I was just wondering how well the job security is going with all of the restaurant magicians out there. Had a couple of friends email me and tell me that they were let go until business picked up; one was working at a restaraunt for 8 years. So how's the market, still pretty stable?

Hello,

I believe mine is pretty stable. At Lone Star, there's talk of having me a second night. Then at Red Lobster, we are getting a new GM, whom I have not met yet, but the other managers there have told me I will keep the job, and that there will be no problem with that.

On Mother's Day, two of the managers (not the GM) told me to come and work 6 - 9 Mother's Day night, and if the GM did not like it, they would take care of it themself, and I would be paid. I went, saw the GM, and he said "Hey, you're here! Great! Just go do whatever you want, have fun, and give me the bill at the end of the night!" (BTW, this GM is easy to work for! great guy! but, he is moving to the Dallas area.)

Anyways, I feel both of my jobs are pretty stable, the places I work are BUSY every night I am there. When I went in to work tonight (I was a half hour early) there were already two tables waiting for me! So, with the crowd it's drawing, I don't see anything to worry about.

Deuce

Job security?
Even in the best of times, it's questionable.
If you want job security, get a government job!

Got the government job (active duty Navy), but even that is iffy. Looking at another drawdown....

Shhhh Peter! Now everyone will want one.

Odd that the restaurant let you go until business picks up...many who do this type of work claim that the reason that they are hired is to pick up business on a particularly slow night.

A lot of performers I know have been telling me that this has been the slowest year for them in a long time. For me, it's been the busiest. I think a lot depends on the performer, their marketing, and everything else.

Kid Iowa writes: "Got the government job (active duty Navy)."

Well, remember the slogan:

"Join the navy. See the world. Learn a trade. And, every 10 years or so, give total strangers a chance to kill you!"

I've talked with other magicians who have also performed in restaurants. They question whether they're really increasing business for the client. But, then again, most don't get to look at the books, like a manager does.

What seems to be much more important is the perception of value. If you're on very good terms with management and the staff, that is a big plus. If you're getting great reactions from customers and they make positive comments, that's another plus. You just have to be very good at schmoozing! A positive attitude is a must.