I’ve been working at a chain restaurant for the last 7 years. I started as a host in my senior year of high school and worked my way up to server and bartender all while I was getting sober, while I’ve been in school, and while I’ve had other office jobs while still going to school. They’ve been so good to me and it’s honestly a better company than most. The CEO makes only 3x as much as the lowest paid employees, they give financial support when employees aren’t able to work or are hit by tragedy, they give good benefits, and hire 90% of managers internally.
The last several months, I only work a few times/month and it’s great money still. For the longest time I’ve kept the job because I know the menu, customers, and procedures like the back of my hand. It’s easy to go in after a month of not working and pick up where I left off.
But we got a new gm a couple months ago and I am miserable now. We’ve had such high turnover and every time I go in, I don’t know half of the staff. The new gm is just a straight bitch despite me being very respectful and one of the best servers (not being egotistical, I’ve been told this by many managers and coworkers over the years). I’ve been thinking of quitting for a while now and last night was the final straw. The gm is constantly standing in my way on her phone while I’m working and doesn’t fucking move when I ask her to. Nobody helps run my food even when I help everyone else. Nobody does running side work. Zero support from coworkers and management. The entire menu keeps changing. We now do QR code menus which everyone clearly hates. The managers cave to every Karen’s wish now and undermine me. I’m just done man.
I have an AmeriCorps job (which pays below minimum wage but whatever that’s another story for another day), I teach dance classes at my school, I’m a professional performer, I have 2 classes left until graduation, and I am done being a server. I’m already looking at new bartending jobs to sustain me and I’m so relieved already.
I’ve never quit a job without another lined up before but tbh this feels so empowering. Sad that I can’t stay at a place that’s been my home throughout adulthood, but grateful that I’m done with the bullshit. Thanks for letting me share!