“I’m only smiling because I want your money.”
You’re a college student. After purchasing your $30 ticket to see Girl Talk, $200 worth of hockey season tickets, and a hyper trendy $50 Urban Outfitters cardigan, you realize that you bank account is running at a perilous low. You need to get a job, but class starts at 11:00 and you despise hearing your alarm clock anytime before that. Where do you go? A restaurant, of course!
As a veteran of this process, I hope to shed a little light on the different positions available and their respective benefits and disadvantages. Most places are far from perfect, but knowing what exactly you are getting into could prevent a nasty firing, replete with broken glasses and middle fingers.
Here are the most common positions available:
- Dishwasher: DON’T DO IT. The hours are long (you’re often the last one to leave), the kitchen can feel as if it was located in Death Valley, and you are responsible for the jobs that no one else wants to do. Minimum wage is not worth losing your pride.
- Prep Cook- Surprisingly underrated—if you don’t want to interact with frequently irrational customers on the floor, this may be your best bet. The wages generally stay between $8-10 per hour, and the money is consistent; meanwhile those cranky servers have to rely on tips. While the hours do run late (sometimes you may close the restaurant), you’re actually involved in the food making process. This can lead to some excellent consumption opportunities, as long as the boss isn’t watching. Also, if you want to learn to cook, just consider this a three credit class that provides a stipend.
- Bus Boy/Food Runner- While these jobs do differ slightly (bus boy cleans tables & fills water, food runner serves food to guests), they fall under the broad umbrella of server in waiting. The money is crowd dependent, meaning the busier you are the better. Some nights could end with $75 in your pocket, on top of your minimum wage. Not bad at all. These fellows also get cut as soon as the rush dies down, so the hours are amenable to a college student who enjoys arriving at parties while memories are still functioning correctly.
- Bartender- The long hours and hectic work could overwhelm some, but, more often than not, the great pay takes care of any qualms. You are encouraged to interact with those sitting at the bar, which can be a positive or negative depending on their level of pretentiousness or intoxication. Slow days give you time to focus on your cocktail recipes, which could be a boon throughout your twenties. Prior restaurant experience is almost always needed.
- Server- The face of the restaurant. The money has the potential to be amazing, but could also be mediocre. Patience is required. The hours are very manageable, with even the last one off usually leaving by 11:00 (unless you’re at a bar). Most importantly, you must like people. If you get visibly aggravated by any type of personality, this may not be the position for you.
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