Being a restaurant server is not the easiest job in the world. The hours on one’s feet alone can make it difficult, not to mention the little respect that often comes along with it. Servers can be treated poorly by management and guests alike, and can be asked the oddest of things on a regular basis. But all things considered, servers are just people trying to make an honest living. Some are pursing different goals while they serve, while others have chosen restaurants as a career. Both have value and neither have an age limit. Though some may think of serving as a younger person’s job, that is most definitely not the case.
You will likely have learned how to cook for yourself and others
Unless you are completely disinterested, waiting tables allows servers the opportunity to learn from the chefs and cooks they work with, including tricks for sautéing onions (it's all about low temperature), and how to cook steak on a stovetop (rotation). You will likely be able to wow your dinner party guests with tips you picked up along the way.
You can stay home during the day and work at night when working in restaurants
This is good for a range of people, from those who have children to others pursuing their passion. Waiting tables offers a flexible schedule of shorter hours while paying far better than minimum wage. And by the time you’re in your forties, these things can be extremely helpful.
Speaking of better pay, servers typically make well over minimum wage
As a server in Los Angeles in her forties, I can attest to the fact that $45/hour is standard. And even if you don’t live in a major city, most servers make a base pay of minimum wage plus tips. Serving is not just a job for college students, despite many thinking so.
The job is a workout, whether you want it to be or not
When one is in their twenties, bouncing around from table to table is no big deal. Walking the distance of two miles every shift barely makes an impact, but once one reaches their forties, that is likely to no longer be the case. Working as a server keeps one active, from continuously walking, to carrying heavy trays, to reaching down low and up high.
Waiting tables is an active job and people in their forties can take full advantage of it, keeping them spry and robust.
You will likely always have a job to fall back on
If you know what you’re doing, you should be able to find a job serving no matter where you live. And if you have solid experience, you will likely be able to have a wider choice of where you want to work. This is a valuable thing in today’s world of job instability and it's not to be taken lightly. Also, by your forties, you will likely have many more connections than you did 20 years prior so keep those intact over the years. Management loves to hire staff that they know are tried, true, and tested.
You are intimidating without trying to be, and few will mess with you
While this is a bit of a generalization, being older than the other servers you work with has its advantages. With age comes wisdom and in the restaurant business, this is very true. Servers who have been around the block know all the tricks, so management, staff, and even guests will act accordingly and leave you alone.
