In a striking reveal on social media, a Singaporean man who swapped his corporate desk job for a role as a service crew member at a local café has recounted the unexpected challenges he faces daily in the fast-paced Food and Beverage (F&B) industry.

"Surprisingly, I find this job to be much more arduous than my previous corporate roles," he shared on the r/askSingapore forum. "I once managed a retail shop, but that doesn’t compare to the overwhelming nature of my current position."

His duties go well beyond merely taking orders. He finds himself overwhelmed with multiple responsibilities: serving customers, managing the cash counter, maintaining cleanliness, washing dishes, and even preparing drinks. "While tasks like mopping and dishwashing may seem straightforward—things we all do at home—they quickly become daunting in a busy café environment," he expressed.

The man's experience highlights a common misconception that service jobs are easy. "It may sound like a no-brainer job, but when you're managing demanding customers and juggling five tasks simultaneously, it can take a toll on your mental health," he lamented.

Furthermore, he described an unsettling reality in the industry—many customers treat him with disdain, viewing him as inferior. This interplay of high expectations and low recognition has left him feeling frustrated and disheartened. "I genuinely feel useless at times, even though much of this work relies on common sense," he admitted.

Seeking solidarity, he reached out to the community: "Has anyone else made this switch from corporate to service? What strategies did you employ to cope?" His plea struck a chord, as many users empathized with his struggles, sharing their own experiences from the F&B frontline.

One user recounted their own taxing experience working at KFC years ago, stating, "I remember being so overwhelmed that customers could tell I was stressed. I ended up resigning after just a month." Another added, "Those in corporate often lack understanding of the actual challenges faced by those in operations and retail. There's a significant disconnect."

Amidst the shared frustrations, some users offered pragmatic advice, suggesting the man consider positions in upscale restaurants or hotels. "Working in high-end establishments tends to be less taxing," one user explained. "You'll often find that the pace is more manageable, and there are dedicated staff for tasks like cleaning."

In related news, a separate individual shared a peculiar hiring experience on Reddit where a prospective employer demanded that he resign from his current job before they would disclose any salary details for a new role. This prompted queries regarding the normativity of such practices in Singapore’s job market.

This eye-opening narrative underscores the intricate realities faced by those in the service industry, shedding light on the need for greater appreciation and understanding of their challenging work environments.