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!
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. 😀