The economy and the pay cuts I’ve taken in 2008 have finally forced me to do something that I was hoping to not have to do. In order to make up some of the salary I’ve lost and to try and pay down some of our bills, I went and put in an application today for the Mayfield location of the company that sadly, still remains my longest single employer. That’s right, Denny’s.
I have stayed in contact with the GM there because my old store in North Olmstead trained him and one of his other managers for their positions. Every time I would go into the restaurant and see him, he would offer me a part time job. I was always careful to never turn him down outright, saying that if the need ever arose for a 2nd job, I would let him know. Well, I finally took him up on his offer and put in an application with him. He called me back the same day and scheduled an orientation for the following night. I figure once we are moved back to the east side it will be convenient that our home, Progressive, and Denny’s will all be within a few blocks. Also, I am still able to every job in the place except cooking, which I am more than willing to learn if he wants to teach me. Basically, I’m going to tell him that he can train me in several different job codes and use me where he needs me week by week or day by day. He is familiar with my work ethic and that I was able to fill several roles at my old store so I don’t see him having any problem with it. As lame as it will be to serve again, it has always come easy to me, I’m good at it, and its not a skill that ever leaves you. Besides, I can honestly say that the most fun jobs I have ever had were serving jobs.
With this, hopefully we can start 09 on better footing and keep stable for a while, something that hasn’t really happened in a couple years for us. 2008 effectively kicked our asses, with setbacks coming pretty regularly throughout the year running the gamut from job losses and unexpected bills to failed housing arrangements and even the passing of close friend. Part of our situation is undeniably our own fault, and I’m perfectly willing to acknowledge that, but much of it is simply due to bad luck and the economy.
That being said though, we are not the only ones going through hard times so we are far from being as bad off as some other people in the country. Indeed, there were some really good things that happened this year. A lot of which has to do with the great people in my life, friends and family alike. Devon’s parents have been extremely understanding and helpful throughout the year with things like helping us with groceries and such. I’m not sure how they feel about having to help their married daughter and 28-year old son-in-law, but they deserve a lot of credit for helping us out. They have been able to weather the economic storm way better than us and I am very grateful for them and all of the other friends and family in our lives for their support, be it emotional or physical.
Also, I was able to help plan my high school reunion and reconnect with some people that I hadn’t talked to in years. Devon and I had a really good first year of marriage and I was able to have a LOT of fun on my first motorcycle. And I am thankful that while I don’t talk to them near as much as I used to, I am still able to keep in touch with all of my Chase homies from time to time. And to top it off, we had a great election and I got a job at a great company that has some real long term potential. Now we just need to get Devon a job and things will be back on the road to cool beans!
