Table of Contents

1. Can you be on your feet for long hours?
2. Will you look after your health?
3. Are you financially responsible?
4. Do you mind working evenings and weekends?
5. Can you think on your feet?
6. What is your end goal?
7. Do you care about customer service?

There are many pros and cons of working in a restaurant, which can make it a fantastic job for some and not the right choice for others. Before you start working towards a restaurant career, ask yourself these questions to make sure you head down the right path. 

Can you be on your feet for long hours?

Most restaurant jobs are active and on your feet. You’ll have to walk quite a bit, and may not be able to sit during your shift. That could mean you’re up and moving around for eight hours or more. Accommodations may be possible for some disabilities, but in general, a restaurant career means lots of walking. Is that something you’re prepared for?

Will you look after your health?

It’s easy to neglect dedicated exercise when you’re on your feet all day. But strength training can go a long way to keeping your body in shape for the long term. Proper footwear is also important, which can require a financial investment.

There’s also the darker side of restaurant work to consider. It is common for restaurant employees to be heavy drinkers, and some employees may dabble in drugs as well. Can you keep away from bad habits, even if your peers are indulging?

If so, you could be extremely successful in the restaurant industry!

Are you financially responsible?

This is a question that isn’t asked of restaurant staff often, but it’s an important one. 

In some establishments, servers and bartenders take home most of their pay in cash, rather than getting a paycheck. And cash has a way of disappearing from your wallet before making its way to your savings account. Also, cash payments mean that the restaurant is not withholding much on your behalf for your annual tax obligations. So it’s up to you to set aside that money for taxes and savings.

Even when servers do get paid by check, those checks can be very inconsistent since they reflect both hourly rates and tips. And many restaurants don’t offer employer-sponsored retirement accounts. So employees must be proactive in saving money for the slow season and for retirement. 

Do you mind working evenings and weekends?

Working in restaurants often requires working on evenings, weekends, and holidays, as those are the most popular times for people to dine out. 

This can make it a challenge to spend time with friends and family who work in more standard 9-5 jobs. But on the positive side, if your shift doesn’t start until 4:00 pm, you have all day for things like school, running errands, and looking after yourself. 

If working nights is a dealbreaker for you, you can always look for a position at a brunch or lunch-only spot that closes in the afternoon. 

Can you think on your feet?

A ticket that’s taking too long. Unhappy guests have to be placated. Getting triple-sat. These challenges and more are part of the daily complexities of service life. And they all require a proactive approach. 

That slow ticket? Bring out a free snack to the table with your apologies for the wait—before they complain. Are guests unhappy with one of their dishes? Ask your manager to make a table call to make it right. Triple sat? Call in reinforcements from your manager or a less busy teammate until you get caught up. 

Anticipating problems—before they spiral out of control—is a sign of a hospitality expert.

What is your end goal?

Working in restaurant service doesn’t only mean being a server. You could become a bartender, sommelier, or restaurant manager. Or you may want to remain a server, but work your way up to the best fine-dining restaurants in your town. 

Your goals may change over time, but it’s important to have something to work towards as you progress through your career. 

Do you care about customer service?

The best restaurant employees are passionate about what they do. They genuinely care about their customers. They take pride in their work, providing the best customer service possible to their guests and helping to make each dining experience special. 

Is it important to you to connect with people and guide them through their meals? If so, you could excel in a restaurant career!