What It's Really Like Working at a Birthday Party Factory — According to 1 Anonymous Employee

There are some of us whose job revolves around children's birthday parties who never want to see a slice of pizza or cake ever again. Others would absolutely love a slice — we work up an appetite chasing your kids around! — but we aren't allowed to eat on the job. Considering that we're humans too, and can see/smell the food around us, it's always nice to be offered a taste even if we have to turn you down due to company rules.

Many parents opt to have a birthday party outside of the home because they don't want to have to deal with the hassle and mess. And though you are paying someone else to take care of things, keep in mind that this doesn't excuse you from all parenting responsibilities. Just because we are the ones giving instructions, helping your kids, and cleaning up your trash doesn't mean that we're responsible for disciplining or are at fault if someone ends up in tears.

For many of us energetic and patient souls who work at the pottery studio or with bounce houses, this is a part-time job coupled with high school or college. Remember that some of us hardworking individuals are still technically kids ourselves, and as we work to make this the best experience possible for your child, you should try to treat us accordingly.

Hopefully you're teaching your child to use his or her words, and there's no better opportunity to be a role model for them than when you express your gratitude at the end of a successful party. We just dedicated a few hours of our day to ensuring that both you and your child had a positive party experience. In return, take a minute of your time to show that you appreciated our effort — and even show that you meant it by telling our boss. You'd be surprised how rarely positive comments — rather than complaints — come in.

If you aren't allowed to bring in outside food or hang a piñata, don't argue with us or assume that we can make an exception for your child's special day. You were likely informed of the rules or asked about them before arriving, and if you're upset that things can't be done to accommodate your vision, keep in mind that we most likely aren't the ones making the rules (and will be the ones to get in trouble if you don't follow them).

We aren't the only ones to blame if not all of the kids are excited about the activities, or if the party atmosphere feels a bit off. If you're not into it, it makes it that much harder for us to get the kids into it. So put aside any stress over picking up the balloons on time or the kid who canceled at the last minute and get your party hat on!

The idea of giving an employee a tip at the end of a party never even crosses some parents' minds, and others choose not to because they figure that they already spent enough on their kid's party. Not only are we most likely making minimum wage, but we are working really hard — managing a group of kids who are hyped up on sugar is no easy feat. Whether it's $5 or $20, a monetary show of your gratitude will be greatly appreciated (especially if it's going toward a car or college fund).

We get messy and silly all to ensure that the kids in your life are having a blast. Although you might think we look like borderline fools singing songs and getting covered in paint at our age, remember that we are still professional people and should be treated with respect instead of being looked down upon.

If you think that you're exhausted after your child's party, consider how we must feel. We most likely have to do this multiple times in one day and as soon as your party is done, we are already gearing up for the next one in true factory spirit!