Catching up
It’s been more than a week since my last post and it’s time to catch up.
Jake: Still hanging on, though I’m not sure why. Still losing weight. Eating less, though still drinking and using the cat box.
Knitting: Nothing and probably nothing for a while. Life isn’t too conducive to knitting right now.
Work: Now that’s something to talk about. How can I work 9+ hours a couple time times a week and still be under 40 hours? Last night was a real winner. Our night manager called in. A sick daughter and she missed the night. A person short and we managed one of our biggest nights in nearly two months. $1300 dinner when we’ve been lucky to break $1000 all day. Then as I’m closing the till, I hear noises from the front of the restaurant. I come forward to find water everywhere. A clogged drain and our water cooled compressor for the walk-in overflowing it’s drain. We grab buckets and try to get a hold of the owner. It’s past 10:30pm and apparently he’s in bed, because there’s no answer. Meanwhile, I’ve got a plunger out trying to clear the drain and only get large amounts of gunk coming back out of the drain. Sigh.. I really don’t want to spend the next couple of hours fighting this. Finally the owner answers his phone, Told us how to turn off the water, but then wanted us to try using his cheap plumber’s snake to clear the stoppage. Nasty… By 11pm, we still hadn’t cleared the blockage and he told us to clean up and he’d be in early in the morning to try to fix the problem. Nearly 11:30 pm before we got out last night. I’m earning $9.50/hour for this? Oh.. did I mention the night manager is pregnant and the owner doesn’t know yet?
Cooking: I’m close to making a decision about going to culinary school. I’ve been talking to a number of chef’s and culinary instructors and they all say that my age shouldn’t be a problem. One of the instructors had two 60 year olds graduating at his last class and his opinion is that as long as you have the stamina and the desire, you’ll find a job. Now.. Where do I find an extra $15,000? Anyone? 
Popularity: 39% [?]
Charlotte wrote:
Is there a financial aid office at the school? If so, perhaps an appointment with them is in order. Are there any scholarships available for culinary school? Are you a Vet? If so, have you used your G.I. educational benefits yet?
Posted on 17-Feb-07 at 9:05 pm | Permalink
Lola Lee Beno wrote:
Grants? Check with AARP - they may have ideas.
Posted on 18-Feb-07 at 3:52 am | Permalink
Jo wrote:
Alton Brown gave up a job and went to culinary school. Look up his website
and write him a letter. See what happens! Maybe nothing but maybe something . . .you have nothing to lose!
Posted on 18-Feb-07 at 11:16 am | Permalink
Jerry wrote:
Actually, money is not really an issue. I’ve got the remains of my 401K that was rolled over into a private IRA when I left Intel. Since I’m past 59 1/2 years of age, I can withdraw money from the account without a 10% penalty, though it would still count towards yearly income.
This issue is whether it’s reasonable and prudent. Should I do this *just* because it’s something I have wanted to do for some time and hope I’ve got enough years of work life left to make it worthwhile?
The way things look right now, there is very little chance that I’m going to be able to “retire” anytime soon and I’m beginning to believe that as long as I’m going to have to continue to work for some number of years, I might as well be doing something I love.
I love to cook, I know it’s going to be hard road, especially as I continue to age and my knees continue to ache, and I have no illusions that I’m going to get rich or that I’m thinking of changing to an easier occupation. Cooking for a living is hard work. It’s mostly unappreciated, except for the big names, but I do love the work and I believe I’ll make my decision before summer returns.
Jo — That may not be a bad idea … I’ve taken a quick look at his website and I’ll see if I can find an email address. I have to say that I’ve gotten nothing but encouragement and kind words from the Chefs, instructors and students I’ve exchanged email with so far. As you say, what have I got to lose.
Posted on 18-Feb-07 at 9:12 pm | Permalink
Barbara wrote:
If you are going to have to work (vs. retire) I say work at a job you enjoy. I’m the same age you are and I don’t see being able to retire soon either. I also believe in career changes, no matter what your age. And if you want to be self-employed, why not try doing some catering? Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Posted on 19-Feb-07 at 6:10 am | Permalink
Suz wrote:
Sorry to hear about the “crap” closing the other night. UGH!
I agree with another comment, why not do work you really enjoy?! More power to you!
I’ve heard stories of people finally graduating from college in their 80’s or 90’s…that’ll be me. LOL!
It’s never too late!
~Suz~
Posted on 19-Feb-07 at 11:37 pm | Permalink