Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash in Week in Milwaukee.
Today: a restaurant manager who makes $65,000
Occupation: restaurant manager
Age: 40
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Salary: $65,000 (approx. $2,000 per pay period)
Table of Contents
Day One
In the morning, I picked up some breakfast sandwiches for my family. Then, I went to work. I like to come into the restaurant early to look over attendance, payroll, and inventory. Part of my job as a restaurant manager is to order food and supplies. It’s a position that requires wearing a lot of different hats. I do everything from administrative work to talking to customers, and I also make sure we’re following all the proper health and safety protocols that we need to follow.
Total: $10.77
Day Two
After work, I spent time with my son, A. He loves esports and was talking to me about League of Legends Worlds. League of Legends is one of the most popular esports and is from developer Riot Games. A. mentioned the League of Legends World Championship in 2021 took place in Reykjavik. Edward Gaming, a Chinese team, won by defeating Damwon, the esports team from South Korea. I like to learn about A.’s interests. I’ve even played a game once, and he is always amused that I try to get involved in his hobbies. We went to the grocery store afterward to pick up some ingredients for dinner.
Total: $22
Day Three
I resolved a few customer-related issues at work. It’s not uncommon for me to step in so that we choose the best course of action. As a restaurant manager, I tend to be the “face” of the restaurant and ensure that our good reputation stays intact. When issues arise that involve the public, I usually take care of them. I got home late, and thankfully my spouse, J., already had dinner made.
Total: $0
Day Four
- has been thinking about a bathroom remodel for our guest bathroom because it could really use a new bathtub. So, I looked into bathroom remodelers in Milwaukee. We’re hoping to find a great contractor with years of experience for our bathroom remodel. I came across Mad City Windows and Baths, and they serve the greater Milwaukee area. I’ve found that they can do everything from replacement tubs to walk-in showers, and other customers have recognized their quality work. I contacted them for a consultation.
Total: $0
Day Five
I spent most of my workday looking over payroll data. Afterward, we went out for dinner as a family because A. ‘s school semester is over for a break. The three of us decided to eat at A.’s favorite pizza spot and watch a movie at home. It’s great that a lot of blockbusters are released online through streaming services so that we don’t have to go to the theater. I find it so much more convenient to watch movies at home. J. misses the theater experience, so we still go once in a while.
Total: $44
Day Six
I work for half the day today and get to enjoy the rest of the time with my family. When you’re a restaurant manager, you tend to work really strange hours. The owner of the restaurant, T., drops by a lot, so he does relieve me of my position when I’m off. I’m glad that he is rather hands-on because it means that I don’t have to do all of the legwork alone. In the past, I’ve had some owners not show up for months. I decided to buy us both some coffee on the way there.
Total: $8.25
Day Seven
- slept in, so J. and I went out for a walk. It was cold, so we were only out for a few minutes. We spent the rest of the day at home.
Total: $0
Total for the week: $85.02
