One of the many benefits of working in tourism in the Cayman Islands is access to decent compensation packages and great opportunities to work in a fun, lively fast-paced work environment.
Many thanks to A. Creasey for letter that appeared in the Caymanian Compass on 9 April because it highlights how easy it is to misunderstand how people are compensated and what great jobs there are in the hospitality industry.
Many restaurant servers in the Cayman Islands have the opportunity to take home CI$75 – $150 per shift each day. Also note that most restaurant servers do not work long shifts – four to seven hours shifts are the most common. In many busy establishments, servers can earn more than CI$20 per hour, plus have additional benefits.
The service industry, in many cases, allows people the opportunity to work less than 40 hours per week and earn between CI$35,000-CI$40,000 annually. Granted, not everyone earns the average – some earn less while some much more and (as in any job) those who work hardest and are best at their work typically earn the most.
Earning the most as a restaurant server is similar to earning the most as a realtor or as any other commissioned sales person: You earn more when you take great care of your guests and when you help create opportunities for ongoing, increasing sales for the overall business. At a great restaurant (or a great hotel or great watersports company), you can earn a great living and enjoy life by taking care of people.
Many jobs within the Tourism Industry reward people whose greatest asset is their ability to take care of guests’ needs.
They offer financially and personally rewarding careers with opportunities for growth.
In the restaurant industry specifically, it is common for persons to obtain a position without requiring an advanced college degree and at the same time allowing flexibility in work hours. Many young people all over the world have taken advantage of the flexible hours within the service industry, to further their education at the same time. Great service has the ability to translate into great pay and a great lifestyle.
Trina Christian
Executive director, CITA
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