A New York woman says she studied to be a teacher, only to quit for a food service job. Now, she makes her entire teacher’s weekly paycheck in just a couple of serving shifts.
In a video with over 172,000 views, TikToker Hannah Ricotta (@hannyric) says learning how much she could make as a server rather than teaching makes her not “care if people judge [her] anymore” for leaving the profession.
“I make a week’s paycheck in two shifts. Two shifts so far this week. Thursday and Friday,” she says. “Let’s stop. Who cares how we make our money.”
On-screen text reads, “Work smarter, not harder, ladies.”
Are teachers leaving the profession to start serving instead?
Ricotta isn’t the only teacher to quit to become a server. Posters in the subreddit r/TeachersInTransition cite higher pay and more flexible hours as the reason behind their decision.
“A lot of my boyfriend’s coworker quit teaching and became waiters/waitresses at a restaurant. They were so much happier and they were making the same amount of even more. One guy became an assistant manager at the restaurant and makes 6 figures. Is that’s what you want, then do it!” one poster shares.
“I quit teaching after 17 years and I’m a bartender/server. Our restaurant gives us full benefits regardless of your position,” another says.
“Much happier than I was teaching. I like the flexibility in the schedule and the opportunity to make more if I work more. Teaching really didn’t have any opportunities to make more $ that could even come close to what I’d make on a restaurant shift,” a third writes.
ADP Research suggests that teacher wages have stagnated, earning around 8 percent less than the average for all U.S. workers.
What do viewers think of her career change?
In the comments, other teachers support her career change to pursue a higher salary.
“Ex teacher turned bartender here & i can completely agree w this!!!” one writes.
“People didn’t believe me when I said I made more working as a host and barista than I did as a teacher,” another says.
“I have a masters degree in education and same, I make two weeks pay teaching in one day now making art,” a third adds.
“Ex teacher, serving in elevated social dining! I LOVE IT OVER HERE,” a fourth shares.
In a comment, Ricotta clarifies that she intends to pursue a different career after spending one year serving to have time and money to travel.
@hannyric ??? #server #serverlife #serving #waitress #exteacher ♬ original sound – Hannah Ricotta?
The Mary Sue reached out to Ricotta via TikTok direct message for further comment.
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