Are You Laying Me Off??!!

...I thought you couldn't be laid off from an internship but I was sorely mistaken. The mantra of "Do more with less" even extends to a multi-billion dollar industry leading company. So, as it currently stands I am being shuffled around in an attempt to simulate some form of a normal schedule and it sucks! *Rant complete*

The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest affected by the downward sloping, upwardly mobile and overall unpredictable and unreliable economy but I will not be moved! This is a perfect opportunity to answer the very question that led me to take up blogging in the first place. I would do my job for free...because that means I will have completed my last requirement for graduation. Ulterior motives aside, I know I am supposed to work in my field. Why else would I feel utterly useless because I am presently not working everyday? Creating at work makes me create at home. *Ah-ha moment* I thank God for showing me that my passion is not based on grades but simply on what I do. What is your passion based on? What are your ulterior motives other than that almighty $? If money wasn't a factor what work would you be doing?

Play To Your Strengths!

In the name of all that is Holy, I thank God for a job (even an internship) that plays to my strengths! Think about this: Does your current job/career consistently expect you to perform a job that is not within your skill set? Is your quality of life affected by these demands? What are you prepared to do to change your situation?

After one week on my new and shiny internship I'm still in pretty good shape. I can say I appreciate being appreciated. I know that sounds corny but I know that I work harder without complaining when everyone around me is working just as hard. I won't say they're not complaining...just that the job still gets done and the right way. Amazingly enough I have not one time been asked to do something outside of the spectrum of my capabilities and all the while being challenged to be as creative as possible. I don't even consider myself THAT creative...and if you know me I've probably said this a thousand times. Even still, I found myself inspired by the flexibility, approach to success, and shiny new job smell of my internship so I created. I assembled a new menu for this coming week to be used on our "Chop Salad" station complete with homemade dressings and the like! Outstanding! This 9 billion dollar company is letting me write a menu....and they're gonna use it! Do you know I once worked in one place for six months that was more concerned about the correct culinary terminology than they were about inspiring their employees. I of course have left that place and when I checked back the whole kitchen staff I worked with has since vacated the premises. Lesson learned. So, I ask the question again...does your current place of employment play to your strengths? If you know you don't want to do that job for the rest of your life, does the job at least give you tools to move on to the next step? What are you willing to give up for a better quality of life and a more fulfilled spirit?

How Deep Is Your Love?

Hello Everyone and Thank You! I have started this blog as a journal of sorts as I embark on a turning point in my career. As of Monday, March 8th I will be performing my internship as a peon in hopes of a future position in the promise land that is the corporate food service industry. This upcoming episode in paycheck humor prompted me to explore the question: Would you do your job for free? This would in turn mean if you answered yes that you are doing something you are truly passionate about. So, during the next 3 months of my internship I will be answering that question based on being paid a fraction of what my non intern co-workers will be earning. I will be delving into how deep a person's love has to be to willingly work for free or something very close to it. Would you do your job for free?