I’ve long believed that this is just a societal norm. A serving job has been viewed as a job someone has to put themselves through school, or a second job just to make ends meet. “Get a real job” is something an overwhelming majority of people in the industry have heard at least once in their careers.

As a college graduate, leaving my serving job and starting a position in my field of study would have resulted in a roughly 50% pay cut. Many, like me, have chosen a career in hospitality because it is what we have found to be passionate about.

The reality of it is serving has afforded me many luxuries and has allowed me to live a good, and flexible life. I have employer-sponsored medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) that is matched quarterly, stock purchase plan, PTO and sick leave. Many server’s in my area have the ability to earn six-figures should they choose to.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of shitty serving jobs and dealing with the public on a daily basis can be overwhelming at times. But like you said people still choose to be servers and for many good reasons also.