[splitimage]

Hi Everyone,

I thought I'd post an update and report that I survived my first shift, and I think it went ok. All I did was chop. I chopped potatoes, onions, green peppers, and squash. I also learned how to make carmelized onions.

Everyone was super helpful and friendly and gave me pointers on how to do stuff. I learned that my left hand position for holding veg for chopping was perfect, but that I was holding the chef's knife wrong. So I need to practice with that until the new hand position feels comfortable.

I was a bit worried about being able to be on my feet for an extended period, but I did a four hour shift, and was pretty much ok. I am however, going to have to buy new running shoes that will really support my feet. The shoes I had on today were ok, but my feet were pretty sore by the time I got home.

Michael, who kind of runs the place, asked me how I liked it, and I told him I liked the environment and the people, and that I thought I'd done ok.

His feedback to me, is that I"m friendly and easy to work with (Some of my former colleagues would never believe that), and that I take direction well. He said my chopping is good in terms of consistency of size, and that I need to practice my knife skills. He said his only criticism was that I was slow. I'm not surprised I was slow on my first day, speed will come with practice.

He's bringing me in for another shift 10-2 again tomorrow, so I'm taking that as a positive sign.

The deal with this job is because they're typically hiring people with no cooking experience and often spotty work records, they bring you in to do a couple of trial shifts to make sure I'm a good fit for them, and they're a good fit for me.

It was really nice to be doing something useful, and paid, and I didn't feel stressed out in the least. I suspect my right arm might be a little sore tomorrow, and I'm exhausted, but over all it was good.

It was totally different from the corporate environment I'm used to, and I liked it a lot better.

So far so good.

splitimage

[downandlonely]

Sounds like you had a really good shift! Glad it went well.

I would find it hard being on my feet and chopping, because I have issues with fine motor control. It sounds like a good fit for you though. Hope it works out.

[Nammu]

That's super!

Great job! Hang in there and I’m sure you’ll be up to speed in no time.

[unaluna]

Top chef! good job!

[Raindropvampire]

Congrats that your first shift went so well. May your next shifts go just as well

On the shoe thing I used to be on my feet A LOT and I ordered a pair of shoes usually used by nurses. They held up great and felt awesome.

[healingme4me]

So great to hear!

I agree about specialized 'work' shoes. I find that they are designed with the lack of give on most kitchen floors and slip proof traction for walking near sinks or into freezers. I'm unhappy with my most recent pair but I also receive stipends for clothing, so shopping around is an option. Sneakers usually send chills up my spine in a more literal way due to an old injury.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm so happy for you, splitimage! Be proud of yourself

[RomanSunburn]

So happy to hear about your first day! It sounds like it went really well!

[Mopey]

Congratulations, Split!

So happy for you, splitimage

[TheSeaCat]

Good to hear that you survived! First shifts always make me nervous to. I'm also glad you like it.

As for shoes if you can wear anything go for either Nike Air max; I personally love the Sequent they are stupid comfortable and for the most part cheep. They got me through a year of retail one of which was a big box store. I was able to wear those without an insert.

Sketchers are pretty good; granted the memory foam breaks down so quickly but I do know they have a slip resistant kitchen line. I really like the Gogamat technology too; I personally use those for gym sneakers. They are comfortable; but would probably need an insert after a while. The slip resistant line also comes in tons of fun colors and patterns compared to the basic black most slip resistant is.

If money is no option Adidas Ultraboost a nurse I work with swears by them. I tried on a pair last time I went shoe shopping and I liked them. I'm just not on my feet like I used to be when I worked retail to splurge on an expensive pair of trainers.

Instead I'll splurge on super uncomfortable heels. My brain is weird. Keep in mind I am a female and I usually wear heels or flats so my comfort might be a little off.

[Travelinglady]

Good for you!