Tag Archives: new job

Not 18 Anymore

They should give out warnings for people turning 18. Then they need to do it again at 30 and 40 and so on. Why? Because you forget. One day you wake up and realize that you’re not 18 anymore and if you’re not prepared, it can be ugly. Thankfully, I have embraced each new phase of my life with gusto, and this whole aging process has been relatively kind to me.

Until today.

I started my new job as the manager of our local coffee shop (see yesterday’s blog post, The Coffee Shop Adventure) and I was as excited as a little kid on Christmas Eve. Well, almost, but you get my drift. I walked into the shop, fully expecting to love every minute, and I really did! The staff were great – very patient in training me, I must say. What I didn’t anticipate was the overwhelming exhaustion that resulted after trying to keep up with girls who are like 73 years younger than me. Okay, maybe only 30. Or 40. But still.

In between learning how to steam milk (would you like lots of foam?), dish out a cinnamon roll (can I warm that up for you?), and put one pump of chocolate syrup and two pumps of toasted marshmallow flavoring in one medium hot chocolate (don’t forget the whipped cream), I was also running around trying to absorb the business side of the business. Doing paperwork, finding my way around computer applications, looking at vendor information, and reading resumes to set up interviews for next week – ARGH!

Can you tell I actually had a blast?

I did. Loved every single minute. And I get to go back tomorrow and the next day and the day after that.

My brain feels totally stimulated. I am completely satisfied. And even though I am definitely not 18 anymore, I have a lot of valuable work experience and life skills to bring to the table where this job is concerned and that is a really good thing.

But my feet really hurt!

Perhaps I’ll let those 18-year-olds do the running around . . .

2 Comments

Filed under Coffee Shop, Life, Writing

The Coffee Shop Adventure

I am about to embark upon a new adventure. I want to tell you about it, but you have to promise not to roll your eyes, laugh behind my back, or talk about me when you think I can’t hear you. Okay? Thanks.

I am the new manager of our neighbourhood coffee shop.

Yes, it’s true. Really. And I’m pretty sure I heard some chuckling out there, so stop it!

Several weeks ago, the owner of the business (who I’d come to know during my bookstore days) approached me to ask if I’d consider managing on a part time basis. We discussed the expectations and the challenges, and I decided this just might be a good fit for me. I get to boss people around (you’re allowed to laugh now) and I’ve been granted a significant amount of flexibility to implement new ideas.

We like new ideas.

I know, I know. This is very different from anything I’ve ever done before. It’s a far cry from my 30+ years in the banking industry where I did everything from clerical work to management, projects and national consulting. I also cannot compare this to my beloved bookstore which, by the way, is now a dance studio right next door to said coffee shop. And writing? Well . . . I expect there will be ample fodder for future story scenarios churned out from this little venture.

I am excited about seeing lots of familiar faces, meeting a bunch of new ones, and working with an absolutely terrific staff. The fun factor is pretty high! Of course, I’ll have to learn to create a great mocha, the perfect latte, and an exceptional espresso, but they tell me there’s nothing to it.

We’ll see.

So come on down to The Fireside Coffee and I’ll make you something special.

After I know what I’m doing.

9 Comments

Filed under Being Creative, Life, Writing