I work in a family owned fine dining restaurant. I've been there for 8 years now and it's the best job I've ever had. I'm 36 and have cooked/managed multiple different places.
My boss (the owner) knew I was struggling and literally handed me 600 dollars cash. He then drove me to pick up the water heater I needed (in his truck) and brought it back to my house. I had a friend install it and paid him 100 bucks. The whole ordeal cost me around 575 dollars.
At my restaurant December is crazy. It's all parties and lots of tip money is available. (They tip out the kitchen and dish staff)
So I had been saving up only to pay him back, all the while he says don't worry about it right now.
Flash forward to our end of the year clean up/party where we all eat and they give us our stockings, full of nice things like new toothbrushes and meat and cheese from ol hickory.
At the end we got our end of the year checks, tips, W2s and bonuses.
Like I said I worked there for 8 years. The biggest bonus I've ever gotten was 100 bucks. This year, my bonus read:
“BONUS: 750-600 'Your water heater is paid for sir'
I cried for a minute but was around all my co workers so calmed my eyes. Afterward I thanked him with a big hug.
He told me, “we take care of eachother”
Not all jobs are bad. This isn't what I dreamed of doing but I am proud to work for someone and produce a product that is indeed a cut above the rest.