Is it 2022 yet?

So where to begin? A week ago, I was talking about my usual work load, my new 16 added hours to my already busy week and how I started Wednesday.

Well, talk about shits and fans. Now, I have already briefly explained in my most recent Spotify podcast (link here) about the turn of events that has unfolded since my last blog. But, I’ll briefly explain here too.

Liam left his job. Yep, left. Well, resigned, had to leave…however you want to say it.

He has been Kitchen Manager and Head Chef at Bodega for 2 years now and in that time, he has built their profits, he has built a successful team that respected him and liked him. He has put a teenager he teaches onto an Apprenticeship in catering and he has worked solid during Covid, completely alone when all of the other staff were paid to sit at home.

He has been fucking solid.

Last week, Wednesday to be precise, he had a meeting with the area manager and basically long story short, they closed the restaurant ‘temporarily’ until February.

Absolute bullshit.

Reasons? Management…or lack of. Public reasons? Brexit.

Yes, it seems the whole of the UK (and Europe) have found a way to blame Brexit for every inconvenience.

They did ask him to stay on but the commute would have been 1.5 hours round trip each day, train travel and in a shitty city, (to their other restaurant) for the same pay and for the same 48 hours (not including travel and expenses)…

No thankyou, fuck you and good bye!

So, with that, he was promised a months wages, a bonus and any holiday owed. He left very upset, very let down and very angry.

It’s hard to see him like that…

So, fast forward a week. He’s now at a new job, with a few grand pay rise, same hours and working with someone he knew from school…

But…

He doesn’t like it. He feels like something has been lost in him and it’s clear that it’s not going to be filled here.

Come February, Bodega ‘should’ be opening again. They have told Liam the job is his if he wants it. Back to his Head Chef role.

I think he will take it…

But, I’ve told him they need to match his new wage. No pissing about anymore…he’s worth so much more.

But even if they don’t…

I think he will take it…

So yes that’s right. On the first day of my new job, excited and pleased that it went so well, I come home and my day is shit on with this news.

I mean, I don’t mean to sound selfish but COME ON!

Fast forward to this week. I finished my first week last week and my new week started today. I enjoy it, the work is easy but grafting. I like some of the people and even more I like that I can work alone and I don’t have to actually work with anyone.

Bonus!

Next week, we start our isolation holiday to see family. YES! 12 days of give no fecks, no work, no school and the freedom to hug my parents and go and stay with them!

Finally!

Merry Fucking Christmas and roll on 2022!