Friday, November 28, 2008

No holiday for the server

Sports Bar is closed on Thanksgiving so I had the day off yesterday. Lucky me, that translates into two 15 hour doubles over the next 48. Actually, 39 hours.
I have a problem saying no. A few weeks ago the Saturday night server asked if I would work for her this weekend. I knew that the Saturday bartending shifts were close to being mine, but I said yes anyway. Why did I do that? I don't want to work two doubles in a row,let alone a Saturday karaoke night. I said yes because I feel guilty if I say no. In the restaurant industry we get no paid holidays or vacation days and only having 3 servers makes the shifts hard to cover. I have this strange idea that if I don't have plans, I should be working. Great for making money, but not so good for my health sometimes, and certainly not for my social life.
Some people call this a good work ethic; being on time, covering shifts, not calling in sick. I call it a problem. The root of the problem I do not know. One thing I do know is I need to start saying no to picking up shifts. I already work 7 shifts a week, 6 days. Its reasonable not to want to work extras after all that.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

One key to longevity in this business I find is to have a life outside of work so you can say no. The thing is if you always say yes your own life becomes elusive outside of work and then it begins to effect you both physically and mentally. When you say no once in a while it is not because you do not like your work it is because you want a balance. Balance is the key. At least that is my thought.

Anonymous said...

It's good of you to cover for others....but only IF THEY RECIPROCATE ... you always get those few who always want off...you cover, but then they won't help you...time will tell. The REAL bummer is that the Friday after thansgiving is the slowest day of the year in restaurants. Everybody is eating turkey sammies...
happy holidays, mw

Unhinged said...

Yesterday was painfully slow! I am grateful for the people who did come in as they were all in the holiday spirit and very nice (and tipped well).

bulletholes said...

Social life?
When I was in the business, my Social life occurred generally between the hours of midnight and noon.
my days off would generally find me at one of the usual dives, with all the usual mates.

I mean, its not like I was getting ready for a Gala event at the Governors Mansion or something!
Hi LoneW!