Should I tell them to back off?

Question

I've been a waitress for a long time. Sometimes it was part-time as a 2nd job, and at other times, like now, it's full-time. I've always made great money, and I have gained the senority that allows me to basically pick and choose my shifts. I love it, it's just so much fun and there's not many other jobs that would allow me to work 3 nights a week and still make that kind of money. Plus it allows me time to take classes towards my master's and to devote to my hobbies. I know it's not prestigious, but honestly I have been through college and nursing school and the "normal" 8-5 career options just don't suit me! But every couple days my mom and grandmother clip job ads from the paper and insist that I apply. Most of them are menial office jobs that pay crap and are at least 40 hrs a week. I tell them, I'd be taking a pay cut for more hours and their response is, "But it would be a NORMAL job".
Is it really that BAD to be a waitress? Or can I tell them to bugger off!?!

Answer 1

What is important is that YOU love what you do and are happy. You have to tell them that. Ask them if you embarass them by being a waitress, and that it shouldnt embarass them. someone has to do that job, and if you do it and are good at it and happy, they should let you be. Do you know how many miserable waitresses there are? I would kill for someone who really enjoyed her job and made it an enjoyable experience to be out to eat and it sounds like you do that. So, you are doing a great service! and your happy! so what if someone asks your family what you do they can't say doctor or lawyer and they have to say waitress and it makes them embarrassed. YOU should be the only one that matters to them and if your happy, they should just shut up and support you and be happy for you!
but...also....tell them that their attitude is making you feel bad too.
Good luck and keep up the great work!

Answer 2

There is nothing wrong with being a waitress. You are right - I would prefer to make less hours and make more money too. If I had the experience, I would probably try it too but we're also in Florida and you make money part of the year - the other part (when the snowbirds leave), I understand it's more difficult. Good luck......and I always tip a GOOD waitress/waiter well because it's a hard job and most people know this.

Answer 3

I've discovered that people have to pursue the jobs that suit them the best, and it sounds like you have plenty of irons in the fire to find the one that works for you. I would try to explain this to them in the nicest possible way but if your mother is anything like mine, it won't work. They think they know whats best and are still looking at you as their "little girl", and I'm sure they mean well by it. But it's your life, so you have to decide between two options; to flatly state that you will be the one to live with the decisions you make about your career and you would appreciate them allowing you to do that, or to simply, as I have ended up doing, say ' yes mom' or 'yes grandma, I'll check into it' and then ignore it and go about your life the way you need to. It's a tough thing to do, but ultimately its what you have to do. At some point, the parents and relatives have to realize that your not a kid anymore and you have to live your own way to make it in the world. As for waitressing, it seems to me that it would give you the chance to meet interesting people and learn about how different people deal with things , and I have always found that to be valuable life experiences. There are no small jobs, just small people doing them. I hope this helps you. Good luck!

Answer 4

Tell them to bug off. Yes they are just trying to help, but you are old enough now to make that kind of decision. If you make good money what do they care! I know that I'm not capable of the 8-5 jobs either, that makes life boring and seeming you have seniority at this job I'd stick with it. Waitresses make unreal money these days, hey if you can handle waitress I'll congratulate you. Its hard work much harder than sitting at a desk all day answer phones.

Answer 5

There are not many people I know of that are happy with their jobs like you are. It sounds like you have done well in making an enjoyable life for yourself. A waitressing job requires people and organizational skills, physical stamina, money sense and the ability to "think on the go", it is an honest days work you can be proud of. I think the problem lies within your mother and grandmother and not with you - perhaps a matter of misguided pride or prestige they hope to feel through you. Since they are people that you love and want in your life, be nice about it. Try not to get pulled into the problem. Maybe you could develop a "party line" for yourself that you can use over and over with them - something like - "Thanks for trying to help me, but I am not looking for another job. I'm happy where I am." And leave it at that. Since you do have work that makes you happy and frees you up to do other things that you want to do, don't let their hang up bring you down. Good luck!

Answer 6

They have your interest at heart but obviously don't understand you. My niece waitresses appx 3 nights a week and makes killer money. She has taken the opportunity to go back to school also for her BA. You might want to tell you kin to sit down and listen while you explain it for the last time. Adding that if they keep up you are going to get mad. All jobs are "normal" other than maybe a sword swallower. And to the sword swallower its normal.
Good luck

Answer 7

You can be waitress while young, but think about the future. You need a career and if you have the education, you should pursue that. Mom and Granny care about you, so listen a little and choose the job you like.

Answer 8

You have the right to do whatever work makes you feel appreciated and if you're making good money what's the problem. If you were borrowing money to make ends meet, I could maybe understand their concern, but if you are standing on your own two feet they should be proud of you. Waitnessing is an honorable job. It is especially great while continuing your studies. I think I would let them know, gently, while their opinion matters in many areas in this particular area it doesn't hold much water.

Answer 9

its not bad to be a waitress. if that is what you like and want just stick with it. talk to your mom and grandmother and tell them you are happy being a waitress and hopefully they will respect your decision. dont do anything you dont want to do or that you are not happy with. take care and good luck. ♥

Answer 10

Waitresses are important too! It's not like you're moonlighting as a prostitute. Honestly, they can go eat dirt. Tell them to back off and let you live your life.