I started a culinary apprenticeship/line cook job with a very talented person and their bakery. The wife begged me to work with the husband when someone called out. He's lived all over the world, cooked on vintage Food Network, cooked for Margaret Thatcher blah blah blah. I am not formally trained and never said so. In fact, I knew, he was going to look down on my abilities. Whatever we all start somewhere. My Dad and Uncle cook so I know how chefs can be and that the business is hard. Family of chefs know the grief they can cause but somehow I thought this could be different.
I ONLY said yes to help this guy have a life. He rants and raves about how overwhelmed he is. He has four kids, a company, and some health problems. I'm happy to help so you can go have a cup of tea or see a friend. Unfortunately, this guy HATES training. We were only a week into it when he starts saying how much he hates answering questions. This place only makes sandwiches so realistically as long as I make a common-sense sandwiches/salad there shouldn't be so much KERFUFFLE. I am honestly here so you can be healthier, MR. It takes a little time to get adjusted and you need to practice rather than just see.
The other issue is the kitchen violates the laws and I tried to politely tell him I could fix it.
- No labels are on containers.
- Fuzzies are growing on the fridge shelves.
- The microwave looked like the site of a shooting.
If I'm a bad staffer, why don't you know about the above?
So last night, I am reading my emails on my phone. THEY POSTED MY JOB. Glassdoor sent me an EMAIL recommending me for my job. So I call him and he basically admits he's hiring. I left there thinking everything was okay. At one point, I had told him I was going to stick out the learning process and he said he, “Respected me for it.” I quit and he didn't try to stop me. After all the ranting and raving about finding help. The best teacher there is a Guatemalan lady who doesn't speak English.
I'm more motivated by helping others than by a process. You really cannot help workaholics and this is the last time I try. Rant and rave? Do it yourself until you die.