First I would like to say that I love that almost everyone's entry today had something to do with the Matrix. And the fact that Michele said something to the effect of, "woo-hoo! Matrix" in everyone's comments if at all applicable.
Second I'm exhausted. (big sigh) I just got back from SB last night. I found a place to live. As Sumit says it is a pink box, but I really like the girl, Krista, we had a great talk when we met and it's cheap. Well cheap for SB and my own room. And I can bring the cat, and Krista has a small dog which hopefully Ribbon can become friends with so he is not so lonely all day by himself as he is now.
I also did four freaking interviews. I'm so sick of talking and answering dumbass interview questions. I interviewed at Hotel Oceana, the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort, and SYR. Honestly I think I like SYR the best. They pay the most, it was more relaxed and like the Cheshire Cat, while still expensive so serving a higher clientele. It's probably somewhere I could gain some management experience although I don't know how likely promotion is, since it is a small place, but it would probably be a good place to get my feet wet.
The Fess Parker left a bad taste in my mouth. It's a huge place, over 350 rooms and it's part of the Hilton chain. I first met with the Human Resources person and eventually got introduced to the main manager who was basically a jackass. He was going off on how important the front desk job was and how if you start there and maybe not in one of the other departments like reservations you have more to learn and you may not shine as quickly. He also downplayed my experience at the Cheshire Cat even though I took care of problems that will arise at his front desk among other things ON MY OWN. Basically he pissed me off and made me doubt my ability to handle a place like that until I realized it's only a $10/hour job. If they REALLY thought it was difficult or THAT important they would pay their employees more so they could be more selective.
Anyways it's made me not want to work there or a place as big as it is because they are so fucking full of themselves and there's way too much middle management. However I am feeling discouraged because it is probably the best place to gain experience to move up into management. I dunno, if they offer me a job I might not take it. I don't want to hate where I work.
Hotel Oceana was nice. It's only a year old. The Assistant Manager, Brian was really nice. We had a nice interview, (freaking 45 minutes) but it looks like there is a lot of opportunity to grow and gain some experience. It's not as high class as SYR or Fess Parker, but it's probably a good place to learn, however they pay the least.
But anyways now I'm just feeling really nervous about the move and the decision to go into hospitality. I mean I really disliked the feeling I got from the Fess Parker, and what if the only way to start making some real money is to work at a place like that. I imagine that is is harder to get into management at the smaller places because they have less turnover in management. Anyways I'm getting scared, but I'm going to forge ahead anyways. Here's hoping things work out.
It looks like teaching REALLY wasn't for me. I even got rejected from UCSD. Me=LOSER.
Posted by nuala at May 14, 2003 04:19 PMI think if the smallest place, the one you like, offers you a job, it is good to take it. even though that place might not have turnover, you can at least put in the time at someplace you like, and then when it's time to move up maybe something will open up somewhere else that you like. and they will say "look at that, all this experience, come in and manage." also, SB is definitely a tourist destination but it's still a small town - there's gotta be more than one nice inn in the world outside sb, so i think do not give up on management. and you did always want to travel.
well you know all this, but anyway. I just wanted to say, don't be sad, because it might still be okay. and hey at least you are leaving berkeley and starting to look for a real, enjoyable career, so good on you.
ps you are not a loser, you are a WINNER! and a breadwinner!
Posted by: didofoot on May 14, 2003 04:42 PMwhat she said! plus, fuck UCSD they suck anwyay and you didn't want to go there. and also fuck middle management. and go with the place you like most. don't settle for dumbasses!
and also:
m-a-t-r-i-x! matrix! matrix! whoo!
ditto dido. and michele. i still think you could start small, then after experience (and maybe some business classes or something) you could end up owning a darling B&B or several (if you so choose). then you could be like christine and putt-putt around the world 6 months out of the year. =)
It would be nice to putt-putt. That woman was always all over the place.
Posted by: Nuala on May 15, 2003 09:14 AMi wanna putt-putt too. i'm sure she paid her dues when she first started owning B&Bs, but now? rolling in dough. and putt-putting with jack.
Posted by: jade on May 15, 2003 09:23 AMNuala, you're too quickly trying to climb the ladder. You need to start somewhere lower and work your way up. Don't they have any dishwasher openings?
Seriously, I'd plan on switching jobs every nine months or so, and with that in mind, work at whichever place most builds your resume in the direction you want to go. For instance, "Dishwasher Apprentice" at McDonalds >>> "Dishwasher I" at Jack in the Box >>> "Dishwasher II", and ultimately "Dishwasher Journeyman" or "Cheif Dishwasher" or "Lead Sanitary Specialist VI" at Denny's. This is just an example of successive job upgrades.
Posted by: curly fry on May 15, 2003 11:38 AM