Hi Ashley,
I understand what you're saying. My daughter was a server the entire 5 years she was in college and she got in some predicaments with her co workers.

By short term, what do you mean?

You could be an LVN in a year. Do you have students loans outstanding? Hopefully been paying on them? If so, you could get a student loan that would pay you enough to live on. Get on the computer and look for grants. Maybe you wouldn't have to get a loan!

Well, that's the only help I can give you. Hope it helped.

Hey Ashley, I left my last career And am getting by. Here in Ga. they have a Hope Grant payed for with Lottery monies. To qualify , the requirements were having no felonies and to have filed last years Income tax.. I'm in my 4th quarter. There is also the Pell grant and I'm Sure others available.Health -care positions in demand .. I'm attending nursing school at 50 yrs.old.

Trust and rely,
Billy C.

Going to school or taking some classes is a great idea and the best way to start moving away from being a server. Keep in mind that if you start a new job, you may have to start back at the bottom (meaning low pay), but you'll work yourself back up again and you'll be much more well rounded.

Yes, the economy is down right now, but that makes it a good time to train (ie: school). Things will bounce back in the next couple of years and by then, you'll be ready.

It's likely that you'll have to work as a server while attending school, but you'll have a good excuse not to party with your friends (studies and classes).

Go see a job councilor and find out what fields are expanding; I know that healthcare is a big one if you have any interest in that area.

This is a good thing- go out and act on it....there are job councilors at most community colleges.

Hey Ashley-you could check out a temp agency for clerical positions and by going to different company's, you'd get an idea of what you might like to pursue further.

I worked for a temp agency for a while (of course it was about 10 years ago so I don't know if they're the same) but they kept me busy and that would give you time to go to school too while bringing in some money. Good luck & good for you! :)

You would probably be qualified for any customer service job. I worked 23 years in the employment field. DO NOT quit your job prior to obtaining another. You are twice as likely to get hired while you are employed as when you are unemployed. If you quit you get no unemployment insurance. PM if you have questions or ned advice.

Hi Ashley, there's some good advice here, I've got nothing really to add except to encourage you to take the action needed towards a better life. A lot of the time, people have some great ideas about which direction they want to take, but what let's them down, is they remain great ideas and never get acted on. It takes effort and change, but it's worth. CM xxx

Ashley,

In my area they have free licenced nursing assistant classes as long as you work for the nursing home when your done. A couple of my friends have gotten their certs that way and love the work.

Call around to the local homes and see if they have any free training available.

Hope this helped.

Thank you all for your advise, it helped...I know I just need to start doing the foot work... :)

As a server, you are on the front line of the company you work for; right? You are generally the first person the customer talks to.
You have learned to relate and listen, and take heat when someone is not happy; right? (along with the accolades and tips)

The core success of any company is in sales. Most large companies and many small ones have training programs for their sales recruits (no experience required)
Just go to Monster or some other search engine and you'll see what I mean. There are thousands of sales jobs out there. Even if you are in a small market, I don't think you'll have a problem. They WANT to see people with initiative and desire to move up!
Good Luck!
Brian

Thats a good idea bancom...you are so right from serving you learn to be a really good bullshitter and actress...lol, but don't know if I have the drive to push people into getting something they may not REALLY want...but something to think about and research....thanks..

I do have some college behind me so building on that is what I really want to do...in the medical field...I just have to make sure my backround check will not hurt me....

Don't quit your job until you get a new one.
When you leave your old job, make sure the people there will miss you, 'cause you never know when you might have to go back.
Classes are good and so is Brian's suggestion.

Yeah, in this economy I am grateful to have a job period!!!
I know others, even in serving, who are struggling to find a job...

You don't push...you listen and then answer the customer's needs.. That's what we call warm market sales. Cold market is a little different. I can explain it all in a PM if you wish