So...tuesday I Was Fired. Actually A Good Thing.

[Chimera]

I am a chef and caterer, quite good at what I do..well not always.

I had a bad episode. At work. In front of the high school football program :eek:

It began Thursday before last when I was informed there was an event for 300 on Saturday, no big deal, pasta, sauces salad. A no brainer. I was to only be a catering lead at the function, basically head waiter..

There has been a lot of bullying in the kitchen I work in, towards me. Namely the head cook and his trainee. It was bad Thursday, had the cooler door slammed hard in my face, still have defensive bruises on both arms..mocking, belittling. Just idiotic, cowardly behavior from those 2.
I have been cooking for about 35 years, fine dining, rustic, regional, I love food and it brings me joy to nourish people. I can make anything and make it well and I know the hc was threatened, Friday was bad too, escalating.

Back to event, poorly planned, but I was used to that, my job is to make it happen.
Then I found out that not only was I lead, but I was also the ONLY SERVER FOR 300 PEOPLE. These are people I know, boys who've sat at my table, parents who I've volunteered with..what a mess. I wanted to leave as soon as I found out and I should have. But I didn't(said in singsongy voice)
Halfway thru service, food ran out.
Chef disappeared
Event planner disappeared.
Waited with a line of 150 hungry people.
Alone.
Waited.
Waited.
Finally got some food to the other line, which a prep chef was serving so I moved my line there and began feeding people again.
Not enough food again. Stingy servings, ridiculous.
I dissociated, not sure what I said, the kids told my son that I was sweet. Huh?
Pretty certain I lambasted the incompetenceof the kitchen
I did finish out the event though...
Didn't get paid for it.
Got fired tuesday.
I am full blown right now..a mess. I have to work and not certain if I will find work after this.

 

[Stickler]

What a horrible job!

You're an experienced chef, you can get a job. I think you can get better than that job.

 

[watundah]

Wtf??? That sounds like a set up to me. Is the head cook also the owner/boss? Otherwise it sure sounds like someone needs to hear the whole story. I was bullied at work once and understand how it works on you like an ulcer. This may be a blessing where you land in a better place. There's also lots of advice on how to manage "dismissals" on your interviews online. I would definitely try to see this one as an opportunity for improvement. You do not deserve to be treated like that.
Best of luck!

 

[twinkle30]

You can write to the department of labor to get paid for your last day. Even if they fired you, you still deserve to get paid for the last day.

 

[Chimera]

Lol, the owner was the event planner, she showed up 1,5 hours later with a nearly finished cocktail. She went to the bar.
The chef has done this before, really don't like to speak ill but professionally speaking? Incompetent.
It is a blessing, being gone from there, just worry about the next poor sap...

 

[Chimera]

She(owner) will claim it's gratuity.
Lost about $175.00 on that..

 

[Deleted member 28403]

:hug: @Chimera
What they did is really shitty, and does sound like a set up. But you could get a better job probably, being in an abusive working environment is not worth it.

 

[Chimera]

I had already been job hunting, had spoken with a local shop...I'll go see her again Monday, probably tell her the truth if I see that she has heard....this is a smallish town..
I know I have a lot to offer, cooking is a haven for me and a well developed skill of mine...just hoping that's going to be enough.

 

[Kella]

I am a chef and caterer, quite good at what I do..well not always.

I had a bad episode. At work. In fr...

You were the only server for 300 people?!

 

[Chimera]

I've been trying to pull myself together to go looking again, for work.
There are 2 little, well patronized restaurants within walking distance of me, great places, locally owned.
What I have been thinking is that I take a few of my desserts to both places and tell them I am looking for work.
It's been over a week (which I barely remember) and it's important for me to get back to working. I am confident in my abilities, just not my living and social skills. If I don't find work here, I will need to widen my search, which means buses and taxi's..not sure how that may pan out.
In writing this I think I will do this on monday, which means baking and getting myself gathered on Sunday which sounds more doable to me.
Also I got a call from a antiques dealer I sometimes work with to work an auction on Saturday, I think I will try it. They are pretty good people.
I am trying to hash this out, making a solid plan and follow thru.

Thoughts would be welcomed

I want to begin therapy now, because it's time. I want to learn why I do what I do when faced with certain situations.

I read posts from ya'll and it has me hopeful that I can start to work on and gain progress into myself and my symptoms. Maybe learn to help others again, I miss that. I don't want to stay small anymore.
I want to work, successfully, proudly, happily if possible.
So this is the start of something new, on all fronts.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

Seems like a good plan :)

Wish I could try those deserts though :P But if they have any space, they should take you

Theraphy helps, and I hope you can do it soon :) I had a session today

Often helping others is just hearing what they have to say, and being able to relate :)

I hope the job-search goes well for you, and have fun at the auction :hug: Good luck!

 

[Chimera]

Saelben,
I wish you could too, feeding, nourishing people is joyous for all concerned :hungry:
I called and confirmed Saturday, so am moving in the right direction...
A sincere thank you for showing up in my posts, I smile when I see its you :hug: