retail shop, which surely didn’t prepare me for this level of multitasking.”

Multitasking in a demanding environment

His new job requires him to juggle various responsibilities simultaneously: taking orders, managing the cash register, cleaning, washing dishes, and even making drinks behind the bar. “While mopping floors and washing dishes might seem like common household tasks, the reality of facing demanding customers while balancing multiple duties is incredibly stressful,” he remarked.

Facing stigma and negative perceptions

He described how customers sometimes view him as inferior, stating, “There’s this stigma that comes with this job; many look down upon service crew as if we are less competent or worthwhile.” This negative perception only adds to his frustration as he navigates through the day-to-day challenges of his role, leading him to seek advice from those who might understand his plight.

Echos of experiences from others

In the comment section, many users echoed his sentiments, sharing their experiences in the food and beverage industry. One commenter recalled her time at KFC, describing the overwhelming stress of managing numerous tasks with little support. “I used to get paid a meager $2.80 an hour, hustling through cleaning and food prep until I simply couldn’t handle it anymore. I quit within a month because the pressure was unbearable,” she shared.

Underestimating frontline work

Others chimed in to point out that people in corporate positions often underestimate the intensity of frontline work. “Those in an office have no clue about the real struggles of operating in retail or hospitality,” one user commented, emphasizing the ignorance surrounding the demands of such roles.

Advice for more fulfilling roles

Moreover, several users recommended that the man consider looking into roles at more upscale venues, suggesting that the work conditions could be less strenuous. “Consider applying at 4 or 5-star hotels or high-end restaurants. You’d likely have more support, and the environment could be less hectic than working in a fast-food joint,” one user advised.

Curious workplace norms

In a completely unrelated yet curious story, another Redditor shared their experience of being asked to resign from their current job before discussing salary conditions with a potential new employer—a practice that raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about workplace norms in Singapore.

Highlighting the struggles of service workers

This series of narratives sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by service workers, highlighting the need for greater recognition and respect for those behind the scenes in the bustling food and beverage sector.