That was how I started my email to my manager at The Chopping Block telling him that I couldn’t financially work full time there anymore. Guys, I’ve run the numbers every which way until Sunday, and it just wouldn’t be prudent to keep burning up my savings to do a job that I love, because there will come a time when there is no more savings, and I had to pull my big girl panties up and face reality.
That really was the best job I’ve ever had. I would wake up so happy when it was a work day! Didn’t matter if there was traffic and it took me 90 minutes to get there. Didn’t matter if I was getting out of work at 11:00 p.m. Didn’t matter if I had to get up at 6:00 a.m. to get to work. I loved the work, the recipes, but most importantly, I loved the people. I never heard anyone complain about anything. I loved that everyone got my sense of humor and didn’t mind that I was a hugger and hugged everyone hello at the beginning of the shift.
I am still going to work there one day a week though. That will be my happy place that I get to look forward to. I’ll still get 40% off the merchandise, and still attend cooking classes as a VIP with a friend if the classes aren’t fully booked. I was telling Hannah that once I turn 59 and start getting Tony’s social security benefits, maybe that’s when I’ll be able to go back there and work full time, but um, that’s 11 years away for me, so I have to do what I have to do.
Life is strange. Who knows where this next job path will lead me. I start tomorrow. The good news though?! I’ll be working just blocks from my twin sister! We’ve already talked about finding a Weight Watcher meeting in the city to go to together, and going on lunch time walks. Our weather is going to be amazing – today’s high is 74 degrees and we’ll have temps in the 60s for the next 7-10 days. Love. As long as I get my cool sleeping weather, I am a happy gal.
The moral of this story? At least I tried!
Make it a great day!
No worries here. I am sure with time you will be back doing what you love. This is just a small detour, a side adventure, to what lies ahead. You are amazing and are good at whatever you put your mind too. The positives… seeing your sister more, “regular” hours and working in the city.
You are such an inspiration! Someday… everything will fall into place. I have faith that good things happen to good people. And you are good people. 🙂
What a bummer. I understand, though. Isn’t it usually how it works? The amazing job that you LOVE it never the one that pays enough to make it a full time thing. 🙁
I hope things work out for you!
You sure did try and I am so glad you did because for the first time since I know you and read your blog, I read happiness about your job through your words.
It’s great that you can still work there 1 day a week so you won’t have to give it completely up.
You tried and you can be so d*mn proud of yourself!
I’m sooo bummed for you that it couldn’t work out financially, but am so inspired you tried it and loved it. Like you said, maybe just not the right time. I think you somehow find your way back to your passion eventually. One day… 😉
Best wishes for what’s to come! Thanks for continuing to share with us! Hugs!!
Thanks Kelly! I will still have my one day a week at TCB – so it’s all good. 😀
I’m sorry that it didn’t work for you to stay there forever but I am glad to hear you will be working one day a week. Sounds like something to look forward to every week! Glad you found something quickly and look forward to keeping up with you with this job change.
Thanks Lisa – I appreciate your virtual support! 😀
With the new job, you actually have more time to maybe develop a plan for your future venture without the pressure of having to scrape money together. Maybe you can save for that food truck 🙂
Thanks Lori – I have an hour commute on the train without driving, so that’s good! 😀
Food service workers are notoriously underpaid and the work is damn hard. You are awesome and I wish you luck in the next part of your journey.
I thought I could make it work – that’s the positive polly in me – Tony wasn’t here to talk me off the ladder when I decided to quit my old job, but I don’t regret any decision I’ve made. 😀
Thinking of you! This job made you so happy and didn’t even sound like “work”! I’m glad you can continue there.
Thanks Karen – it’s the first job I’ve ever had where I never looked at the clock once to see when it was time to go home 😀
Good luck with the new job! Will your commute to work be by car or train?
Thanks Joanne – I will definitely take the train. Because I am going at normal rush hour times, the train ride is only an hour long, and with my tablet Kindle, youtube and Netflix, it goes by pretty quick 😀
Well, shoot. Saw your IG post and knew I needed to head over. Sorry it didn’t work out like you had planned, but thankful you were smart enough to know how to move forward. Keep that chin up girl!
Thanks Ally – you never know where life takes you, so this could be a good thing. Still have a wooden spoon in the stock pot at The Chopping Block, so I’ve got that going for me!
Failed???? You didn’t fail at ALL! You succeeded in knowing that what your passion is. You succeeded in being true to yourself. The reality is, life is freakin’ expensive! You’re still there one day a week….I see this as a success! (and the job? That’s a paycheque – necessary for us all. You’re not giving up on your passion, you are just making your life work….to me, that is success!!!!)
Thank you so much Roz – that means so much to me! Hugs!
So sad for you Beth, but every door that is closed opens a new one. Who knows where you are going with this new job. One great thing to come of it is seeing Jenn more often. Smiling face!! Love you!!
Thanks Laura – I appreciate it – and yes, getting to spend time with Jenn is priceless! Loved Rachel’s Halloween costume!! Love you!
I am glad you gave this and your summer job a go. Maybe one of these days something will come out of this, either with the connections you’ve made, or through social media, and you’ll get a more lucretive opportunity. In the meantime, working at a big firm plus getting to hang out more with Jenn will be great.
Thanks Shelley – I am definitely counting my blessings on the positives! 😀
Oh I’m sorry to hear that! But what? Working in the city?? I work in the city! If it’s anywhere near me, we HAVE to get lunch! I also go to a meeting on Thursday during lunch but I’m guessing you might work too far for that (it’s a bit of a hike for me). Let me know where you are working!
We will definitely meet up Amanda! I left a comment on your blog – the meeting we were looking at was on Tuesdays I think at 120 N. LaSalle? I’ll need to double check with my sister 😀
Yes – that’s the correct information
I will continue to enjoy following your adventures. You gave it a good shot. I have no doubts you will excel whatever you’re doing and wherever you are doing it. It’s just who you are.
Thanks Janice – I appreciate it! 😀
At least you tried and that is what’s important! Sorry that it didn’t work out but I’m sure you’ll find something that will. In the meantime, enjoy this beautiful weather while it lasts.
Best,
Bonnie
Thanks Bonnie – I am loving the weather! I ran errands in flip flops today!
So glad you got to have that experience along with your summer farmer’s market gigs. They both confirmed that you know what you really love. It sucks when we have to be adult and do the right financial thing, but I have no doubt that one day you will be fully immersed in cooking the way you want to be.
I think it will be nice for you and your sister to have that time together – and who knows, maybe finding that WW meeting will encourage you both in ways you never expected!
I am glad I had my experiences too – I loved them both, but realize without a husband to kick in on the bills, that I had to make the switch.
Jenn and I will have so much fun together!
Good luck on your new job. I am rooting for you always!
Thanks for cheering me on Susan – I appreciate it!
Good luck!! What is next for Biz?
It did sound like an amazingly fun job. But sadly, not all of them will pay the bills. And you need to pay the bills!
Yep, gots to pay the bills! Damn having to be an adult 😛
It’s an office job again, nothing fancy, but I’ll be working in Chicago – one of the best cities in the world!
Oh my! It’s too bad it couldn’t work out financially full time, but great that you can continue on a part-time basis – think of it like a hobby that you love! Hopefully, you can get back to something like it in the future – you may have opened some doors for yourself that would have always been closed had you not tried. It sounds like you have a better paying gig already lined up – I hope that turns out to be something greater than you expect in so many ways. I know you’ll give it your all and be a great at it! Peace.
Thanks Lynne – I have formed friendships that I know I’ll continue with and do believe some doors may open sooner rather than later. Just on the roller coaster of life right now!
Good luck in the next part of your journey! How great that you’ll be working close to your sister! And how great that you had the courage to thoroughly explore other options. My gut tells me you are making a few detours right now. Who knows, maybe you’ll be back doing other things sooner than you think!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
Yep, that’s the bonus part of this whole thing – being able to spend time with my sister!
I can’t wait! 🙂
You are amazing! Can’t wait to hear where life brings you now! xxxooo
Thanks for your continued support M.J.! 😀
Hope the future brings you a job you enjoy that will pay the bills.
Thanks Zen – I probably won’t enjoy the desk job again, but I have to remember there are worse world problems! I have a roof over my head, a job and food on the table – so I am blessed. 😀
Great quote! Best wishes, Biz!
Thanks Carrie! 😀
I’m not going to say “sorry”, because that is negative. You’ve opened doors that I’m sure will stay open for you. It is sad that you have to put your dream to the side for now, but I firmly believe everything happens for a purpose. It may take some time before the “purpose” of this reveals itself, but hang in there. You are an amazing person and I believe in Karma. Great things await you!
Thank you so much Velda – I too believe everything happens for a reason. Hugs!
I am so sorry. My guess is though that you will find something you enjoy again, and now you have lots of new friends that most likely will help point you in the right direction. Good souls go good places.
Thanks Abbe – you never know!
Good luck on your next adventure Biz! No matter what you do you will be great! I wish I could be as brave as you and find a job I LOVE like you did. Someday soon I hope I can! Can’t wait to hear all about the new path! And like you said, at least you tried!
Thanks Andrea – I appreciate that! 😀