I often hear people complain about retail clerks and servers, saying things like, “they have no business being in the service industry!”

I have to admit that my gut reaction is to take the side of the clerk or server. I’ve certainly received bad service before–some instances even made me angry–but, for the most part, if I get what I asked for and get out of there in a reasonable amount of time, then I’m happy. I don’t care if you make small talk with me or smile or even look me in the eyes. If tips are involved, then I might give more for super awesome service, but I’ll always leave something decent, even if the service wasn’t spectacular.

I know people in the service industry who agree with me, and people in the service industry who expect a very high level of service at all times. So, I don’t think this boils down to whether a person has experience working with people or not.

Perhaps my own opinion is shaped by my dislike of working in the service industry. It’s not that I dislike people. It’s not even that I dislike serving people. I just hate the fakeness there where you can’t tell someone they’re acting completely unreasonable and rude. And calm as I may be, I have some serious Soup Nazi tendencies. It’s all I can do to keep myself from yelling at people not to step up to the circulation desk unless they have their library cards ready to go. I mean, why are they always surprised when I ask?!

I guess the other thing is that I realize most people don’t choose service jobs because they had their choice of anything, and that’s what they wanted to do most. I mean, I didn’t work at Bed, Bath, and Beyond my freshman year of college because of my love of bathroom design. It paid the best and that’s who hired me. The jobs I’ve had since then have all been pretty sweet. It’s a relief to me that I no longer have to sell anything. But, in nearly every job, I’ve still had to work with the public, and though I don’t think people on the whole are evil or stupid, they are annoying. So, as much as I admire those people who can put on a happy face and serve with a smile, I’m understanding of those who don’t or can’t.

So, tell me. What kind of service do you expect, and how are your views shaped by your own experiences working in the service industry?