I got back in FT after a 5 yr hiatus. Have been at my current job for 16 months. We hire guys mostly out of prison or restaurant lifers. I was originally going to go back PT but my FT job fired me for a stupid HR blunder the same day I was supposed to start this job and so it became FT. At first, it was exciting, fun, working nights and weekends again, all the action. But it is a total dead end. I make $21 an hour as a very experienced cook/chef (17 years). I can handle any station on a busy night. I feel held hostage because if I leave, I know they will not be able to replace me easily. I have been friends with the head chef for about 10 years and that’s why I came back/stay. But I have no life, no peace of mind, never enough energy. I’m addicted to cigarettes and was addicted to booze for a while because everyone at work drinks. My ex’s 18 yo son makes more than me at his internship. DO NOT CHOOSE THIS LIFE. Stay away from restaurants if you can. It’s all I know how to do, unfortunately.