[beloiseau]

I'm considering waitressing as a possible interim job...Can anyone tell me how much you can expect to make in tips and wages at a relatively busy restaurant?

[Maranara]

It depends highly on the type of restaurant you're working in. It any decent restaurant, you can probably expect a minimum of $30-40 for a 5-6 hour shift with a decent chance for close to $100 or more.

I worked in restaurants for years. Be aware that it does require a certain amount of people skills and patience and you will be on your feet for long periods of time, but it can also be very rewarding.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I'm not an expert, but I've worked in close to 100 restaurants that ranged from Pizza Hut and Village in to Red Lobster and several country clubs.

[beloiseau]

Originally Posted by Maranara

It depends highly on the type of restaurant you're working in. It any decent restaurant, you can probably expect a minimum of $30-40 for a 5-6 hour shift with a decent chance for close to $100 or more.

I worked in restaurants for years. Be aware that it does require a certain amount of people skills and patience and you will be on your feet for long periods of time, but it can also be very rewarding.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I'm not an expert, but I've worked in close to 100 restaurants that ranged from Pizza Hut and Village in to Red Lobster and several country clubs.

Thank you! I'm considering applying to some of the busier restaurants in my area, like Red Lobster, Cheesecake Factory, etc...By profession I'm an RN, so I am used to people skills and working on your feet long hours!!

I've also considered waitressing, but I'm more concerned about how much weight I would need to be able to carry and how one would go about making recommendations if one can't taste the dishes (because of food allergies etc.).

Also, is it possible to be turned down for a position because of your education? As in you're "too qualified"?

Anyway, I'm glad someone asked about waitressing…I've been wondering about whether I should pursue that or not.

[beloiseau]

Originally Posted by I.Am.The.End.

I've also considered waitressing, but I'm more concerned about how much weight I would need to be able to carry and how one would go about making recommendations if one can't taste the dishes (because of food allergies etc.).

Also, is it possible to be turned down for a position because of your education? As in you're "too qualified"?

Anyway, I'm glad someone asked about waitressing…I've been wondering about whether I should pursue that or not.

The only thing that makes me really nervous is potentially having to carry a tray of full glasses and plates!! I would hope they can't turn you down because you trained to be in another career though. You wouldn't be applying if you didn't want the job.

[Maranara]

If you have any customer service experience at all, you should be okay. I've never heard of anyone being turned down due to too much experience. A lot of people wait on tables as a interim job, but don't make it sound like an interim job! They do want people who will stick around a while.

Places like pizza places and B.B.Q. tend to not use trays or only the small ones. The more formal places like Red Lobster use the large trays. You could start at somewhere not so formal and move up. I would recommend going to eat there ahead of time if you can, even if you get something really small, and watch the servers and what they are expected to do as well as is there anything the servers have in common and would you "fit in". Some restaurants like Cracker Barrel prefer an older server while a lot of places like Chilis and Applebees are all younger folk. It will differ gigantically from one place to another.

Also, most restaurants still do paper applications. Go during the lull in business in the middle of the day, between 2-4p.m. to put in an application and fill it out immediately. You don't have to take a resume nor do you have to mention every place you've worked. Focus on anywhere you've worked that involved customer or food service. They don't mind training people if you can show that you can work with people. You don't have to be professional, but dress somewhat nice and don't be shocked if they interview you on the spot. That is common in restaurants. Wear shoes with slick bottoms and when they are walking you around test the floor. If there are any uneven surfaces or it is slick in the middle of the day, you don't want to work there because it'll only get worse as the floors get dirty.

As for food tasting, it's not a biggie if you don't, but be observant about what other customers say about certain dishes and you can use second-hand knowledge to suggest items.

Originally Posted by beloiseau

The only thing that makes me really nervous is potentially having to carry a tray of full glasses and plates!! I would hope they can't turn you down because you trained to be in another career though. You wouldn't be applying if you didn't want the job.

Well, no, but I've been turned down for jobs within and without my career field. I seem to not be qualified enough in my field, and too much to do anything else. Besides, why would a job like that hire me when they could hire other people with less education and/or less holes in their work history because of said education. Basically, I would "cost" more because I'd be overqualified.

I physically can't carry too much weight, especially since I probably wouldn't be able to wear my wrist braces because it isn't particularly hygienic. I have weak wrists and shoulders so I'm afraid of getting hurt and having to go back physical therapy yet again. If you do decide to pursue waitressing, let me know how much lifting/carrying there actually is.

[Maranara]

Originally Posted by I.Am.The.End.

I physically can't carry too much weight, especially since I probably wouldn't be able to wear my wrist braces because it isn't particularly hygienic. I have weak wrists and shoulders so I'm afraid of getting hurt and having to go back physical therapy yet again. If you do decide to pursue waitressing, let me know how much lifting/carrying there actually is.

It depends on the place gigantically. Some places you only have to lift individual items while others you have to life gigantic trays. That's why I recommend going to a place prior to applying and just observe.

Well, no, but I've been turned down for jobs within and without my career field. I seem to not be qualified enough in my field, and too much to do anything else. Besides, why would a job like that hire me when they could hire other people with less education and/or less holes in their work history because of said education. Basically, I would "cost" more because I'd be overqualified.

Waitressing isn't like other jobs. People do it for all sorts of reasons. They aren't going to pay you more for your education. They are going to pay you according to market. Compared to a worker with x years waitressing even with lower education you aren't over qualified.

[~*glass_owl*~]

Since there are so many positive outlooks on it, I figure you should know it has a dark side. Be prepared for sexism, multi-tasking and hungry entitled people. It rates high on stress and promotions are often based on vain attributes or politics. It is fine if you want to go into hospitality or are desperate for a job. It is the kind of job you learn to love to hate. I became an alcoholic during my food service days and stopped upon exiting food service. Maybe your experience will be more positive, but if it is anything like mine stay away or plan your escape.