can i waitress for my first job?

Question

im 15 and i had a deal with my dad, he'll help me pay for my car if i can come up with haif the money, so i figured id get a job but i dont want to work at a fast food place or anything but i will waitress someplce would i be able to do that?

Answer 1

Depends on the state you live in. Most likely not at age 15

Answer 2

You probably can, but you have to find a place that will train you. Sometimes it is hard to start out as a server because most places want experienced people only.

I'd say try some place family-friendly to start with, like an ice cream place that serves burgers or something like that. Don't aim for a place that is too fancy because they'll expect some experience - the more casual, the more likely they'll hire you without experience. You should know, however, that you probably won't make much more money doing that as compared to working at a fast food joint. Once you get some experience (say two or three months), you should be able to apply at a slightly nicer place where the tips would be better (the more expensive the menu items, usually the bigger the tips will be).

Buy good sneakers and I suggest putting Dr. Scholl's inserts into them, because as a waitress, your feet end up hurting more than anything else!

Answer 3

Normally, you should not expect your parents to pay you for helping around the house. That is something you should be doing anyway. However, if they are already paying someone, like a lawn guy, then why don't you compete for his job? Offer to do it for less. Of course, you will have to do a good job and not complain about it.

Jobs you can do for neighbors: Mowing lawns, walking pets, washing cars, and babysitting (if you are a responsible kid).

You may find it difficult to get a job at 15 because most jobs require you have skills. It does not hurt to ask. Try jobs that do not require a college education, such as fast food, grocery stores, shops, etc.

One way to build your skills is through volunteering. You will not get paid but you will learn valuable skills that will help you get a job someday. Maybe your parents will agree to compensate you for volunteering. They can consider it a donation to a good cause.

A great site is http://www.volunteermatch.org/

If you are adventurous, you can try running your own internet business by buying things at garage sales and selling them online at http://www.ebay.com . Research what things are selling for on ebay before purchasing. (Also, avoid buying stuff on ebay or you will spend more than you make.) I suggest you specialize in a few items: specific toys, books, etc. You are going to become an expect so pick a category that you really enjoy. (When you see a bargain you will know it!) Be certain to check the website daily to make certain your customers are happy. To make a profit you will need to calculate the costs: ebay fees, paypal fees, packaging materials, and postage.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Sure. That's an excellent way to get some experience in the job market.

Remember to keep track of the start and end dates, the salary, and the average number of hours you work in a week, for future job applications.

Many restaurants these days like to give 15 year olds a break, but you have to find a place that is hiring, and that can take time.

Also, for each place you apply, you have to go through all the trouble of filling out one of their applications. Unfortunately, you can not just create your own generic application in Microsoft Word and just hand them out. You have to fill out each one.

Don't give up, don't get discouraged, and expect a LOT of "NOs" before your big "break".

Good luck.

Answer 5

Yeah i was a waiter for my first paying job its not bad unless you work in a big place where you actually have to talk to people you should be a busboy i think there is a busgirl.... A busgirl is somebody who sets and cleans the table but what people don't really know is they get paid more then waitresses because waitresses get tips but you can take it off the table before they do o_-

Answer 6

Yes - that was my first job (waiter) I agree about the fast food places - if you can avoid them do it - - but some of the bigger establishments want you to have a years worth of experience so it might be hard to find the right job.

I offerred my daughter the same deal at 16 and it worked out very well for her!

Answer 7

Yes, my first job was at the A&W, when back then we had to bring them out to the cars on those trays & put them on their window, well I just could,nt get the hang of that, then I went to a pizza place, and done waitressing for almost 20 years, until I went back to school to try something different, yes waitressing may seem not so glamorus, but If you love people & your cheerfull, you.ll make great tips, I did. so good lock.

Answer 8

Not likely. Many places want experienced servers. Try small mom and pop shops, they are most likely to hire a newbie or you could be a host at a chain restaurant. It's less stressful and you either get shared tips or a higher wage and you'll start to run food and could eventually work up to waitressing.

Answer 9

Of course! Just remember to always be nice and smile. Check on your tables a few times, and learn a few things on the menu so you can make suggestions. Double check laws to make sure what hours you're able to work, but any employer should know that as well. Good luck! And good for you for taking some initiative!

Answer 10

Yeah, you can if you want to. It's not that hard being a waitress, but you might have to deal with rude people and dumb mangers. If you're only 15 maybe you could just do the babysitting thing.