Section 1.1: First Job Experience

As an international student, it's vital to seek employment to develop skills. For someone like me, who lacks family connections and only has a few friends met at the start of the semester, this can be quite daunting. Today, I feel compelled to express my emotions regarding my first part-time job experience.

My role was essentially that of a front-of-house staff member, where I served customers from the moment they entered the restaurant until their billing process. The manager invited me for three days of unpaid training, which I was thrilled about. However, the reality was quite different. I found myself standing in a bustling area filled with tables, tasked with alerting my colleagues whenever customers called for assistance. At that moment, I felt as if I were on display.

Another frustrating aspect was the hiring practice, as only females were selected for the server position. The expectations regarding how we should dress and interact with customers were far from what I anticipated. I was instructed to wear a black dress and apply makeup. While I understand the importance of professionalism and looking presentable, it felt as though the management sought to emphasize a certain type of appearance that leaned towards objectification rather than professionalism.

It's important to clarify that I have no issue with women wearing shorts or form-fitting clothes; rather, I believe there's a distinction between looking stylish and being inappropriate. Women dress to celebrate their femininity and beauty—not to be subjected to unwanted attention. I can wear revealing attire, but it should be paired with a sense of professionalism and dignity.

During my visit to a Canadian restaurant, I noticed their female staff wore attractive shorts while maintaining an air of charm. What set them apart was their class and standard. Even in an establishment serving alcohol, the clientele interacted respectfully rather than in a manner purely focused on physical attraction.

Initially, the manager informed me of the three-day unpaid training, yet later claimed they couldn't confirm my employment until I learned the role in its entirety. It feels unjust for employers to mislead potential employees about job conditions. Those investing time in training deserve transparency regarding their employment status. If you're interviewing someone, you should clearly communicate the job's terms upfront. Misleading applicants only to later deny them a position is unethical.

While sharing my thoughts, I want to make it clear that I respect individuals working in bar-attending and hosting roles. However, I disapprove of the way some establishments use female hosts to lure customers.

A friend of mine, who works as a bartender, shared the harsh reality that front-of-house staff often can't express their discomfort when being objectified by customers. They are expected to maintain composure, smiling and engaging to secure tips. While customers are important, it’s unacceptable for them to treat servers with disrespect. Hosts deserve recognition and dignity, too.

Stepping outside of your comfort zone is essential for personal growth. However, it shouldn't compromise your morals and self-respect. I deeply respect all professions, as hosts can enhance customer experiences without resorting to questionable tactics.

Ultimately, my principles outweigh my financial needs. I chose not to return to that job, prioritizing my safety and values. My parents sent me here to study and become independent, not to sacrifice my integrity.

I hope my reflections resonate with you and provide insight into my experiences and emotions!

Section 2.1: Learning from Experiences

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