Restaurant workers -- a lesson in humanity

Twenty-seven years old, father of Hannah, 26 months, and Sarah, 7 months, loving husband to Kim, devoted servant of his local congregation, volunteer worker. Handsome, funny and highly competent at his job.

As a restaurant manager at a well-known national franchise chain, Quentin frequently put in 60 hours or more every week to support his growing family. On Monday, June 4, at approximately 2 p.m,, after closing the restaurant for the fourth consecutive night and attending a mandatory employee meeting, he started his 65-mile trip home.

The baby was awake as per a brief phone call from his wife. He hoped she would still be awake to greet him. He made one stop to get fuel and diapers and smiled as he drove, recalling her cues over the phone. At about 3:12 p.m. he fell asleep. He never awoke. The highway patrolman said that he never felt any pain. Less than 2 miles from his warm bed where his wife and baby girl waited, Quentin died.

He was a model citizen, yes; he had his seat belt on. No, he had not been drinking. He was simply exhausted. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed.

Overtime

Restaurant managers notoriously work grueling hours. They often wind up doing several of the jobs that they were hired to supervise. Supply of qualified restaurant workers falls short of demand around the nation, leaving most managers scrambling to keep their stores adequately staffed. Any employer can tell you how difficult it is to find good help nowadays.

The restaurant industry is especially plagued with high turn over. While there are a few truly professional restaurant workers, the majority seems to view their positions as pit stops. Hostesses, waiters, chefs, and even managers reportedly often do not show up for their shifts. When this happens it makes an already difficult job even more demanding for those employees left holding the doggie bag.

Ask most folks over 50 and they will not hesitate to elaborate on the diminished work ethic evident in the majority of the younger generations. The last two generations at least, have most likely not seen a time when anyone that really wants a job can find a job. If you are rude, lazy or even criminal -- in a lot of instances you can still find another job, even if you are fired from your last one.

Our part

Having been a concession worker, waitress and bartender in my former lives, I consider myself a patient customer. I try to keep in mind that theirs is a physically demanding job that rarely receives adequate compensation.

If we have ever burned a meal, why can't they? If we've ever had supper on the table late, why can't they? If we have ever been overly sensitive to someone's criticism of our cooking, why can't they?

Please keep in mind the next time you think you have reason to be rude or demanding at a restaurant that the server, the chef, the manager and the owner are people. They are someone's mom, dad, husband, sister or child. They're only human. Wouldn't you hate to know that the last thing a person heard in their life was you complaining that your sandwich was cold?

Your questions and comments are welcome at: austins@showme.net or (573) 979-7653.

Cynthia deJournett Austin is a Realtor with REMAX Achievers in Cape Girardeau, and CFO of Team Austins, www.teamaustins.com.