I posted recently about getting a job at a restaurant. I have found out that their employees receive no breaks, and sometimes have to fight for bathroom breaks. This has always been a non-negotiable deal breaker for me, but I wanted some other opinions. I’m trying to be understanding that it is the food service business, and you can’t lose people for 15 minutes at a time during the dinner rush, but I also know how much breaks are beneficial for my body and mind. I’ve never had a job that didn’t offer at least one 15 minute break over the course of a whole shift. I’ve also looked into other companies in the food industry, and it seems sort of split on breaks. There are some who don’t offer breaks and some who do. I know that breaks are a must have for me and my mental health. Without getting to destress and get my mind right every couple of hours I go bananas. Maybe the food industry isn’t for me. Should I try to work at a fast paced job with no breaks? Or should I avoid the inevitable setback in my mental health?
How much do you value breaks at work? Am I being immature with breaks being so important to me?
you could try banquet server.
we got free pop thru our shift,
and after the food was served
and dishes cleared,
we got a long break and free food,
and Good food too.
it’s a busy season right now.
Breaks are essential. Any employer that would deny you breaks is abusive. Back during my brief stint as a chef I made sure the cooks I managed took their breaks. Obviously not over the lunch or supper rush, but before or after.
We have minimums they can work you and breaks are a part of that. Been a while since I worked but I always needed bathroom breaks and back when I was smoking I enjoyed at least one.
I value my breaks at work since I stand straight for 2-hours in front of a computer at a time. Usually my 2x 15-minute breaks and my 1x 30-minute lunch break I sit down to give my legs a chance to rest from standing.
Thanks for the advice everyone. I texted the dude who hired me to inquire further about their break policy, and after a few days of no response I told him I had to pass on the job. He texted right away that and thanked me for letting him know. I think he knew I was gone as soon as I asked about breaks. I’m not upset if its industry standard, which doing some investigating into other restaurants around my area it does seem to be the industry standard. I don’t hold it against them, but more so my area’s archaic laws regarding employee benefits.
