One of the stereotypes associated with this field is the high number of non-English speaking employees. Training programs have been instituted in hotel and restaurant chains as well as other hospitality-oriented businesses to ensure those employees can not only efficiently perform their jobs, but to also allow for courses to be in place that can help bridge these language barriers. This is especially important with the number of safety requirements that, if not understood, could result in injuries to the employee.
Another critical issue is the high turnover rate this industry has suffered. A combination of renewed recruitment guidelines including college-aged candidates who are between semesters or are home for the summer and better pay scales with incentives for raises and advancements, this industry as a whole has vastly improved its image. Further, with these new certification guidelines and training programs, not only can it be closely monitored, but it also provides an incentive for those in this industry to propel forward due to the opportunities that will allow for advancement opportunities.
For those wishing to take on a second job in an effort to make ends meet, the hospitality industry often provides the solution. Considering many of the positions within the industry are around-the-clock jobs, finding one that does not interfere with one’s primary employment is not difficult. Weekends and night positions are almost always readily available, since those who are employed full-time gladly sacrifice the weekend or overnight hours to those who are working part-time as a second income. These positions might include hotel clerks and waitresses or waiters.
The casino industry is one of the fastest-growing areas within the hospitality industry. With the legalization of casino barges along the Mississippi Gulf Coast over ten years ago, the state has managed to avert many of the economic pressures other states currently face. The tax base has allowed cities and counties within the state to provide better schools, higher-paid teachers, and a far better computer-to-student ratio than many of its neighboring states’ ratios. Waitresses enjoy tips that put them in higher tax brackets than some of their college-educated peers. Many states are now considering similar legislation for casinos as a result of the successful attempts in Mississippi.
For those who can stay on their feet, waitressing is an exceptional choice for those looking to bring in extra income.
Housekeeping positions can be found in hotels and motels. Usually lower-paid positions and sometimes physically exhausting, these jobs experience high turnovers. Still, for those who are looking for extra income, these positions offer flexibility in scheduling, which is one reason they are attractive to those looking for second jobs. Many hotel chains subcontract some of the traditional roles housekeeping departments have previously completed. Buffing and waxing floors, window cleaning (both inside and out), as well as carpet cleaning services are the tasks most often subcontracted. For those who have breathing difficulties such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, it should be mentioned the industrial chemicals used in commercial housekeeping can be overwhelming. There can sometimes be heavy lifting and other physical demands that some might find too strenuous.
Hotel clerks, restaurant greeters or hostesses, and others who deal directly with the public do not necessarily require the strenuous physical demands of waitressing and housekeeping positions, but they do require a pleasant temperament, the ability to sincerely welcome guests and visitors, and the ability to smooth ruffled feathers when necessary. Just as with some of the other positions within the hospitality field, these positions will not earn the kind of income that will make you wealthy, but they do offer the opportunity to meet interesting people and earn an income while doing so.
Approximately 42 percent of those in the hospitality fields have primary positions and take on these jobs as second sources of bringing in additional money. Surprisingly, many of these jobs offer advancement opportunities and can often result in earnings that will not require anyone to work two jobs to make ends meet. It does require patience, though. The bottom line for those looking to take a second part-time job to make ends meet reveals opportunities within the hospitality field are often the ideal choice. The availability of these positions, the flexible hours, and other justifications provide the right environment.
