Entering a life of endless toil, dissatisfaction, poor outlook and so on is not an ideal plan of action for many people. Multiple interpretations exist to a person finding empty dishes in their dream. Many experts believe that moving on from this poor way of life or feeling stuck in a monotonous routine is the common purpose for these dreams.
This interpretation may be the secret longing for someone confined to their daily life. The dishes are symbolic of all the things that have been left undone and forgotten in their waking lives. Dreams are fueled by unconscious forces that signify how we need to focus our mind on important tasks, while trying not to obsess over them during our waking hours.
Plates and dishes represent things related to where food or good balances on or interacts with our bodies. The situation in the dream can be extrapolated to symbolize our personal challenges during waking hours.