How I Fell Back in Love with my Restaurant Job
My first major problem was that my problem wasn't clear…so I went looking for what the issue was. Here are the main problems I saw in my time working in restaurants and bars, for myself and those I worked with:
- Burnout: Stop caring about your job, co-workers, life, anything
- Freedom: Yeah, freedom. The ability to call off of work means you can often choose to be more free and make less. Yes, you need to balance work with life, but with flexibility comes responsibility. And responsibility is heavy. Think wasted potential and empty bank account. No Bueno.
- Drugs: I'd say self explanatory, but I think a caveat needs to be added: illegal. Whether fully illegal or illegal because they belong to someone else (looking at you adderal) stay away to stay sane.
- Booze: Technically a drug, but worth its own point. The industry thrives on booze. You make money by selling it, understanding it, and recommending it. But let it grow in importance and it’ll take over your life, one beer at a time.
- Low-self esteem: This dragon shows up in early morning and late night in self talk. It sounds like: "Why am I still doing this? I thought I’d make more of my life. What am I doing? What's the point of my life?"
These are the dangers. There are other little monsters throughout a serving career, but those are the big ones I faced.
What did I do with this info? I started avoiding the pitfalls. I think that life (at least for me) consists less in actively winning, and more in avoiding failing. If you stay in the game long enough, you end up doing great things, just by showing up everyday and trying.
So I fought burnout. I fought to keep a regular sleep schedule. I started meditating (even though I think it’s lame...and still do). I took a job were my freedom was restricted. I couldn’t take call offs…and my money problems started to evaporate. I cleaned up my life, I drank less, and I started to view myself with kindness.
What does this mean for you?
Whatever you want, honestly.
I don’t have the answers for everyone, your life may be different. But I do know that thinking this helped me start fixing things up.
If you want to hear more about what I’m doing, and explore what excellence and intention means in hospitality, follow my podcast, Serves You Right. I have 2 guests on a week that deal with issues bartenders, servers and cooks care about. Feel free to message me on instagram (andrewd.roy) or email andrew@servesyourightpod.com. I answer every email I get.
Humbled by any attention you send my way. You all are my people. Rock on.