Flexibility of schedule is the single biggest advantage of our industry. My question is; why do so many of us use this benefit to give money away rather than increase our income? In the “real” world, people work eight hours a day, five days a week for a paycheck they Those additional 8 – 10 hours everyone in the real world works could generate an extra $200have no control over. In the restaurant industry, very few of us work over 30 hours a week. Those additional 8 – 10 hours everyone in the real world works could generate an extra $100 - $200 for us depending on the shift, if we would just work them. Truth be known, the majority of us give away more shifts than we pick up. Except, of course, when rent is due. My point is, in this industry you have the opportunity to work almost any hours available to you. That extra $100 or so a week you are choosing not to make, becomes an
increase in your income of $5,000 a year. I guarantee you; none of your friends with “real” jobs can increase their income by $5000 this year. They are going to be absolutely giddy over their $10 - $20 a week raise, assuming they get a raise instead of being laid off.
In the months to come, we are going to explore many other ways to increase your income by helping you become more knowledgeable and proficient about our profession. In the meantime, you need to de-program yourself. Quit listening to the voice in your head and the people around you telling you about the “real world.” Most of them belong with Paris Hilton and need to work a few shifts as a waiter to appreciate how difficult it is. Until next month... Go out and pick up a couple of extra shifts. I know you can use the money. If not, send it my way. Just remember, you have a “real” job, dammit. We all need to respect our jobs as a profession and treat it like one.
