Going backwards?

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This topic has 12 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 7 months ago by lexy99.

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February 4, 2015 at 3:18 pm #72388

lexy99
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So when i was 16 i started working at a well known coffee shop as a saturday job. This continued through college, then uni, then i was on and off until about a year ago when i decided to leave. I did well at it,I was assistant manager and always told I could move up to manager but i was never into it because, for me, it always a temp job until i found out what i wanted to do. It was never a ‘career’ for me.

Im a month into my second job since i left and am considering going back now (even though when i left i said i never would). I havent found anything else i am interested in doing or even have the skills/knowledge/experience to do and i figure that i could probably do well at the coffee shop. I am starting to miss it as well but i dont know if its just the lack of other career prospects making me feel that way. Currently I am a receptionist at a student union where all i do all day is book appointments and take in prescriptions. I am not learning anything new or useful, it a waste of my time and their money, and not to sound immodest but i kind of pictured more for myself, especially by 25.

Im just worried that im taking a step backwards in life and going for an easy option (although i know it wont be an easy option to get to manager). All i read about is going for your dreams, moving forward and not being afraid to take risks and try new things. By going back I just feel like I am doing the opposite of all that and that I’ll very quickly regret going back. When you make a decision people always say not to look backwards at the past but forward to the future.

Conveniently there is a staff facebook page and ive chatted to alot of managers about their opinions and most say its a worthwhile job to go for but there’s also those one or two’s negative comments that stick out most in your mind. Im just totally confused and dont want to mess this up as ill then have 3 jobs with a shortlife span in the space of 18 months. Ggggr im so confused 🙁 If i decide not to do this then i might as well give up because i cant see a future in anything else

February 4, 2015 at 3:35 pm #72389

lexy99
Participant

And the other crazy thing, and this is really silly….. Because i dont know what else to do… Im scared to go back to the job in case something one day happens (i.e. i get fired) and i wont have a job at all, then what would I do?!

February 5, 2015 at 5:07 am #72402
Inky
Participant
Hi lexy99,

What we don’t know is what your dreams really are. What did you always dream of doing? What is your passion? What is your fondest, secret wish? You can view money from the coffee shop job as a tool to get you where you want to be.

But then, sometimes it’s not about the money at all. I suspect you like working at the coffee shop more than you let on, even from yourself! I think there’s some pride thing going on, too, like you’re afraid of working there when you’re thirty and then running into your arch rival’s mother. (LOL)

Remember: Do what you Love, and Money’s just a Tool.

To Coffee!

Inky
- This reply was modified 9 years, 9 months ago by Inky.
February 5, 2015 at 12:16 pm #72413

lexy99
Participant

Hi, thanks for your reply! I think you’re right, I did enjoy my time there but I do worry about about what people will think of me if/when i go back. For alot of people that kind of job is a stop gap thing and ive known so many people who have just worked there whilst theyre studying for other things. 2 girls i know are studying to be midwives, and here i am with ambition to be a manager.

Really i dont have any career dreams. Id like one day to be a mother and look after my kids and have enough money to be comfortable but I dont have any dream job in mind at all. Other than that i love food and cooking but im really not sure where or how id get into that and im not prepared to go back to college and study more.

My parents are very supportive and think i should go back and make a proper go of it but i keep wavering. Before i left I was so fed up and vowed never to go back and im just worrried ill end up in the same position again with nowhere else to go

February 5, 2015 at 7:21 pm #72423

Aaron
Participant

Hi Lexy99,

I kind of know exactly what you’re going through. I’ve been in a similar situation for a while now. For me, the worst part is not knowing where you want to go career-wise. Ever since leaving school I’ve never had any really strong feeling about which direction I wanted to head off in and because of that I’ve been in the same job, although not a really bad one (the pay’s alright) for the last ten years. When I started I too said it was just temporary until I decided what I wanted to do, since then I’ve progressed into management.

Like Inky says, you need to sit down and have a really good think about what you enjoy and try to translate that into career options that might appeal. The idea of getting into management because you did alright at jobs lower down the hierarchy is all well and good, but from personal experience, it might not be what you’re expecting.

There’s no harm in taking a step backwards if the forward one you took in the first place has turned out not to be the right one for you. That’s the good thing about life, you’re free to step forward and back and try as many things as you like until you find something that satisfies you. It’s as important as pay, if not more so, to find a job that you get at least a little enjoyment from. Don’t worry about what others think. It’s your life and you have to do what’s right for you, not what others expect.

Really hope you figure it out. 🙂

Aaron

February 5, 2015 at 7:36 pm #72424

Mars
Participant

I can totally relate. I am in the same position. I left working at a coffee shop to go to school, and now that school is done I have been searching job postings and I am not remotely interested in any of them. So I reapplied to work at the coffee shop. I was worried about what friends and family would say about how I am not using my schooling and whatever, but I don’t have any inkling of what I want to do. And in the mean time I would like to work in a fun environment where I get some benefits and perks.
I don’t think it’s going backwards. it’s realizing that you actually liked that job, and had found something that you were good at. people try for most of their lives to find something that they like to do, and that they are good at, you are just ahead of the game.

February 6, 2015 at 5:58 am #72440

lexy99
Participant

Thanks for your replies, I guess I was looking for reassurance that going backwards doesn’t make me a total loser.

I had a one to one with my manager and she talked me thought the admin and filing she wants me to do but I thought where is there to go after that once the office has been organised? I really can’t see any progression for me.

Luckily this is a term time job so during the Easter holiday ill be back at the coffee shop for some hours so ill be able to think and have a chat with the manager about it.

And thanks danyelly its nice to know I’m not the only one

February 26, 2015 at 3:27 am #73298
lexy99
Participant
Just bumping this up to see if anyones got anymore words of wisdom. 3 weeks to go until i can have a chat with my old manager and everyday im wavering about what to do
- This reply was modified 9 years, 9 months ago by lexy99.
February 26, 2015 at 2:58 pm #73320

JustKeepBelieving
Participant

No you are not going backwards. It was an exploration you went on and you found that an “office job” is not right for you.

You said “If i decide not to do this then i might as well give up because i cant see a future in anything else”
First, you need to dump that thinking- there are unlimited opportunities and unlimited possibilities- it is just that you haven’t found your “true calling”- What is your passion- what do you want to do the most- if you could do anything or be anything you ever wanted what would it be?

you also mentioned “i love food and cooking but im really not sure where or how id get into that” — the best thing I can say is start doing some research into these areas- there are many ways to be in that field- You love food- well, do you love growing food, (natural – organic – farmers markets are hot right now) or eating food (you could be a food critic or help other eat right for better health and nutrition)- you love cooking- what do you love about it- do you love cooking breakfasts, dinners, appetizers, or desserts? Would you like teaching others how to cook? Could you focus on one area (say desserts) and teach a class on preparation (easy to post an ad on craigslist to see how much interest there would be)- Could you make/or sell something on etsy or similiar type websites- could be recipes or even products

Overall, if food/cooking is what you want to do, you need to open your mind up and start exploring the possibilities that are available- to quote a speaker I listen to- “you can have anything you want to have and be anything you want to be- as long as you believe”

March 24, 2015 at 3:32 pm #74379

lexy99
Participant

Hi everyone.

Well i had my first day back today and quite enjoyed it. I slotted straight back in, remembered almost everything, it was like i had never been away.

Luckily there is an assistant manager position at my store so hopefully i can nab it before someone else does. Im still just filled of the nagging, worrying feeling of making the wrong choice and cant help thinking about why i quit before.

March 24, 2015 at 4:45 pm #74380

Bronte C
Participant

Hi Lexy!

I’m so excited for you!!! There is no such thing as “just a manager in a coffee shop”. I wouldnt trade my restaurant management experience for anything. It takes a special personality and skillset. If you are given that opportunity, grow with it. You might be surprised what you have to offer! People with management experience are ALWAYS in high demand, so be the best you can be and learn all you can from this company. In the meantime, enjoy your cooking and take time to learn about food. You never know where your skills and passions might meet one day. Remember: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. ”

Wishing you Happiness and Success!!!!
-Bronte

P.S. ALWAYS make a special point to do things you love outside of work. This job is demanding and requires “purposeful” balance.

March 27, 2015 at 1:06 pm #74535

lexy99
Participant

Well i quit my part time jb today which leaves me no option but to go back to the coffee shop job. I think im gonna take the asisstant job but im soooo nervous. I left this job a year ago and vowed never to go back, now i have the opportunity to go back and work up. And if i dont go i have no idea what else i’ll do

March 30, 2015 at 12:49 am #74641

lexy99
Participant

I del like total crap that I’m back here now. I haven’t progressed at all and am even nervous of getting my old position back, I can’t do anything
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