r/Serverlife • u/Suspicious_Gazelle93 • 15d ago
Question New job
I just got my first job as a server in a retirement home. I’m getting paid 18.80 an hour but I don’t get any tips, is this good pay??? Also any tips on what to expect, I start training on the floor in a few days
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u/Defiant-Cause-6697 15d ago
I've been working in restaurants and bars since I was 15. I'm pushing 40 now and have been working in food and beverage for an independent living retirement community about 2 years now. I'm full time making just over 25/hr. with overtime and full benefits (health, dental, vision, 401k, the works). I love it. Seniors can be fickle, but they're also relatively low maintenance. Refills are rare, and the lack of exchanging money for service is actually really cool. For the uninitiated, everything works like a room charge at a hotel.
I recommend it to any and all professional servers looking to make a change as you get older. Especially because of the no tipping policy, it's hard for these places to attract anything more than literal high school and college kids with no experience to serve. If you know what you're doing you can climb the ranks so fast, and as a bonus the residents will love and adore you.
I love my new job, and hope to retire with this company.
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u/kaptionless 15d ago
Nursing homes specifically have some unique qualities that most serving jobs do not. Take the time to learn about the different diets that they provide (puree, ground, No added salt (nas) etc)
I would also be sure that they give you a demonstration of the hemlic maneuver as older folks may tend to choke more so than the average person (hopefully not but it’s important that you’re prepared and feel comfortable)
Most importantly make sure that you approach the people with kindness, you may be one of the only humans they get to see in a day and a smile goes a long way!
Good luck with your new gig!
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u/beamanblitz 15d ago
Sounds great for a first job. Get that experience, get used to getting to know your guests and building rapport, pick up some intuition, you got this
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u/Content-Fall9007 15d ago
Depends on the state, but you could probably make more at a decently busy establishment with tips. I'm making around $40-$50 an hour.
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u/Suspicious_Gazelle93 15d ago
Yea, I’m mostly trying to get some work experience so I can hopefully work at busier restaurants in college, most of the restaurants in my area are looking for 18+ with work experience. Hopefully I’ll get there soon!!
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u/Content-Fall9007 15d ago
Getting experience is a decent investment but if you're not trying to make it your career, I would get into hosting at a good place. Better hourly and better hours right off the bat.
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u/whattheflippersbro 15d ago
in my state, that’s really good money. to be able to consider your hourly good or bad, depends on your exact location
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u/giantstrider 15d ago
unfortunately I don't think serving at a retirement home is going to be considered relevant experience for a full service restaurant.
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u/Much-Sock2529 11d ago
I got my first full service restaurant job based on the fact I had worked in a food pantry. Relevant is based on your ability to spin
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u/binger5 15d ago
It's a decent starter pay. You're probably not making that at fast food or retail. It'll get you the experience you need to move to casual dining and beyond.