13 Pros and Cons of Being a Waiter

Many teenagers get their first jobs waiting tables.

If you’ve worked as a waiter or waitress and if this is something you enjoyed, it could be a lucrative career.

However, if you have never worked as a waiter or waitress, you should understand the pros and cons of the job.

The last thing you want is to waste your time and the restaurant’s time if you decide that this isn’t the right job for you.

Table of Contents

Pros of Working As a Waiter
Cons of Working As a Waiter
13 Pros and Cons of Being a Waiter – Summary Table
Should You Become a Waiter?

Pros of Working As a Waiter

There are several good things about working as a waiter, which is why many people have stayed in the restaurant industry for years.

Below is a list of the good things about working as a waiter or waitress.

#1 You’ll Always Have Cash In Your Pocket

With most jobs, you have to wait until payday, and many people only have a little money left before their next paycheck comes.

One great thing about being a waiter or waitress is that you will make money every day.

The restaurant will pay you for your time, and you’ll also earn tips throughout the day, so you always have cash in hand.

This can be very helpful if you need to pick up groceries, fill up your gas tank, or have expenses that must be paid before your next paycheck.

#2 You Have Some Control Over How Much Money You Make

If you have a job where you only get paid by the hour, you have control over your income once it’s time for your review to earn a raise.

However, if you work as a waiter or waitress, you have some control over how much money you will make.

If you are kind to your guests and go above and beyond to make them happy, they are more likely to tip you well.

Also, if you have the opportunity to take more tables, you can double your tips in one day.

If you can be helpful and charming, you should do very well waiting tables.

#3 You’ll Meet New People

If you’re a people person, you’ll love working as a waiter or a waitress.

You’ll take care of the guests in your section, and small talk and conversation can go a long way.

If the guests like you and enjoy your company, they will show you in the tips they leave.

Also, you’ll have a chance to talk to different, interesting people daily.

#4 You’ll Remain Active

If you hate the idea of being chained to a desk all day, working as a waiter or waitress could be perfect for you.

You’ll be on your feet from the time you punch in at the restaurant until the time you leave.

It’s your job to take orders, deliver food on heavy trays, and take the guest’s payments to the register.

In most cases, you must return to each guest’s table multiple times.

If physical fitness is a priority, working as a waiter or waitress will help you reach the number of steps you set for yourself, and you’ll be more physically fit.

#5 When You Have Experience, You Can Work Anywhere

One great thing about being a waiter or waitress is that after you’ve worked at a restaurant, you can work anywhere you want.

Restaurants are always hiring, and after you have experience, you can apply at classier restaurants where the tips are better.

You can also choose where you want to work, such as at a family restaurant, fast food, at a hotel, or on a cruise.

Your options are endless as a waiter or waitress, allowing you to work anywhere.

#6 You Don’t Have To Take Your Work Home With You

Many jobs can be stressful, and if you can’t finish your work in the office, you must take it home with you.

Also, some jobs can weigh on a person long after they’ve gone home.

Working as a waiter or waitress is different because there will be no work to take home, and what happens on the job won’t keep you up at night.

If you want to focus on your family and friends when you aren’t at work, you’ll likely love working as a waiter or waitress.

#7 Holiday Tips

You can make a significant amount of money on holidays because people tip better during certain times of the year, and restaurants are busier during certain times of the year.

For example, many people are more generous during the holiday season, and you’ll see it in the tips you receive.

Also, restaurants are often busy on special days like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, allowing you to make much more money in tips.

Cons of Working As a Waiter

Although there are many great things about working as a waiter or waitress, there are downsides that you should understand before you start applying for jobs.

When you know the cons of working as a waiter or waitress, you can be sure you’re making the right decision.

#1 Working Hours You May Not Want To Work

If you’re looking for a 9-to-5 job and leaving right when your shift ends, you may prefer something other than being a waiter or waitress.

Most restaurants require their servers to work some nights and weekends, and you often can’t leave until your replacement arrives.

Also, in many cases, these are the times when you can make the most money.

Most people spend the most money on dinner, so it’s the best time to bring in good tips.

Also, people dine out often on the weekend and eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, increasing your tips.

If you can’t or don’t want to work weekends, you should look for a different line of work.

#2 No Benefits

Many jobs come with benefits, such as medical, dental, and vision.

Also, employees get vacation days, sick days, and personal days.

If you’re looking for a job with excellent benefits, you won’t want to work as a waiter or waitress.

Most restaurants don’t offer benefits, so you must find your own health insurance and take unpaid vacations, sick days, and personal days.

#3 Dealing With Difficult Customers

Many people go out to eat in a good mood and are happy with the service they receive.

However, some people are miserable, and they show it through the way they treat their servers.

Some people get impatient when waiting for their meals and often complain and get angry with the server, who has no control over how fast the food comes out.

They also blame the servers for how their food tastes, the portion, and the cost of the meal, all of which you’ll have no control over as a waiter or waitress, but you must still take the abuse.

#4 The Job Can Take a Toll On Your Body

While being physically active is a benefit of working as a waiter or waitress, after a while, it can take a toll on your body, which is why it’s in the cons category as well.

After working as a waiter or waitress for years, you’ll feel the effects of being on your feet all day and carrying heavy trays, causing back, knee, and foot problems that can become chronic.

#5 The Coworkers

You’ll work closely with your coworkers as a waiter or waitress, which is excellent if you get along with everyone you work with.

Unfortunately, not everyone is pleasant to work with, and if you have one of these people working in your restaurant, it can make the job miserable.

If you have a coworker that spends all their time checking the phone, hanging out in the kitchen, and sneaking out for frequent smoke breaks, it can drive you crazy.

When they aren’t doing their job, you and the rest of the staff must pick up the slack, which can cause arguments.

Also, getting frustrated is easy if you’re running around in circles trying to please every guest while your coworker doesn’t lift a finger.

#6 Working Around Food Can Be Too Much If You’re Dieting

Dieting can be challenging, which is why many people try dieting and fail.

If you’re on a diet and are watching what you eat, working as a waiter or waitress might not be right for you.

Working around food and delivering it to your tables can take a toll on your self-control, affecting your ability to lose weight.

Also, if you’ve lost weight and are trying to keep it off, working with food can be too much.