Spinoff of "Unemployed, Can't Find Work"

[SixthSt.Girl]

I was going to post this on Almost's thread, but didn't want to hijack it...

 

A question: Is it best to do crappy-type positions (i.e. waitressing, retail) in between jobs, or is it better to focus on finding a suitable, long-term job? I've been almost 2 months out of school. Nothing is happening in this region, and I can't find the right job. I tried temping (basically a 2nd shift factory-type job). It was so monotonous and tiring, I felt it was going to break into my job search time/energy. I left after only 3 days, but was told by employees there that I should try giving it a chance and doing it part-time. I let the temp agency know I was interested in this, but they're obviously mad or what not, because they're not getting back to me. Guess I realized too late that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

 

I'm just not used to blue-color work. I realize how well I had it in school, but I can't live with my parents forever - I want to be back on my own again. Is there any way to build my strength and stamina quickly so that I can handle something like waitressing? My family thinks this will push me farther from my goal, but will I ever achieve my goal? Maybe not in this town (which is where I want to be, and now have no choice). Ironically, it seems easier to get something that I'm way overqualified for (like the factory work) than something I'm only semi-overqualified for. Is waitressing more profitable than say, retail, if it's a bar/grille environment? Or do I have to be at a straight up bar for the good tips?

[Almost]

I would say if you don't have a job and can't collect unemployment, you need to get and keep whatever job you can to bring in some money while you continue to look for other work.

 

If you can collect unemployment, then it is a tougher choice because a full time job can take time away from finding work. It might be better to use the time to get extra training, or do some volunteer work that is career related. That's basically what I am doing right now.

 

Whatever you work will just be deducted from unemployment, unless it's under the table. On the other hand, you have to keep looking and you can't turn anything down otherwise you won't be eligible for unemployment benefits.

[erika2610]

Waitressing may be thought of as a "crappy" job, but you can make alot of money depending on where you go. I worked at a local Denny's, and I loved it. I made there in a week, what I make at my current job in 2 weeks. Again, it all depends on where you work though. My sister-in-law works at a Chili's, and makes less than what I did. I worked the graveyard shift though. A bar/grille is probably a safe bet. Either that or a Denny's type. I also worked in a diner - no money. Find somewhere where you can work with a bar crowd, and you'll be good to go. They are so much fun, and most of them tip pretty well.

[SixthSt.Girl]

Waitressing may be thought of as a "crappy" job, but you can make alot of money depending on where you go. I worked at a local Denny's, and I loved it. I made there in a week, what I make at my current job in 2 weeks. Again, it all depends on where you work though. My sister-in-law works at a Chili's, and makes less than what I did. I worked the graveyard shift though. A bar/grille is probably a safe bet. Either that or a Denny's type. I also worked in a diner - no money. Find somewhere where you can work with a bar crowd, and you'll be good to go. They are so much fun, and most of them tip pretty well.

 

What is the graveyard shift - the one that nobody wants to work? I don't really mind working late at night, but I'd rather not do it all the time. I have to be able to be ready for interviewing in the morning hours. I thought about doing waitressing as a side job. A couple of part-time day job possibilities have come up that sound more my speed. I'm not sure they'd pay enough for me to live on my own, but I figure I could do waitressing a couple nights a week for extra money. I'm not very outgoing by nature, and sensitive, so what do you think would be the best type of waitressing environment for someone of this personality that hasn't done it before? I'd prefer to do something that's more centered around a bar than a restaurant because I think there would be better pay and it would be easier, physically. I'm a pretty petite person, and I have visions of dropping everything. I don't know much about drinks, though. There's an ad in the paper for what sounds like a small restaurant/bar - I'm not familiar with the name - I think I'll go check it out...

[erika2610]

Heehee.. yes, the graveyard shift is the one nobody wants to work. I worked all different hours. Sometimes 10pm-6am, sometimes just 9pm-2am. But I worked in a 24 hour restaurant. A small restaurant/bar sounds good. When I started waitressing, I had no idea what I was doing. I am also a shy, sensitive person. That's another reason it would be good for you. The more you interact with peope, the less sensitive and shy you get. I loved it. I met so many new people, and made some very good friends while I was doing it. Co-workers AND customers. It was so much fun, and I made great money. And I am one of the clumsiest people on the face of the earth, so basically if I can do it, anybody can.

[alphamale]

i've always had professional type jobs so I can't really help you...

[magichands]

i've always had professional type jobs so I can't really help you...

Thanks for your contribution.

 

I think he meant to say that you should go back to school. It's much safer there than the real world.

[SixthSt.Girl]

i've always had professional type jobs so I can't really help you...

 

Hee, hee, wait until you get laid off from your "professional job," and it's shipped overseas like everything else.

[SixthSt.Girl]

Heehee.. yes, the graveyard shift is the one nobody wants to work. I worked all different hours. Sometimes 10pm-6am, sometimes just 9pm-2am. But I worked in a 24 hour restaurant. A small restaurant/bar sounds good. When I started waitressing, I had no idea what I was doing. I am also a shy, sensitive person. That's another reason it would be good for you. The more you interact with peope, the less sensitive and shy you get. I loved it. I met so many new people, and made some very good friends while I was doing it. Co-workers AND customers. It was so much fun, and I made great money. And I am one of the clumsiest people on the face of the earth, so basically if I can do it, anybody can.

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I think, if anything, it will help with my social skills. I think something good will eventually come up, but I do want to be employed in the meantime. Also, about the money - I know this may sound like a dumb question, but we're not expected to do the figuring up of change on our own, are we? Most places do that all by register now, I'm guessing. I'm not good at figuring numbers in my head (that's what calculators are for!), and when I'm stressed - forget about it.

[erika2610]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I think, if anything, it will help with my social skills. I think something good will eventually come up, but I do want to be employed in the meantime. Also, about the money - I know this may sound like a dumb question, but we're not expected to do the figuring up of change on our own, are we? Most places do that all by register now, I'm guessing. I'm not good at figuring numbers in my head (that's what calculators are for!), and when I'm stressed - forget about it.

 

 

Hmmmm.. the change. I'll tell ya. When I worked in a chain restaurant, it was all computerized. It was great. THEN, I went to a little Greek diner. Ugh. Nothing was computerized. We had to write everything out by hand, and then total the whole bill up ourselves. IT was horrible. Especially when we were busy. We had a register, but just we just put in the bill total, and then had to do change in our heads. I didn't take to that to well. But I think if you go to a chain restaurant, or a bar, it should be computerized. And yes, it will totally improve your social skills. You'll talk to and meet all kinds of interesting people. You may be shy and nervous at first. But soon enough, it'll just come naturally.

 

Damn, talking about it makes me want to go back into it.