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I was having a conversation with a guy here at this shelter. He's Jamaican. The conversation got around to talking about being vaccinated. He told me that he isn't getting it because if he does he does and that he's ready to go.  Wing that he's in a Shelter for the Homeless, he feels that he has hit rock bottom and let the chips fall where ever. I don't understand his reasoning, but that's on him. 

He works in a Deli somewhere around this area. Told me that he works with 3 to 4 White women and all they do is gossip and talk about people all during the shift. He also told me that he stays to himself and he doesn't talk to anyone and that he is only there to do his job and get a paycheck. I explained to him that he should be more friendly with his co-workers and that he doesn't want to get that title of being the one who has a stuck up their ass. But he won't listen, so I let it be until...

I went on an interview for a position as a Deli Manager...and wouldn't you know it, it's at the same store as this guy who is at 5he Shelter. When I saw him standing there I told the store manager that I couldn't take the position, but I didn't tell him why.

I get back to the shelter and this guy asked me why I didn't take the job. I told him because he worked there and because of the conversation we had earlier. I tried to explain to him that I would find it difficult to work with him because of his way of thinking and that if I was to work there that he would take orders from me because if his way of thinking. He still couldn't grasp what I was saying so I ended the explanation and conversation.

So, about half an hour ago, this morning he approached me and tells me I was stupid. That the manager of the deli makes good money. Deli Managers here in this town, this state don't make shit. I tried to explain to him the whole concept of working in a Deli. The deli is just a stepping stone, entry level position before you are up to it to work in a restaurant. At first I doubted myself...was I ready to take it to the next level. I'm glad I took that step.

But this guy, this guy I was talking to about my Food Service experiences and what I DO...just didn't and won't click with him. To him and most people it's all about the money. I told him you have to not only enjoy working with food, you have to LOVE IT!! To hear a customer tell the Manager of a restaurant that they enjoyed what they ate, and I prepared it, help with others prepare it..THAT is worth more than any cash tip I could receive. To hear a customer ask if Mike is working tonight, because the manager came and tell me that a customer asked if I was in the kitchen...means more to me than getting a paycheck on payday. The customer is here, right now because of what I cooked for them before and they want that same experience again THIS night. But this guy didn't and won't get it. I don't know, maybe he's young, which he isn't. Maybe one day my words of encouragement will get to him, remind him of what it's all about.