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This is so true—and partly why service work is so undervalued! There are a lot of skills involved.
Resilience is the key! 🙌
A few months ago, I started working at Baked and Wired, a renowned bakery in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. (it’s a must try for anyone with a sweet tooth). Since starting there, I’ve noticed that I’m not just selling cupcakes—I’m gaining skills I’ll use for the rest of my life.
I’ve never been an early riser, but getting to work at 7 a.m. some days comes with the job. I’m not usually my brightest self at this hour, but I have no choice but to show up with a smile for the customers. I believe the ability to show up as your best self—whether at a job, school, or for your family and friends—is one of the most important skills to practice.
I’ve noticed that when you show up as your best self, you can have more meaningful interactions. Sometimes, just asking the customer, “how’s your day going?” will shift their mood in a matter of seconds. On the flip side, for every kind customer, there’s often a rude one. Maintaining a steady and positive attitude—and not stooping down to anyone’s negativity—is another powerful skill you can translate into many parts of your life outside work.
Another skill I’ve gained in the service industry is increased levels of concentration. On a regular day, Baked and Wired will have a line out the door and down the street. In the age of social media, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have altered our ability to concentrate for extended periods of time. On the topic of social media and concentration, writer Howard Jacobson says that “we can’t remember things, and we can’t connect what we read before with what we’re reading now.” Working in the service industry has helped me hone this skill with my phone down. While it took some practice, it now feels like I can do three things at once.
It seems the most apparent quality the service industry builds into its workers is resilience. High stress environments aren’t limited to work—we are exposed to them daily. Knowing how to operate within them is essential to our health.
Photo: Baked & Wired