SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man who made the leap from a corporate career to working as a service crew member at a local café recently shared his unexpected struggles in the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry on social media, highlighting the harsh realities that often go unnoticed.

In a candid post on the r/askSingapore forum, he expressed that he found the responsibilities of his new job far more demanding than his previous desk-bound roles. “I feel like it is a lot harder than the jobs I have been doing almost all my life," he described, reminiscing about a time when he managed a retail shop, which he believed was far less overwhelming.

His day-to-day tasks included serving customers, managing the cash register, cleaning the café, washing dishes, and even tackling bartending duties, such as preparing and serving drinks.

Despite sounding straightforward, he reported feeling overwhelmed: “While these tasks may seem manageable, keeping up with the unpredictable flow of customers and their varying temperaments can be daunting.”

The emotional toll of dealing with rude or demanding customers compounded his stress.

“It sounds like a no-brainer job, but when you’re juggling angry patrons and multiple tasks, it really messes with your mind,” he lamented, revealing his struggle with feelings of inadequacy in this fast-paced environment.

Additionally, he expressed frustration over how customers often viewed him.

Many seem to regard him as inferior, treating him as if he were less worthy. “Has anyone from corporate switched and faced a similar situation? How did you cope?” he asked the community, seeking advice on navigating his feelings of worthlessness despite the job relying heavily on common sense.

Responses poured in from users who found his sentiments relatable, many sharing stories from their own experiences in F&B.

One commenter recalled their time working at KFC nearly two decades ago, emphasizing that the only way to thrive in such environments is for supervisors and staff to treat each other with respect.

Many users suggested that he consider positions in more upscale restaurants or hotels, where the work environment and responsibilities might be more manageable.

“Don’t settle for low-end cafés,” one user advised. “Working in upscale venues offers a better experience. The work tends to be less hectic and you often have cleaners to handle the tasks that keep you tied up in lower-end establishments.”

This man’s experience sheds light on a significant yet often overlooked aspect of employment in Singapore, particularly in the service sector — the importance of workplace culture and treatment from management and peers.

It’s a reminder that the transition from a corporate job to a role in the F&B sector is not as simple as it may seem; different job environments offer vastly different challenges.

In other stories circulating online, individuals continue to share strange experiences regarding job applications, with one applicant recently describing a company that required him to resign from his current position before they would disclose salary details for a new role.

Such anecdotes serve to emphasize the myriad of complexities job seekers face in today's competitive market.

Ultimately, this café worker’s post is not just an insight into the challenges of F&B workers; it’s a call for greater understanding and appreciation for those who serve in these demanding roles every day.