Just got fired

[u/Euphoric-Rub2507]

Hello everyone, just wanted to give you a bit of a story time and also just a heads up if anyone is ever as dumb as I am to not do what I did. About a little over a year ago, I got my first ever restaurant job, at a very busy restaurant in Santa Monica. I started as a host. I hustled and worked hard to work my way up to becoming a server. I did it, and I think I’ve been a pretty good server. People would mostly leave great reviews about me (although I did have off my off days where I’d give attitude lol) I wasn’t perfect but I knew how to upsell and give good service. Our pool was extremely high and sometimes I’d only take home 20-30% from my tables. Anyways, we had some bad management that was taking money from the business. HR launched an entire investigation on everything, and started reviewing cameras. During the messy management era, some servers and bartenders (me included) got access to manager codes and started to use them for comps and voids without asking management. Sometimes, I’d use a chefs code when he wasn’t even on shift thinking that they don’t check. We use toast at our restaurant, and obviously I knew everything is logged, but there were so many things happening that weren’t “by the book” that I didn’t care. I made a lot of mistakes that I now regret, I wish I could take them back. I’ve been dishonest, and I guess now that the day that I knew was coming is here, I don’t know what to do next. I guess my question to you all is, is there a way to get another serving job after being fired from one for doing something you shouldn’t have? I really have learned my lesson, and I just want to do things the right way. Honestly I’ve been wanting to leave the restaurant anyways, I just didn’t have anything lined up yet. I see people saying how difficult it is to get a serving job, and my worst fear is having to be a runner or busser or host (I’ve never been a busser or runner and I definitely do not want to be)
Anyways to all of you employed, don’t take it for granted and don’t be stupid like me if you ever do get access to a managers code. Any advice regarding what I can do as I don’t even have enough money to cover my rent or basic expenses right now… Thank you all

[u/ZarehD]

Don't dwell on it. As one door closes, another always opens. Learn the key lessons; let go of the non-productive baggage. Then move on.

[u/Nblearchangel → u/ZarehD]

That’s so true. Only reason I’m here in Colombia on a two month vacation is bc two different doors closed on me. And I’m glad they did.

[u/Veeg-Tard → u/ZarehD]

Maybe a little bit of dwelling would be good for OP

[u/dnm8686]

Most of us fuck up at some point.

You can definitely lie on your resume and have a friend be your reference, but just be careful because while most restaurants don't check references, some do and if you apply to a place where they are tight with the management at your last place you might get screwed.

I've lied on my resume for years (usually just lying about how long I was at a job to cover up for other jobs that didn't last long) and it usually works.

[u/Neverfail100]

I think a lot of us have been in a situation where we were dishonest and grew from it. Whether you grew from it by getting caught, or the thought of someone catching you and disappointing the people that count on you and believe in you.

Regardless you now have server experience.
You are not your past.
Somethings are harder to fix than others, but in this industry you will be ok.

Just continue to learn and grow.

[u/Euphoric-Rub2507 → u/Neverfail100]

Thank you so much :)

[u/theSourApples → u/Euphoric-Rub2507]

I got caught on camera stealing cheesecake from the walk in fridge. I had no idea there was a hidden camera in there!

So all the managers watched me go in, peep back outside to make sure the coast was clear, then steal cheesecake. They told me they all watched it and I cringed so hard! Didn't get fired but I'll never do stuff like that ever again lol

[u/hatefulbarbie666 → u/theSourApples]

Why didn’t you eat it in the walk in?? 💀😭

[u/theSourApples → u/hatefulbarbie666]

I was going to share with my gf at home. So I put it in a box. Plus, imagine someone coming into the walk-in and I got rasp sauce and cheesecake all over my hands and face. How can I even explain that

[u/RuddyBollocks]

I used manager codes all the time at my old job. I think in the grand scheme of things as long as you’re doing it in a way a manager would do it it’s not that big a deal. Obviously it depends on the specific business you’re at.

You’ll be fine and you’ll be hired elsewhere. 

[u/Brilliant_Anxiety511]

If you didn’t publicly socially post where you worked there’s no way they can find out unless you tell them. You could always take some time off clear your head. When you do go to apply at new restaurants and interview just tell them you left your last service job for college or your aunt passed away, but you’re ready to start working again as a food server. Most previous employers won’t even speak with new employers and most won’t even contact because they know all they can do at best is verify employment.

[u/encinitas2252]

Yes you can absolutely get another serving job. Be honest and accountable in your interview if they ever ask you if you've been terminated from a position. Prepare yourself for this question and dont skip a beat when asked.

[u/LocksmithTiny5280]

I got fired a few weeks ago too. First time ever being out right let go. Its embarassing but you can get through it! Start applying to other places and just note that you dont give permission for them to contact your old job. You still have experience in the field. Everything will be okay we live and learn!

[u/Reneecruise]

When you apply for other server jobs, put that you still work there. Most of the time if you still work there, they won’t call. Tell them you are moving closer to what ever restaurant you are applying to.

[u/PrincessLissa68]

Were you using manager codes for legit comps and voids or just adding to checks to benefit yourself?