Waitress and Former Waitress?

Question

Do you ever feel/felt burnt out from the restaurant biz?

What did you do after you stop working there?

I've been waitress for two years, but I'm just burnt out. I don't think I can do it anymore. The constant worry that I'm not doing a "good enough" job is killing me. I'm also tired of slaving away (and doing a good job) only for people to determine how much they want to pay me (tip me)

Anyone have a similar experience.

Answer 1

Hey Girl, I've had so many waitress jobs that I can't count them on my fingers. My advice to you is to come up with a good resume and get some of your friends to be References. The job don't have to know that they are your friends. I'm now a receptionist at one of the biggest Law offices in Louisiana. When you eat out or at work make it a habbit to be extra nice and kinda skim out the customers who are willing to help and give letter of recommendations. Keep your head up and just get those resumes out. Go to craigslist.com and find your city and look at the different job choices.

GO GET EM TIGER

Answer 2

I'm a server, have been for 5 years (high school and while I'm currently in college) and yes, there are days when I am less than thrilled about going into work, but all in all, it's not that bad. The time goes my quick cuz you're on your feet. You're getting exercise, interacting with people, and you get to leave with cash every night. No need to wait for a paycheck; short on cash, go to work. Us servers have to understand that cheap tips come with the territory. No matter how could of a job you do for some people, they are going to tip 10%. But there are many great tippers out there, and usually we all break even. If you're truly unhappy with your job, my only real advice I can give is to either find another field of work, or maybe look for a job at a different restaurant. Sometimes a change of scenary does wonders. I don't plan on leaving my job until I get my bachelor's degree in nursing, but there are tons of places to work if you don't like the restaurant industry. Banks hire tellers starting at $10/hr usually, you can also try retail, or find a receptionist/secretary type job. Good luck!

Answer 3

I owned my own place AND waitressed and bartended at the same time. I got burned out after about 9 years. The paperwork, the inventory, dealing with reps, the advertising, the phone calls, it wasn't like it was when I started.

Now I do occasional banquet serving (no real responsibility) and some personal chef work. I work on my own terms. And I own a property that I manage. I love working from home in general, I can get so much more done.

I wouldn't trade my restaurant experience for the world, but I'm glad I'm out.

Answer 4

Completely relate! :) I was a full-time server for 3 years and it's what paid my mortgage so I had little choice about it at the time. I loved it and was a head server but it can be hard on your self esteem when you get 10% from a table you just killed yourself for! The pace can be grueling and the hours are tough sometimes. I actually got an offer to do bookkeeping at that restaurant and it helped to balance things out. I dropped all my serving and bartending shifts and just worked the office until I felt refreshed. Another thing you could do is maybe pick up some hostess shifts to break up the pace a little if you can afford it or just learn something different...I went the bartending route and it was fun. If you like the business but are just tired of serving, maybe talk to your boss about getting into a manager program. At least it's in a field you are obviously experienced in and it would be a steady paycheck. Or maybe look into Catering Sales? I'm not sure what type of restaurant you are working (I'm speaking from upper scale experience). Whatever you do, don't burn your bridges on the way out. :) You may crave it again someday...I do sometimes now that I'm a stay-at-home mom with no night life...haha...don't get me wrong, LOVE my kids!!! Plus, I met my husband at that restaurant! Haha!!! Special attraction between bartenders and regulars. ;) Hang in there, easier times are sure to come.

Answer 5

I worked as a waitress when my children were smaller - I loved it because I always had money - everytime I worked....Now I'm a lot older and I work for a union - I make great money and there are still days when I think, "man when I was a waitress I never had to wait to get money". So, think about what you want to do - work at McDonalds or waitress I'd say waitress. Better yet go take some classes and get a degree....That will last you forever.

Answer 6

I think the restaurant business is toxic. I have been doing it for 20 + years and I think that at the end of it all the amount of stress, mental and physical pain it causes will never be worth a 30% tip. I suggest running as fast as you can to anything that strikes your interest. Take a few courses at a community college, take some time and figure out what you want to do. There are lots of government programs to help you figure out what you want to do. The most important thing is DO IT! The industry never changes, the only thing that does change are the surroundings. It just doesn't contribute much to the world other than another alcoholic with regrets and a list of nights you'd rather forget.

Answer 7

I feel you sister. While I was looking for full time jobs and lasted no more than 6 months at each one, I had been working at a restaurant for 5 years. I finally quit both the sucky jobs and took a summer off. I found a full time job I love and a serving job at a local restaurant (non corporate). Now I love being there because it's not all about the money - but about wanting to be there.

Answer 8

I was a waitress for seven years and got really burnt out, tired of customers complaining, tired of cleaning up after people deliverately throwing things on the floor, tired of how people treat waitresses, etc...
My supervisor finally called me in and said I better get a smile on my face and perk up no matter whether or liked being there or not or i needed to go elsewhere. So I put on my smile when i put on my uniform and concentrated on giving the best service so i could make the most money possible. i finally finished college after five years and got an office job, which i really enjoy! so hang in there! and go for what you really want!

Answer 9

The fact of your asking this question in a thoughtful manner shows much soul Development. The former boss has self esteem issues and has not yet learned how to relate to other people. Indeed that may be a major lifetime lesson for her. You would derive little pleasure from rubbing her nose in it and making her feel even more insecure. You should have fun, but not mean fun. No reason for you to revert to her level of communication.

Answer 10

I can relate! I worked my way through college waitressing and bartending. It is physically and emotionally exhausting. I finally graduated with a BA in broadcasting, but ended up working in an office environment. It's so nice to have a steady salary and enjoy what you do.