This weekend, I will be transitioning from being unemployed to being underemployed for the first time in 5 months. A small victory is guess. I will be playing recorded music and acting as a master of ceremonies at social functions. On Memorial Day, I will playing Jimmy Buffet and The Beach Boys at a local pool party. It's a fun gig, but offers no benefits or steady full-time income. Plus, I will have to work nights, weekends and holidays, which is typical of many seasonal and part-time jobs. Not surprisingly, much of the job growth in this county are these types low-paying jobs in the hospitality and food service areas. If I ever get a full-time position again, it may take a while to accrue vacation time as well as seniority to get the time off.
So to those that are able to take paid time off this holiday weekend, I ask that you think about the staff who are at work to make your time away from work more enjoyable. Tipping is encouraged and could make a big difference to your server.