Barking Dogs

Confessions of a newly-trained New York hostess....

When I entered the realm of the food and beverage industry, I knew it was going to either take some serious ladder climbing to get to the big bucks.... or I could lie about my experience for the money positions, or get into a certain "position" for the money.... I opted for the honest, non-prostitutional route.

But at times, I have my moments of doubt....

Under the table pay to some people is advantageous...especially if they are illegal immigrants or without a work visa. For me, it means I have more work to do when it comes to taxes and when I want to actually be paid, I have to find the time to trek to the office to ask for my money. Awkward. It also means the management can set whatever work conditions they like, such as: 8 hour shifts without a break, dressy attire (which means uncomfortable shoes for us), and no stool or chair to sit in behind our podium. The foot pain is almost unbearable!!!! My dogs are seriously barking!

Being the new girl in a venue that necessitates 4 hostesses on a busy night, I am definitely the "go-to bit%$". As the "go-to bi%$" I do what everyone else tells me to do. Then, when something goes wrong, somehow all heads turn to me as if it is my fault when I had just completed someone else's order!

It is always fun to make friends in a new workplace, right? The bartenders and waiters are great! But when they come up to you in their comfortable shoes and complain about their shift when we know they are making a SH*&-load more money, it kind of makes me want to scream..... right in their ear.

So, I find myself on the brink of many things. Watching my funds deplete to chase this crazy dream of mine, I can see why people will do ANYTHING to get where they need to. I am definitely feeling the pressure of the big move. I am beginning to contemplate certain jobs that I never had imagined. It is all about survival. I am but a minnow in a sea of sharks. But this minnow is gonna just keep swimming! And in the meantime she will go on the hunt for the ever-elusive comfortable AND cute pair of shoes! -M