I spent 10 years working for a 4-star hotel in downtown Chicago. I am an actor, so I needed a job to get consistent income that also was flexible enough for me to be able to hit every audition that my agent was able to get for me. Basically, that meant that anything beyond entry level would require more of my time than I was willing or able to give.
I was a doorman and bellman. Over the years, I was able to gain seniority, which meant that I could choose my scheduled shifts (7a-3:30p, 3p-11:30p, 11p-7:30a) and was usually able to find someone willing to trade shifts or even pick one up if I got a big audition or booking. The place also offered excellent benefits (they covered 80% of premium costs).
I achieved some success acting over the years and the job was one reason why I was able to comfortably rent apts and have fun nights out with friends. However, the work itself was exhausting and soul crushing. Even in my 10th year, I was only making $9.25 per hour plus tips. I endured that because of the flexibility, cool coworkers, and great benefits. Still, working for tips sucked and I found myself in my 30's working a mindless job when others my age were having successful careers and making great money.
I ended up applying for an in-house promotion of lobby vibe manager. Choose music, decor, and other guest-centered experience stuff. I made it far…but they gave it to a 25 year old because he was a drummer and they wanted an actual musician. He lasted less than a year before they fired him. When the position was up for applications again, I opted not to go for it again…but the hotel manager talked me into it because she thought I'd be a good fit. I relented, applied…and got passed over again.
Within a year, a leasing agent position opened up at a property in another part of the city. I applied, interviewed, and got it. By that point, I had been at the hotel for just over 10 years and was owed a $500 bonus. HR told me that I wouldn't actually get that bonus because they only handed out bonuses at the end of the year and I wouldn't be there by then. What a joke. I was leaving before my final 2 weeks were up and HR told me that, if I didn't stay for the full 2 weeks, I'd never be hired there again. Lol. 10 years of service, getting passed over TWICE for a job I was plenty qualified for, and getting fucked out of a bonus that I very much earned more than told me that I wouldn't ever work there again.
They closed before the end of the year to take on a new brand. Everyone got laid off. No bonuses.
Moral of the story: your job is your job. It serves you and you serve it ONLY WHILE THERE. Don't give any more of yourself to your employer than what you have to. You are replaceable. There are some employers out there that are good ppl and go above and beyond for their employees. Many only see you as a negative number in their number crunches. Put yourself first.
Sorry for the long winded post. Just felt like getting that out.