Pros
You will meet professionals, and they will give you some idea of what their career entails. This will help you decide on a true career path. The best thing about this job is that it's terrible. It's the kind of job that can motivate you into getting your career going.
Cons
-Team members are pitted against each other by management (dog eat dog environment). Seeing or hearing a coworker in crying not an uncommon site. People are pushed to their limits emotionally and physically. -work load is not divided fairly -front desk is made to work alone most of the time -regular abuse/harassment from drunken/crazy guests -Basic dignity is not respected or protected (company does have some basic policies in place, but they were not enforced at my location.) -no benefits -no raises -manipulative management *** example 1: my location promised raises and benefits early on and never actually give us anything example 2: I booked off a week off four months in advance, for a family reunion. I was told at the last minute that I could not have the time off because a relief employee refused to work extra shifts. I later discovered out he/she was never asked. Also I had been working full time for almost a year at that point without any time off. -Management keeps gratuity (they keep the tip!) -No direct deposit at my location (another item that was promised and never deliverd). -Minimum wage (or very close too) -At night you are left alone to deal with violent/drunk guests. -tense work atmosphere (high stress job) -Way too much micromanagement (unless you are in management) -it is very difficult to hold management accountable for anything -Over the top dramatic work place politics (worst I've ever seen) -Nearly impossible to get any time off (unless you are in management). This is a huge problem. Casual employees are not hired to fill in for regular staff. Night shifts are nearly impossible to book off. -Little regard for workplace safety or employee satisfaction (although the company pays a lot of lip service). -Management does not care about employees personal life. My location suffered greatly from uncaring and irresponsible management practices (especially after the early management turnover). There are a lot of cons and almost no pros. Out of all the low paying/unskilled jobs that I have worked, this one was by far the most demanding, degrading, and unrewarding.