Transition from waitress to something more fufilling

Question

I've been in the restaurant industry for 8 years and would like to change to something I'm passionate about, but I'm not sure what. I have a degree from a UC school. It's in Drama. Realized my last year of college that I didn't want to continue with a career in drama, so it's pretty much useless. I'm glad I've had serving to fall back on while I try to figure everything out, but it's been 5 years of trying to figure it out without any luck. I enjoy helping people. I'd ideally like to work for a company that I believe. Maybe either to help women or help the planet. I just don't know where to start looking. All I know is Craigslist and apps like Indeed/Workpop. Any advice on where to look?

Katie Lampman · Answer

I have a hotel and restaurant management degree and I kind of found myself in the same place. I had worked in restaurants and bars in high school, college, and after. And I found myself in a pattern. I always made better money as a waitress or bartender than the management did, so I rarely took those promotions. When I decided to have a family I knew my hours had to change. I decided to reach out to the reps I had known for years in the industry. And I work for a company that turns fryer oil into biodiesel, and I couldn't be happier and I'm making good money. I enjoy my Monday through Friday , 7-3, full benefits, vacation, schedule the most though .I would say reach out to the people you already know, these companies are huge and have lots of positions, and probably helps that u already know the product.

Collette Wojdylo · Answer

If you know you want to work in a field where you give back in some way but aren't quite sure what role you want, I suggest taking a look at Idealist. It's a job board specifically for non-profits but covers pretty much every type of position and cause out there.  I think it could be a great tool to help you narrow down what you might be interested in and who you might want to work for one day!

Anonymous · Answer

Waitressing teaches so many people skills - that is useful in so many industries. Have you looked into the coworking industry?

Ella12 · Answer

Customer service is always a field that you could try and grow in, but honestly if I was in your shoes i’d come up with the next field I want to pursue And then immediately set out to get that foot in the door job in that field. That will help you confirm that you want to invest time/money/education into that field for sure.  In doing so try reaching out to your network (facebook, friends, Etc) and if you need to build one, try a staffing agency.

lkvoetter · Answer

There are many jobs out in corporate America that require a degree and are not too picky about that degree. I agree that customer service would be a great area to look into with the skills you have from waitressing.

Emilee Ballaro Despagni · Answer

Hi there! Can I ask where you're located? I work as a recruiter in NYC and have helped many candidates transition into a variety of industries out of hospitality. If you're in NYC, I'm happy to connect with you offline if you'd like to continue to conversation further.

Helen Hanison · Answer

It's definitely time to get some support and fresh input to making your meaningful career change if it's been a few years.

I'd encourage you to think beyond your strengths and natural competencies. These make for robust substance to any good planning but values - what matters to you most, at your core and you can't not have - sets the direction to work you will love.

Notice I said direction not destination.  You don't need to know the whole answer here, but you will need to know which way to head before you can build towards it.

There's a great book called 'Designing Your Life' by 2 Stanford professors.  I often borrow from their design-led ideation process when I'm coaching clients who know they need to pivot, but not what to.

I have generated a summary for my own audience and you're welcome to have that to see if it will provide the framework that will get you into meaningful action also.

https://mailchi.mp/c6530a5f9294/redesign-your-career-92ifyxc0ly

Good luck!

Pheitz · Answer

Since you are so good at customer service, and enjoy helping people, maybe you would like to look into the Spa Industry? Aesthetician, massage therapist, etc. They’re always to help people feel better. Even cosmetology., if you have a flair for being creative.
 Start paying attention to what different people do for a living. Ask your customers as a waitress what they do and what they like about it. Make it like a research project for yourself and I’m sure you will find exactly what you’re looking for!

Veronica Walker · Answer

I started off in the restaurant industry as well and ended up working for big beverage companies such as Remy Martin and Nespresso. Make sure you utilize LinkedIn to its fullest capacity and be active on it (post relevant articles, comment on posts). Follow others that are in positions/companies you’re interested in, volunteer with an organization with like interests or join a professional organization such as Junior League or Network of Executive Women.

Transition from waitress to something more fufilling

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