A significant chunk of my closest friends have come from my hospitality gigs. Since my first hospo job at Muffin Break – yep, sun visor and all – to working in various bars, pubs and cafes to pay my way, I’ve met some of the weirdest, wackiest and best people on the planet.

These glorious human beings have helped me conquer the rite of passage that is the part-time job by having my back, being a shoulder to lean on, and providing non-stop humour the whole way.

There’s Nothing Like A Common Enemy

Even if you don’t automatically get along with every staff member in the joint, there will come a time when you’re getting along like two peas in a pod: when you’re bitching about the customers and your shitty pay.

Nothing brings people closer together than a common enemy. And there’s no one quite as bad as the rich old lady who complains her coffee isn’t hot enough, even when it arrives bubbling to her table. Every. Single. Time.

Plus, there’ll always be something to talk about. If you think my mates from two hospo gigs ago and I have stopped complaining to each about the non-penalty rates on Sundays, think again. Our friendship is forever cemented is the frustration of our old paychecks.

You Learn A Lot About Each Other, Quick

There’s no wall to hide behind when working a double shift on Easter Sunday. Babies are crying, the orders are coming in quicker than the milk can spin, and no matter how much pre-planning the manager does, you’ll always be understaffed. At one point or another, someone will break, and tears will flood.

I’ve learnt more about my hospo friends in a week than some of my friends in a year. You’re in the trenches together, and there’s no time to hide what you’re really thinking or how you’re really feeling.

Plus, when you’re stuck with somebody for an eight-hour shift, shit will start to come out. Small talk will take a back seat pretty quickly and full on hot goss will come in claiming shotgun.

You Go Through Shit Together

When disaster strikes – and believe me, it will – you’re going to be damn thankful your colleagues are there with you.

There’s no doubt that during the working hours of a hospo shift, you’re going to deal with some serious shit. The only saving grace is that you’re not dealing with it alone.

You and your hospo mates are a bloody team and whatever is thrown at you – be it a 15 people table that didn’t bother to book, or squashed up avocado from a free-range toddler – you’re facing it together. This sentiment extends well beyond the four walls of your work. You have each other’s backs. For life.

Shared Knock-Offs

There’s a special feeling shared among colleagues when you clock off together. Putting your feet up and clinking ice cold frothies in a celebratory cheers is a glorious bonding moment. Knock-offs are fucking great, but they wouldn’t be half as magnificent without your hospo mates by your side.

So, although hospo work can a gruelling old gal, I’m happy to have her. Because through the countless hours wiping tables, having to be nice to assholes, and mopping up vomit, I’ve made some pretty rad lifelong friends.