In my last post on this topic I alluded to the fact that I really, really figured my age and lack of real kitchen experience would leave me out in the cold as far as my Second Choice Career was concerned (working in a real restaurant kitchen) and that as a result I would have to wind up doing something drastic like ——– sell my house.
For someone like me who suffers Depression this type of realization is one that can and does send me into a real deep funk because the main feeling that comes to the surface is one of complete and utter failure…. failure to my family and failure to me…. mainly failure to my family.
Well every once in a while the Stars align and they say “Today we like you” and that day for me was yesterday. I awoke with the same nagging doubt that no one will ever EVER hire me and as a result my taking early retirement has wound up selling my families future down the river.
I am here to tell you that, as Heath Ledger said in A Knights Tale—–“A MAN CAN CHANGE HIS STARS”, if you keep plugging away things will eventually come your way because as of yesterday I had not one BUT two jobs and they are both in the restaurant industry. The first is with a small chain that mainly does Chicken Wings while the second is the Prep Cook job I had applied for approximately 10 days ago and had pretty much ruled out of getting. I took the Prep Cook job.
To say that this happenstance sent my ego into orbit would be an understatement especially when it was on the verge of shattering and if it had, coupled with depression, I’m not sure it would have recovered.
My biggest challenge now, besides proving to the General Manager of the establishment that he made the right choice in hiring me, is to recognize that any misgivings or self-doubt I have is simply my inexperience talking and not depression raising it’s ugly head and besides……. It’s really tough to be depressed when TWO establishments want to take you on.
So until next time keep your chin up and keep smiling—– it could be worse.
Bon Appetit
gardensandgrills 
Congratulations! I started out in the food business, got my degree in restaurant mngt. I almost always worked in catering however (it was very rewarding). My food blog is an extension of those past years. Love to cook. Good luck. With a good kitchen manager, food prep is pretty routine. Even though I always worked in the front of the house, I always asked to work in the kitchen, too, just because I like the chopping and prepping. My favorite place: the dishroom. Without pots, pans, and plates, there is no service.
Thnx for dropping by Kathy
I look forward to visiting your blog when I get a moment, very hectic times these days.
I love working in a kitchen but not so sure about working in dish. Might try it one day.
Cheers