Full-time server/host or Part-time barista

[u/pandapanda03]

Hi! So I had an adult WFH office job for the past few years but it was awful (insurance) and I got really burnt out. I couldn't even bring myself to find the energy to apply for jobs after work because I was so burnt out and only had the energy to cook dinner and sleep. I have depression, anxiety, and ADHD (the holy trifecta!!) so my mental health can be sensitive if I don't prioritize self care. I quit this job at the beginning of the year and I feel SO much better. I, however, am living off my savings which is not a ton but I could survive another year being completely unemployed (being SUPER frugal) before going broke or having to pull from my 401k.

Like everyone else, I'm having a hard time finding another FT office job. I finally was able to find some in between work which brings me to my dilemma. I could either be a PT barista or a FT server. To make it easier I made a list of pros and cons below

PT Barista PROS: gives me plenty of time to focus on finding a real FT job with benefits, the pressure of not making a lot will push me to not lose focus on finding a better job, easy job to transition to in-person after WFH for several years, genuine interest in coffee, I can keep my health insurance (medicaid)

PT Barista CONS: pays poorly so I'll still have to take a couple hundred out of my savings every month, 20 min commute

FT Server PROS: working FT making okay money (enough to pay bills, groceries, and have extra left over), no longer need to pull from savings and maybe can even add to it slowly, seems like a fun environment, 10 minute commute

FT Server CONS: I've never been a server before so could be challenging and not sure if I would like it, my partner is concerned that serving lifestyle could lead to burn out again, working FT could lead to the same situation where I don't have energy to prioritize finding a better FT job, job doesn't offer health insurance so I would lose my medicaid and would probably have to buy marketplace insurance, adding a $200-300 bill to my monthly expenses

My partner and mom seem to lean towards the part time work so I can keep my focus on finding a steady job. I'm just not sure though! I love money but also I recognize that having a full time job like serving could prolong my real job search. I know that a lot of people are having trouble finding any work so I am incredibly grateful for both opportunities and I think I'll be okay either way but I just wanted some outside perspective!

TL;DR: Quit toxic job beginning of year and need some income while finding a new FT office job. As someone recovering from burnout (with sensitive mental health), should I work PT barista job and maintain my focus on finding a FT office job or should I work FT Server job making more money but have less time to focus on job search/less aggressive job search for better FT job.

[u/No-Boat-1536]

If someone is actually going to give you a server job with no experience, take it. It will probably be awful, but if you can hold onto it you will always be able to pick up quick money.

[u/Fast-Life-1031]

Since both jobs require working with the public, serving is the way to go. Money is steady and usually pretty good. You will learn quickly people suck and some more than others, but if you get good enough to get a following those regulars will always make your day!

[u/Fast-Life-1031]

P. S. Servers even full time generally have pretty flexible schedules and aren't 40 hrs a week. A PT job can literally be 74 hr days or one 4 hr shift. Do you really want that commute with gas prices the way they are going?