A Surprising Struggle

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man recently took to social media to share his surprising struggles after leaving a comfortable corporate position to work as a service crew member at a local café. What he anticipated as a relaxed switch turned out to be a challenging juggling act that left him longing for his old desk job.

Candid Reflection on F&B Work

In a candid post on the r/askSingapore forum, he expressed his frustration: "I thought a job in F&B (Food and Beverage) would be a piece of cake, but it has proven to be so much harder than the desk-bound jobs I have done for most of my life." Even his earlier experience managing a retail shop didn’t prepare him for the relentless pace and demands of the café environment.

Multitude of Responsibilities

The man elaborated on the multitude of responsibilities he faces daily: serving customers, handling the cash register, cleaning, washing dishes, and occasionally stepping behind the bar to make drinks. With such a heavy workload, the simplicity of tasks like mopping floors or washing dishes suddenly feels overwhelming. “It felt like a no-brainer job at first, but the combination of rude customers and managing multiple tasks at once has taken a toll on my mental well-being,” he lamented.

Disrespect from Customers

Adding to his stress, he mentioned feeling disrespected by customers who often perceive him as lesser than themselves. Seeking guidance, he asked the online community if anyone had transitioned from a corporate career to a similar service role, and how they coped with these challenges. “My job makes me feel inadequate, despite acknowledging that many tasks are just common sense,” he shared.

Responses from the Community

The responses from fellow forum members poured in, revealing that many could relate to his experience. One user, reflecting on their time working at KFC nearly two decades ago, noted that working conditions are heavily influenced by how supervisors and colleagues treat their staff. This individual recounted the stress and strain of being underpaid and overworked, ultimately resigning after just a month due to the mental exhaustion it caused.

Disconnect Between Corporate and Service Roles

Another commenter pointed out the disconnect often felt by corporate employees regarding the realities of frontline work: “People in corporate have no idea what shift work really entails. They assume it’s a walk in the park, but they have no clue!”

Suggestions for Better Employment

Several users suggested that the man should consider seeking employment at higher-end establishments. “Don’t limit yourself to low-end cafés or fast food joints,” recommended one user who had experience in upscale restaurants. “The workload is far lighter at 4 to 5-star hotels compared to places like McDonald’s or KFC, plus there are dedicated cleaners to handle mundane tasks.”

Shared Struggles in the F&B Industry

The struggle of balancing heavy responsibilities, customer expectations, and mental health is a shared ordeal in the F&B industry. This man’s experience is a reminder of the hidden challenges many workers face, regardless of the label attached to their job.

Navigating the Job Market

In a related story, another individual shared a perplexing experience on Reddit involving an employer who insisted on submitting a resignation letter from his current position before sharing salary and contract details for a prospective job. Amidst such extraordinary practices and the tough realities faced by those in the service industry, it's clear that navigating the job market is no simple task.