I really never wanted to enter this job field, but alas here I am.
Your average 20 something year old who has spent the last year working in fast paced cafes at minimum wage. I have predominantly made income by being a barista, and have reached a high skill cap- but no one actually cares about that. You still make your $12 an hour with a few bucks of tips everyday.
Cue last year I got offered a bartending gig where they agreed to train me. I thought perfect, I can increase my skills, make better tips, and learn something that can give me enough income to take more days off. I have a ton of chronic health issues, and as I get older it’s becoming much more difficult to work full time.
Immediately shoed into the role of a server. False promises. Insane scheduling. No breaks. Inability to use the bathroom when I need to. Tip stealing. I’m going insane.
I get scheduled for 6 hour shifts, and then everyday they find multiple reasons I need to stay there for an additional 2-4 hours. I’m not seeing overtime on my paychecks. I can’t snag a 10 minute break to scarf down a meal. I go to the bathroom and I’m bombarded by needing to get permission before I go. Sometimes when I stay later they forget to tip me out the next day. I get off work and sit in my car and feel so mentally and physically sick that I cry out of starvation and anxiety. But, I’m making $50 more a day than I use to.
I decided, maybe it’s just the place? Tried another restaurant, same thing, plus we get screaming for asking simple questions. No training, and punishment for doing the wrong thing. Everything is a mess. I swear my coworkers have to be on drugs, how can you move non stop for 10 hours without eating a snack or sitting down to mentally calm down? 5 days a week?? I’m still not making enough money.
I heard about stealth quitting, and no idea how you manage that in this field. You do what’s only required of you and you get fired.