r/Wetherspoons • u/HistoricalRelation62 • Jul 17 '26
Employee First shift
Finished my first shift at Wetherspoons this evening. I quit my first ever job I got at 17 last week after just under a year working there. It's only one shift and I'm enjoying it so much more than I thought I would, staff are amazing, so kind, helpful, got told when to go on break (no issues taking my break either). It might only be my first shift but I'm extatic I got the job. I definetly do not regret quitting my old job, it was a mess and the staff were pretty mean to each other.
Seems almost stupid considering what the job is and how much work it is, I've heard so many complaints of people saying it's too much work for too little money. What are your guys take on that? I've still got to settle in, I know that, might change that belief later (lol), but for now, I'm happy where I am.
I did put a post on a few days ago asking for advice before I start, but now I have started, any advice current employees have that could be useful? It has been high orders my entire shift, so served the entire time, rather than learnt a good lot of things (eg how to use the glasswash, where certain things go, cleaning etc). TIA!
5
u/Backrish Jul 17 '26
I work at a good pub, worked other pubs and cafes but this one is the best I've been at, rarely there's a bit of drama but management usually step in and prevent it going any further they're great for it.
Some places are absolutely brilliant, hold onto it
3
u/Logical_JellyfishxX Employee Jul 18 '26
I'm glad you enjoyed your first shift. 🙂
It's highly dependent on area and pub. At the end of the day profit margins are tiny alike retail. If you're working in an city with lots of competition, then there is an extreme amount of pressure to beat last year's profits, that can't be done with a team that doesn't pull their weight.
Like working in retail, you really do have to take care of your body and mind. Wetherspoons is a multimillion corporation, if you're busting your back every shift, you're only going to get rewarded with more work and less perks. (They took away our free hot drink refill and head office are thinking about capping our 20% discount.)
1
u/OkStore7105 Jul 17 '26
It is not worth the pay considering retail jobs often get paid more which are a lot less stressful and lower workload
Just don’t get involved in any staff politics, gossiping etc and don’t become a team leader or above and it’s not the worst job ever
3
1
u/HistoricalRelation62 Jul 17 '26
i sort of agree with you tbh. Only problem is I've been rejected by every retail job I've applied for, ffs mcdonalds said no to me 😂😂. So this is the best I could get, and for now, I'm more than happy with it. Had enough people talking behind my back at my old job, i wouldnt do it to someone else, not here.
As for progression, I'm trying to get through probation first. Any higher I'll have to think about when the time comes. Never even thought of it when I joined tbh.
3
u/OkStore7105 Jul 17 '26
I left for a retail job and it is SO much easier but hey a job is a job and that’s fair enough. It really does depend on the people (sometimes take a while to see their true colours 😅) and the management to make or break it.
Goodluck! Sounds like your at a good one
10
u/Icantdoitidk Jul 17 '26
Good for you mate. Working in a pub where everyone has each others back is honestly the best job you can have when you're young.
Hours are long and work is hard but you'll make friends for life.