New Job

So one thing that I have really only talked about with family and close friends, is my transition completely out of the restaurant business. I know to many people that doesn't seem like a shift, but I feel compelled to write about it because of what I have come to know.

I have worked in restaurants since I was 16, so a little over 10 years now. I've loved so much of it because of the fast-paced environment and the people I get to meet on a daily basis. I have hosted, run food, taken to-go orders, cocktail waitressed, been a full-time server, a server's assistant, an assistant manager, and a general manager. I've even had very very little-but significant to me-experience in dishwashing and the cold line! So at the end of the day, restaurants just make sense to me. I get the business model, the atmosphere, and the fun. I also appreciate the food, wine, cocktails and specific service from each restaurant as I've moved through the years. Where I am now, it's incredibly detailed and structured. The food is wonderful and the chef is well-known. The events in the city almost always have some tie to this restaurant, and the reviews stay very positive. But it's just time to go.

I saw an opening (on behalf of a friend) for a Wellness Coach position at the YMCA. I have many childhood memories of the Y and all that I did there, but I had no idea what it looked like from the employee's perspective. I worried it wouldn't pay well, and that the hours would conflict with my school schedule.

... but is there childcare? Yes?! SOLD!

I interviewed for the position thinking I'd hopefully be able to get it even though the only tie to wellness that I really have is my current pursuit of a Nursing degree. It worked! I got the job and soon found that I'd be taking a few classes to learn how to do my position, and that I'd be focusing on helping people exercise, eat well and take care of themselves by setting realistic goals and checking back in with me periodically.

Today was my first day training, and I have to say my experience with applying, interviewing, paperwork and training has been wonderful. I'm so looking forward for my daughter to have a place to go while I go into work and my husband returns from his job. I look forward to a position that focuses on wellness and keeps me aligned with my educational, professional and personal goals.

I'm probably on a high, but right now, I have to express my excitement at how amazing this feels to be doing something so different from the stressful shifts and running around trying to please everyone. Not to mention all of those gluten allergies ;)