How many of you realize that a tip is better than the "living wage" employers give people in the service industry?
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As someone who spent 16 years waiting tables (and enjoyed it):
Do you make over minimum wage? Typically, the answer is yes, especially if you're at the right restaurant. But it's inconsistent and difficult to properly budget. I'm not talking necessarily about night to night or even month to month, but season to season, too. If you live in a tourist area, then during the on season, you're going to make great money! But in the off season? You're going to make very lucky. It really is feast or famine. If you're working a tipping job for some extra spending money, then tipping is great. If you're working it as your primary bill-paying job, then having a lower but more stable amount to budget is far easier.
My DIL has worked at the same sit down franchise restaurant for over 10 years, she began in high school. She has gone to part time a few times to work "better" jobs mostly because many adults, once they are married with children, don't really wish to tell people they are a waitress due to many social norms. However, she manages to work 2-3 shifts weekly bringing home anywhere from $600-1000 for the week. More on holiday weekends/weeks. Even though the other jobs paid well above minimum wage, she works less hours, allowing for more home time, makes her own schedule (from working there so long), and makes more money.
My DIL has worked at the same sit down franchise restaurant for over 10 years, she began in high school. She has gone to part time a few times to work "better" jobs mostly because many adults, once they are married with children, don't really wish to tell people they are a waitress due to many social norms. However, she manages to work 2-3 shifts weekly bringing home anywhere from $600-1000 for the week. More on holiday weekends/weeks. Even though the other jobs paid well above minimum wage, she works less hours, allowing for more home time, makes her own schedule (from working there so long), and makes more money.
