Working at a restaurant?
Asked by Bobby
I work at a privately owned fine dining restaurant. I started off as a dishwasher and after 4 months I was promoted to a pantry chef. Now I've been working there for about a year and I absolutely hate my working conditions. I just want some insight about what working at a fine dining restaurant should be like. This place is complete unorganized chaos. I am the only pantry chef that works nights, both week days and weekends. We only have one other who works days when I'm at school. I'm 17 and work about 28 hours a week. I haven't been able to go out on fridays or saturdays in about 7 or 8 months, and when I ask for a day off my boss says no because there is no one to fill in for me. He's really cheap and refuses to hire anyone else, in case you haven't figured it out I work 6 days a week, on the thursday I have off every week one of the cooks fills in for me. Next thursday there is a party and EVERY DISHWASHER WE HAVE is out of town and now I have to work off the books as a dishwasher

Best Answer:
I have been in the business for over 25 years and have owned several restaurants, currently I have two, and the situation you are in is not uncommon in the industry. What is more common, however, is places that are run well and have a professional and fun working environment. You are just 17 and seem to have your head on your shoulders so if you like the business and want to stick with it I suggest you start looking for a place that you would be happier with. Not only will a different enviornment be better for you in gaining knowledge and experience in the industry, but I am confident they will work with you as far as scheduling is concerned. There are two things you need to consider before changing positions though. First is your resume. You do not want to create work experiences that last less than a year. If a future employer sees a lot of few months here and few months there they may think it is a problem with you not being able to hold a single position very long (you already have been there for a year so this one doesn't really apply, but make sure you check out the new place good). Secondly, make sure you give at least a two week notice to your current employer. Even if you hate it there you want to do things right! When you are looking for a new place make sure you tell them that you will have to give notice before you start with them. They will also appreciate your professionalism! Before you accept a new job make sure you are going somewhere different! Talk to people that work there, ask around town, go in as a customer! The business is great for the most part, but there are certainly some things that bring out warning signs about the sketchy places! One such sign in having to work off the books!! If you would like to learn more about the industry check out my web site at http://www.foodandbeverageunderground.com and drop me a line via the contact us page if I can help you with anything else. Good luck!
http://www.foodandbeverageunderground.com
Answered by Scott H

Bail Bud- your being used. If you want to be taken advantage of - you can always go back to many other "fine dining" spots and they will greet you with open arms. There are plenty of opportunists like that in the restaurant business. If you want to look further into the culinary field look for someone who will be more fair and open minded (realistic)about your off time needed. Be clear about that from the beginning with your next boss.
Answered by Sailon

QUIT!!!!!! There are better jobs than that. That is not the last job on earth. You said you hate it and the working conditions are bad so just leave. You have experience in restaurants so I'm sure another one will hire you!
Answered by K R

Unfortunately, I think this is just the way most jobs are in one way or another. Given your skills, is there another place to apply? Don't quit, just you might want to see what else is out there.
Answered by Tony S

You should look into putting in applications somewhere else, does "off the books" mean that you won't be paid? Definately look for a new job if thats the case, there are a lot of places that hire high school kids, and they work with you and work so that you have days off, even if its requested. I worked at a banquet hall while I was in high school, the manager there always made sure that we had school dances off if we wanted them, and she sent the highschoolers home at 10 on weekdays, it was tough work and we only got one 15 minute break but she always made sure we were taken care of.
Answered by bluspec21

working off the books? what happens if you get hurt? - no workers comp you aren't paying tax and you aren't paying your social security and the employer is not paying their matching part, as some say, social security may not be there for you so it does not matter but it does. heaven forbid you are ever disabled social security pays disability based on what you have paid in, so it is important that you pay your social security taxes and the employer has to pay a matching amount for you. this business is not run very well from what you state. that happens in many businesses not just restaurants and will continue in the future some people just should not be in business and eventually they aren't. you may want to look for other employment that appreciates your skills and gives you some personal time. many restaurants can and will work with you on a schedule that is good for both you and the business. do not ever work off the clock or of the books you are just hurting yourself in the long run. it is illegal for your employer to do it and just not smart for you to accept it.
Answered by michr

I would start to look elsewhere. Ask your boss for a day off on the weekend. You deserve it. Why are you working six days? Tell him you need two days off per week like most other people.
Answered by GingerLatte

I agree with the first post. I think the owner of this restaurant is using you (due to your age and I'm sure he is paying you less than what he would normally pay someone with your experience) to do almost everything. Do you have a good relation with your employer? Is it possible to discuss how dissatisfied you are with your job? You are YOUNG! I don't want this job to trap you and not have a school and social life. You can work elsewhere and probably be paid what you deserve and have the hours you want. I would consider the latter option. Good luck to you!
Answered by Saiyuki_Anyone?