I started a job at a cafe in my hometown last month. The position was for a line/prep cook at 16-18 bucks an hour plus tips. Even though I had no real kitchen experience outside of fast food, I thought I’d apply anyway since I was having a bad time at my grocery store job. They interviewed me and had me come in for a second skills test interview where I had to make two items on the menu and some guacamole.
They got back to me and adjusted the position so I’d be doing prep and utility work instead. They also cut the hourly down to 15. I was told that they commonly start inexperienced people in this role so they can build up their kitchen skills.
I’m basically a dishwasher who cuts vegetables and puts things into boxes/plastic containers. There’s a hierarchy in the kitchen and I’m at the bottom. Even the baker apprentice who doesn’t have any kitchen experience gets treated better than me. My supervisor and the owner have commented on my performance insinuating I need to work much faster. I once asked if working too slow would get me fired, and my supervisor basically said, “If you’re doing ‘x’ this slow in about a month then maybe/probably.”
My self esteem is already pretty bad as is, so being in this workplace where I constantly feel like I’m not performing well enough isn’t helping my mental health.
I applied for a job closer to my field of study and got an in person interview. They told me they’d get back to me yesterday, but I’m still waiting. I hope I get the job.