A New Job, A New Hope, A New Life
5 years ago
Hello, hello. Greetings. It’s been two months ever since I posted a journal, but here I am...and here IT is. So, as the title of the journal hence, this is why I’ve been quiet for a while. So, here’s the 411 on what’s been happening when I was away from the keyboard.
So, for starters, my old job. Somewhere in July or August, I got an update from my manager saying that Refresh Cafe has been extended to next year. To make matters worse, we’re being replaced by the people that do vending machines at the ECPI building. After hearing that, I was both shocked...and saddened. Thanks to the COVID not only did it take away my job, but it also ruined both my future and my life. I spoke with my manager about this, and she said that no matter what she and my friends will always be there for me if I need anything. So, that’s pretty good to hear. However, now I have to start looking for a new job.
To be honest, I never did want to look for another one because of what happened back in 2015-2016. Application after application, interview after interview, and no one would hire me. That was years ago, tho. However, because I graduated from the Culinary Institute of Virginia...because I got my associate’s degree from there...will me searching for a job be different or will it be the same thing as it was a few years ago? I mean, my mom did say that I should apply to every food industry. That, and she said how and I quote, “the world needs chefs”.
So, the first job I got was at Waffle House. That’s good, right? Well...the fact that I got the position as a “Salesperson”...let’s say it was fun while it lasted. Least I got paid, tho. On the other hand, a friend of mine that also applied to Waffle House just got a second job at Dairy Queen and decided to work there instead of here. So I thought to myself if he can get a second job...then so can I. Again, my mom told me to apply everywhere. Well, I’ve applied to a few places, that is until...I got a call. Olive Garden is one thing, but Smokey Bones...that’s a different story. I mean, I did an interview at Olive Garden and the manager said he’ll give me a call once he’s done interviewing the other applicants. Smokey Bones, however...I came in, got a shirt and apron...I got hired INSTANTLY. I mean, the first time I came in and my mom didn’t even know that I actually got hired. So, with that being said, I pretty much turned in my uniform and name tag to Waffle House since I’ll no longer work there anymore. What’s my position at Smokey Bones, you say? Well...I’m a Dishwasher. Ey, I KNOW I can cook, but like...you gotta “start from the bottom”, you know? And may I just say...this is a MUCH better place to work. I mean, the people I met there are friendly and they help me with what I need to do and such. Of course, dishwashing seems like a lot of work, but I’ma get used to working here, no doubt. And boooooy, my family were excited to hear that I’m now working at Smokey Bones. Of course, that’s my aunt Pam’s favorite spot. Not to mention, my fam are “Yummies”. By “Yummies”, I mean that my fam likes to eat food...mostly. Lol
So, just yesterday, I finished my onboarding task and got everything set up. And NOW I’m ready. Got my banking verified, got a new phone, and now I got a new job. Now, I’ll be able to get my life back on track. And here I was doubting myself, thinking no one would need me and that I’m not good enough for the job. However, it turns out, I AM needed for a job, after all. Not gonna lie, I’m excited about this. I KNOW I’m gonna enjoy working with the team. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’ll be fun for me nonetheless. And so, it begins...
A new job…
A new hope…
A new life…
So, for starters, my old job. Somewhere in July or August, I got an update from my manager saying that Refresh Cafe has been extended to next year. To make matters worse, we’re being replaced by the people that do vending machines at the ECPI building. After hearing that, I was both shocked...and saddened. Thanks to the COVID not only did it take away my job, but it also ruined both my future and my life. I spoke with my manager about this, and she said that no matter what she and my friends will always be there for me if I need anything. So, that’s pretty good to hear. However, now I have to start looking for a new job.
To be honest, I never did want to look for another one because of what happened back in 2015-2016. Application after application, interview after interview, and no one would hire me. That was years ago, tho. However, because I graduated from the Culinary Institute of Virginia...because I got my associate’s degree from there...will me searching for a job be different or will it be the same thing as it was a few years ago? I mean, my mom did say that I should apply to every food industry. That, and she said how and I quote, “the world needs chefs”.
So, the first job I got was at Waffle House. That’s good, right? Well...the fact that I got the position as a “Salesperson”...let’s say it was fun while it lasted. Least I got paid, tho. On the other hand, a friend of mine that also applied to Waffle House just got a second job at Dairy Queen and decided to work there instead of here. So I thought to myself if he can get a second job...then so can I. Again, my mom told me to apply everywhere. Well, I’ve applied to a few places, that is until...I got a call. Olive Garden is one thing, but Smokey Bones...that’s a different story. I mean, I did an interview at Olive Garden and the manager said he’ll give me a call once he’s done interviewing the other applicants. Smokey Bones, however...I came in, got a shirt and apron...I got hired INSTANTLY. I mean, the first time I came in and my mom didn’t even know that I actually got hired. So, with that being said, I pretty much turned in my uniform and name tag to Waffle House since I’ll no longer work there anymore. What’s my position at Smokey Bones, you say? Well...I’m a Dishwasher. Ey, I KNOW I can cook, but like...you gotta “start from the bottom”, you know? And may I just say...this is a MUCH better place to work. I mean, the people I met there are friendly and they help me with what I need to do and such. Of course, dishwashing seems like a lot of work, but I’ma get used to working here, no doubt. And boooooy, my family were excited to hear that I’m now working at Smokey Bones. Of course, that’s my aunt Pam’s favorite spot. Not to mention, my fam are “Yummies”. By “Yummies”, I mean that my fam likes to eat food...mostly. Lol
So, just yesterday, I finished my onboarding task and got everything set up. And NOW I’m ready. Got my banking verified, got a new phone, and now I got a new job. Now, I’ll be able to get my life back on track. And here I was doubting myself, thinking no one would need me and that I’m not good enough for the job. However, it turns out, I AM needed for a job, after all. Not gonna lie, I’m excited about this. I KNOW I’m gonna enjoy working with the team. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’ll be fun for me nonetheless. And so, it begins...
A new job…
A new hope…
A new life…
I have always believed that the only thing ever holding you back was your own fears and doubts. It's easy to get "comfortable" in a job, but when you have the chance to get to a better position in life, you take it! Never pass up a good opportunity, because such blessings are hard to come by, especially in today's difficult job market. The economy is a mess and will be getting worse over the next few years. You worked hard for that degree, and you have experience now as well! Combined with recommendations from your former manager at the cafe, you have all the tools to go anywhere in life that you want to go. I hope the new job goes well for you, and never stop looking for the next opportunity!
Ever since 2015-2016, I didn't finish college because I was low on money. Let alone I couldn't afford taking other classes. My life was going nowhere back then. Application after application, interview after interview, and no luck. No one would hire me even when I was being honest about myself and spoke in a well-manner. However, all that's changed when I attended Culinary Institute of Virginia. I was able to get a job at Refresh Cafe within the ECPI building. It was the first official job I've gotten, and I enjoy working there. However, thanks to the stupid Covid-19, it took my job away from me. It ruined everything!
It's been months ever since the coronavirus hit in my state. I stayed at home from March all the way to August. Month after month my manager said they've extended, until July or August things took a turn for the worse - we've extended to next year, but we're being replaced by the people doing the vending machines. So, we were let go. It was alot to take in, to be honest. I mean, I've worked so hard, I came this far...I didn't graduate from culinary school all for nothing. I spoke to my manager about this update and she said if I ever need anything I can always talk to her or any of my friends. So...that's good to know. When I applied to Waffle House, I was happy to get a job there. However...it didn't go how I thought it would due to my position as a "salesperson". Later on, I've applied a few more food industries. And when I got to Smokey Bones, I was hired JUST when I got the call! Like, that REALLY escalated quickly. I didn't know I started working around the kitchen. But, man, these people I met and working with are so nice and friendly. I'm already loving working here.
But, yeah. Sunfire, you're right. I mean, here I am thinking I'm not gonna get a job because I'm not good enough, nor am I needed or wanted. I thought no one would take me in despite how much of a hardworker I really am. I mean, my grandma said this lady graduated from NSU and she still couldn't find job. I thought with my degreee in culinary arts it would be the same thing to happen to me. But...I got a job at Waffle House, however, I quit that one and got a job at Smokey Bones instead. So, I guess my grandmother was wrong all along? All this time, Sunfire. Just all this time. All...this...fucking...time...
There were times where I beat myself up...thinking negative about myself...thinking that I'm worthless...thinking that I should just end it all. However...turns out I was wrong. Everything I think or say about myself was wrong. I am needed, I am wanted, I'm not worthless, there are those who DO need me. My fam were right after all - "the world needs chefs". And restaurants and cafes and any other food industries are looking for 'em. And I'm one of them. Now that I got a job at Smokey Bones, I can finally get my life back on track. I don't know what my future will hold, tho. But that's okay. I don't think I should worry at all. I'm pretty sure that hopefully...somewhere in my life...I'll have my "happily ever after".
I mean, my grandmother wants me to be strong, right? Same for my grandfather and my best friend, Mr. Gary, right? Because...what would the world do without me if I weren't here? What would anyone who knew me for a long time do without me? That's why I've been told so many times by those around me, "just be yourself", "think positive", "enjoy life", "don't let anything get you down", "have faith in God", and so forth. If those words aren't the reason why I'm still alive, strong, and kept moving forward...I dunno what it is. ^_^
Meanwhile with me, as a hospital worker in Houston, the biggest challenge for me is preparing to stay at work overnight during a natural disaster from a hurricane. Yes even hospital office workers do that. And a big part of that for me is booking a nearby hotel room ahead of time so I can get my good rest during overtime. =P
Although, as a dishwasher, it's all about cleaning the dishes...in fast-paced, that is. I mean, like, get all the dishes clean, especially cleaning up your area before leaving. I'm pretty much getting the hang of it, tho. I just need to improve my speed. ^3^