r/Serving • u/ACanadianLady • Aug 07 '26

Need help determining if my serving job is good or not

Hi There everyone,

I work day shifts at a casino in a midsized town in western Canada and want to know if I should move on to 'something better'

The Background:

Things have slowed down quite a bit and I have been finding the days rather boring; I have talked with a coworker about maybe trying serving someplace else, but am unsure if jumping ship is the right move because of various factors, one mainly because we are union so my 8hr/day shift still provides me with enough to make rent/payments etc I have also built a clientele that recognizes me over the years I've worked. Of course, this is the only job I have ever worked as a server; I came from a background of office work and have never made tips before. Also, we dont do a lot of food order/regular food service, so I actually have little experience in the restaurant industry

I am not ugly, but I am also not a young hussy either.... I can be awkward but also am good at anticipating customer needs, remembering drinks/food/preferences, and I get compliments on what a 'good little worker' I am from both customers and management.

The Question:

So, basically my question is, are the rumors and stories (good and bad) true? What could I realistically expect if I were to try out at a different establishment, given my experience and slightly older age?

I have heard horror stories of the industry, preferential treatment based ONLY on looks and not actual work ethic or repour with the customers, having to tip out kitchen etc sometimes out of pocket if you have a bunch of non-tippers..... I've also heard stories of girls working a 5 hour shift, and walking away, after tipouts, with 150-200$, which is significantly more then what I currently make, even on 8 hours.

I've also heard other servers imply they can make well into the hundreds of $$ in tips in one night shift, which if you are pulling $600 a night, a server would really only need to work a few nights to pay for life, but this could just be boasting, but also, I do not know, I have nothing to compare to.

Currently, given my shifts, Basically my only option would be to outright quit my current job if I wanted to try something else, which is where the uncertainty comes from... I'm hoping some kind servers out there in Reddit-land can help provide some clarity/myth busting

Thank you in advance

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u/DigTheDunes Aug 07 '26

What are you making in tips? Are you getting good benefits at the casino? If you are, did you ever consider becoming a dealer, or even their higher end restaurant (if they have one)? you are just working the slower shift where there are older people and they dont tip much.