Maria had always been passionate about hospitality. Back in the Philippines, she worked her way up from a service crew member in a fast-food chain to a team leader. When an opportunity came to work in Qatar as a Restaurant Supervisor, she saw it not only as a chance for career growth but also as a way to provide better for her family.
Arriving in Doha was both exciting and intimidating. The restaurant where she was assigned catered to a mix of locals, expatriates, and tourists. It was busier than anything she had experienced back home. As a supervisor, Maria’s responsibilities were no longer just about taking orders or serving meals she had to oversee staff schedules, ensure customer satisfaction, handle complaints, and make sure the kitchen and dining areas operated seamlessly.
The first weeks tough. Some of her team members came from different countries Nepal, India, Egypt, and Kenya. With different cultures and personalities, conflicts often arose. Some argued about workload distribution, while other clashed over language misunderstandings. Maria realized her role was not just about managing tasks but also about fostering teamwork in a multicultural environment.
She made it her routine to begin each shift with a short meeting, where she reminded the staff of their responsibilities and encouraged them to work as one team. Sometimes she added humor, sometimes motivational words, but always with respect. Over time, the atmosphere improved, and the staff began to appreciate her leadership.
One of her most memorable challenges was handling an irate customer who complained loudly about a delayed order. Instead of panicking, Maria calmly approached, listened, apologized, and offered a complimentary dessert. The customer left satisfied, and her manager praised her professionalism. That moment strengthened her confidence in handling stressful situations.
Her days were long standing for hours, checking if tables were properly set, monitoring hygiene standards, and ensuring the kitchen kept up with the pace. Despite the physical exhaustion, Maria found joy in small victories; a smile from a happy diner, a compliment from management, or her team finishing a busy shift smoothly.
But the hardest part of her journey was the distance from her family. Every payday, she sent part of her salary back home to support her children’s schooling. During her breaks, she scrolled through photos and videos of her kids, feeling both proud and homesick. She missed birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries, yet she knew her sacrifice was building a better future for them.
After years, Maria’s dedication paid off. She was promoted to Assistant Manager, entrusted with even greater responsibilities. When she returned home for vacation, her children proudly introduced her as our mom, the manager. That title meant more than any paycheck.
Maria’s story as a Restaurant Supervisor was not only about ensuring excellent service in a busy dining hall. It was about patience, cultural understanding, and resilience. She didn’t just serve food she served as an example of strength and determination for her family and fellow OFWs.
