10 months into the industry, still better than retail

I've been working since beginning of March '24 at a late night kitchen at my local private college. It is my first time working for the college since working here 22 years ago as a high schooler doing dishes, first time as a cook.

This is also the first job that I don't consistently dread coming to work every single day.

My previous jobs mostly involved retail grocery jobs, the last 8 years in beverage distribution as a sales merchandiser. I was ready for change.

-Tried auto sales; short lived. Nope.
-Next, I gave banking a shot. Little better than auto sales, still not feeling it.

After years of telling myself as much as I don't belong in a commercial style kitchen, I entered the industry anyways with the support of a close friend. It has paid off tremendously. I'm getting paid more than any job I've ever had, with the best benefits I've ever received, just to make a few pizzas a night and flip burgers on a grill.

If my high school career counselor is reading this, you were wrong: apparently I did want a job flipping patties all day. I love what I do and I'm getting paid handsomely for it.

(Picture: first time making a Greek pizza)