Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 26, 1992 TAG: 9201270194
SECTION: NEW RIVER VALLEY ECONOMY PAGE: 32 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Judy Schwab
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
DEGREE-HOLDER WAITS AND WATCHES
When Kim Gardner waits on your table at Charley's at the New River Valley Mall, she can bring you more than food.She has finished her master's degree in psychology, and probably can hazard a guess about why you fold your napkin that way - every single time, without fail, the very same way: Your mother did it.
Gardner, who started working at Charley's in October, graduated in December and finds waitressing interesting work. She's taking her time deciding whether to look hard in her field for a job that is unlikely to be there - "mental health and education have been cut so much," she said - or to pursue a doctorate degree in psychology.
The 25-year-old wanted to help defray the cost of her education, although her parents, who had been putting her through school, did not want her to work while she was in school.
She said she has had part-time jobs related to her field, but this is her first time as a waitress. She makes $2.01 an hour plus tips - which usually are between 15 percent and 20 percent of the bill.
Gardner said she likes the people she works with and finds the job different from anything else she has done. And there's all that opportunity for people-watching, too. There's a good mix of people coming to the mall, she said.
"It's hard work, but that's not bad for you." She was sporting her new Christmas athletic shoes that she wears to reduce the wear and tear on her feet.
Gardner said business is slowing down a bit now that the Christmas rush is over. A waitress' take home pay depends on people and their tipping habits.
"You could go a day and make 10 dollars," she said, "and go a day and make $50 dollars."