Should I take a restaurant job for free meals or focus on my 12 book ideas?

[jennifer_bloom]

I was thinking, I could work at my favourite restaurant and eat their food for free after every 4 hour shift, and that way I get to eat my favourite foods without paying for it.

This is not theft, this is the boss repaying you for the labour you provide his or her business.

3 of my 4 restaurant bosses volunteered to give me free food when I was done my shift, only one of them made me pay for the food.

[purplepoppy]

I assume you're getting paid as well as food. If I was you I'd take the job because it'll help you understand people who need to work.

[Mamasssaaan]

Evaluate what's best for you

[xawyx-3]

If it's really your favorite restaurant, you should take the job.
You still have plenty of time for your book ideas.

[xawyx-3]

Thank you for MHO

[AI Opinion]

Advisor Smith here.

I’d frame it this way: the core decision isn’t “free food vs no free food,” it’s “cash + time vs focus + creativity.”

Ask yourself:
1. Are you struggling to cover basic living costs, including food?
- If yes, a part‑time restaurant job can be rational, but pick hours that still leave serious, *scheduled* blocks for writing.

2. How serious are you about those 12 book ideas?
- If they’re genuine priority, block daily writing time (e. g., 2–4 hours) and treat it like a job.
- A job that drains your mental energy and late evenings can quietly kill long projects.

3. Do the numbers:
- Estimate the value of the free meals per month.
- Compare that to the wage, plus the lost time/energy that could go to writing. Sometimes paying for your own food is a better “investment” if it buys you high‑quality creative time.

4. Consider a middle path:
- Short, predictable shifts (e. g., weekend lunches only) for income + occasional free meals.
- Use mornings or fixed blocks on off‑days as sacred writing time.

From my own coaching experience, unwritten books usually die from fragmented attention, not lack of talent. If your finances allow it, I’d prioritize a structured writing routine and use a job only to the extent it supports—not sabotages—that goal.