After reading through my previous posts I would assume my readers are asking the question "Why the hell would you ever want to work in a restaurant?!?" I realize I have been rather negative in my posts, but that is because it is so easy to think of the frustrating times. Really though, there are many benefits to working in a restaurant. In this post, I will discuss the good things that come from waiting tables.
The biggest benefit of working in a restaurant is the flexibility. Working in a restaurant is excellent for students or those who are occupied during the day. The hours are extremely flexible and it allows you to have your days totally free. Opening shifts begin around 3:30 or 4, and earlier on Fridays of course, but restaurants can arrange for your shifts to only start at 5:30 or 6 if you have a day job or attend class. In fact, there are a couple servers working at Outback who work in offices during the day from 8 to 5. They only wait tables at night for extra money. Additionally, your schedule is extremely flexible and you can change it easily. This week I have three tests so I released three shifts I was scheduled to work and they were picked up online by other employees within the day. There are so many servers working that people are always willing to pick up a shift if you need them to. The flexibility is also helpful if you need last minute money. If you go into work you can usually convince someone to go home and give you their shift. The flexibility is unlike any other job I know of. It's so helpful if you need to get off work for a test or if you don't have a set schedule and need to change your hours from week to week.
Another benefit is that you get instant gratification since you leave with your earnings each night. Yes you get paid in a check too, but it's usually so low since servers only make $2.13 an hour. Most of what you make is in your tips so when you leave each night you know exactly how much you made and you have it instantly. That's why being able to pick up a shift quickly is so helpful. You realize you are going to be late on your rent and you go into work that night and leave with enough money to pay it. It's perfect for people who live day to day - like college students! I know being able to pick up a shift after I spent all my money at the bars is extremely helpful.
An additional benefit is that you never have to take your work home with you. When you leave the restaurant for the night you are totally done. You never have additional paperwork or have to prepare for a meeting the next day. You come into work fresh and leave fresh each night. Work never leaves the restaurant. This is really beneficial to people with other jobs who cannot afford to do anything extra. It's also perfect for college students who have studying to do.
So while I would never want serving tables to be my career, there are many benefits to serving and it's perfect for my life right now. Just because someone is serving tables doesn't mean they are lower class or not smart enough to get another job. They very well may have another job and be serving tables to have enough money for their families or to pay rent. For my life at the moment, serving tables is ideal. I can pretty much choose when to work and I never have to worry about extra work I may have to put in. Serving tables never conflicts with my schoolwork or studies and I practically control how much money I bring home from serving. If I only need food money one week I can work just one shift, but if I am saving up for holiday presents I can work every night. It's totally up to me and that is why serving tables is not all that bad!
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