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Summer job?
I've been thinking about getting a summer job waiting tables. I'm not interested in working for $7 an hour, so waiting tables seems like the best match to me. I can work this summer, and then probably work a shift or 2 when school starts back.
There are positives and negatives to this idea. Positives: More money (not that we're hurting for it), will give me something to do when Robin's busy with baseball, I feel stuck in a rut and could use something different in my life/ some time away from just being Mrs. A, maybe I could make some friends, when we have a baby I could possibly SAH and wait tables to make some extra money. Negatives: do I really want to be away from Robin this much?, would have to rework/cancel some travel plans for this summer, would need to quit sponsoring so many clubs, stress.
I know that if I start and hate it I could always quit. I'm just unsure. Anyone feel like being a life coach today?
Re: Summer job?
I can honestly say I've never been a waitress. Retail yes, food services (with the exception of McDonalds for 4 months when I was 14) no.
More money can never hurt, but how will it affect you energy-wise, especially if you keep it up when the school year starts again?
Whatever you do, don't tell a mother how to parent when you give their child soda by accident. It will cut your tip.
updated 10.03.12
I waited tables for 3 years in high school and college, so I know what to expect as far as work load and stress are concerned. It seems like a lot now, but I worked through college and grad school, so I think it's just a matter of adjusting to being that busy again. I've gotten too use to have 5 hours and nothing to do every night! To be honest, the reason I most want to do it is just to get out of the house, make some friends, and socialize with some real people (elementary teachers are not like real people). I wonder if that's something I really want or if it's just idealistic. I miss friends and independence.
I also really like doing nothing for 2 months.
I think you should go for it. It sounds like you're leaning that way but just hesitant to bite the bullet. If you don't like it, you can easily quit, especially since money isn't a factor.
Or... have you considered joining any other types of groups if you're just wanting to find something to do in the evenings and meet people? Maybe a local running/biking club or something like that? Have you checked with your local board to see if anyone knows of something that might help you get out more?
I think, for me, it would come down to your co-workers and management.
I worked at two different restaurants. One locally owned restaurant/diner and the other was a chain. I would work at the local place again if I had to. I think the chain scarred me. I hated the management, they were immature and that's saying a lot coming from me and being 5+years ago when I was even more immature. I still talk to former co-workers from the local and loved my boss, even though he could be chauvinistic at times.
Customers are more demanding than in retail. As I always say, the people and food relationship is dangerous. People get fierce when it comes to food. So when something goes wrong, expect the worse (i.e getting yelled at even if it's something out of your control). But if you're good at keeping cool and not taking things like that personally, you should be fine.
I always had fun. It's definitely fast-paced. You will lose some weight even though you're surrounded by food all the time. When I worked as a waitress, that's when I was my skinniest.
ETA: I can't believe it took me 15 mins to finish my reply.... But after reading your response, what I said doesn't matter lol.
Since, like you said, you're not hurting for money, I would pick a place where you enjoy the staff more than how much extra money you're making.
My Acme Box last update 3/28/11
Um, I want this gig. That sounds like so much fun!
This.
I waitressed at a CC for a few summers in HS and college. I only did it one day a week (Sundays) and usually walked out with $300+ in tips, not including hourly wage. The hours were early (5am - Noon) since it was a breakfast-lunch-dinner type place, but SO worth it.
ETA: If I had the time, I would still waitress in spring/summer. It's just not feasible for me.
Thanks for the advice so far ladies! You've given me lots to think about. I'll address the questions.
Tara- Last summer, I set out with the intention of volunteering. Long story short, no one wants you if you can only do it for 2 months. Animal shelters, hospital, everywhere said the same thing. I'm also, apparently, too old to be a Big Sister.
My local board is dead, and I have no real talents, but I'll have to investigate. I thought about just trying to be more active in groups at our church, but that's really just more of the same vs. something new.
Stees- I'm not ashamed of doing nothing for 2 months. Robin doesn't make me feel bad about it or anything like that. I'm really just in a rut, spending too much time thinking about "the good ole days." I feel like life has gotten very stagnant, and I think I just need a change.
I agree. That sounds like so much fun! I'm a trivia nerd, anyway.
In that case, I think you should do it. I am not in the camp that teaching is cushy because you get summers off, and I don't want someone making you feel like thats the case.
Would there be a p/t job that you could do that you might enjoy but that would be less stress/physically demanding than waitressing? I've often times thought about getting a p/t job at the winery near our house. It would be something relaxing that I would enjoy, but I would also get to chat with/meet people.
Seriously- they said you are too old- that wouldn't happen in Cincinnati. We are bigs and have been for 7+ years and I can tell you we were old then too. Most of the matches are with 30+ folks here. More responsible. Do you have a local YMCA- I know you wouldn't probably want to be with kids but sometimes they have volunteer roles or even some admin type roles with camps over the summer. Could be worth it.
I've thought about working at the orchard again or in the boutique my sister manages. I'd enjoy something like that and I know it'd be easier, but I don't want to work for $7 an hour. I know I keep saying it isn't about the money, but that isn't worth my time. (My apologies to anyone who makes that much. I'm sure I sound like a real snob. I'd just rather have the day off than $50.)
She politely let me know that most of their volunteers are college students. I don't think they liked the fact that I'm a teacher either. They probably didn't think the kid would think I'm cool. Anyway, they never even gave me a follow-up call.
I thought a one-on-one bonding relationship would be cool, but I have no desire to supervise a group of kids. If I did, I'd work summer daycare at the school. I could look into some volunteer things though. Maybe just show up once or twice a week with a cool activity or game. Hmm...