Hi Everyone - Thursday 12/6

Hey Everybody!!

I've been M.I.A. Just layin low and waiting frantically practically crawling out of my skin for some news. The problem with me is when I'm anxious and waiting "patiently" for something I pretty much shut down. I just go to work come home and pace the apartment. I know weird.

Anyway here is what transpired and I'll give you a little background on why this was so important. You might want to grab some tea or coffee to read this one. ;-)

For quite some time I've been attempting to get into Whole Foods. Not just any position, I want a management position. Besides that Whole Foods is one of the top 100 companies to work for. Number 32 to be exact, and the pay is nothing to sneeze at in Whole Foods. You would know this to be true especially if you work in the food industry. Pay in this industry sucks major balls. I've literally interviewed 4 other times before and no dice. I've applied for a management training program for WF at least 10 times and I interviewed for it once before. The only reason I didn't get it was because I said I wouldn't relocate. Ok, ok give me a little break. At that time I was in a different mind set and I was so jaded and fed up giving my all with these jobs that I was just over it.

Fast forward to maybe 3 to 4 weeks ago I knew that one of my old coworkers from another restaurant just started in Whole Foods. I asked her to keep a look out for me. And she did! She gave me a heads up and dropped my name to one of the managers.
I got a call, came in for an interview and was offered the position on the spot. Yeah! Right? Well, yes and no. Yes! I'm in but NO it's a part time position and way, way waaaay under what I'm used to making per hour. But I was going to suck it up. Whatever I had to do to climb up the ladder I was willing to do it. But my plan was fast and furious. No playing around here. See the inital plan was to keep the full time and keep WF as a part time and eventually hustle my way to where I need to be. Well it seems that sounded like a well laid out plan for the universe. So the universe decided to shake things up as usual. My full time day job decided that he was going to be a total extra large dick and cut my hours and become extra crazy. So I quit.

So there I stood, what now. I had to have the talk with my team leader at WF and I was straight up with her just like I was in the interview. I informed and reminded her what my ultimate goals are within WF but if I can't get more pay with full time hours that I will unfortunately have to find a second job that can cover my costs. Well I truly wasn't expecting anything out of our pow wow. I just wanted to let her know where I stood and what I needed to do. She literally, immediately the same day spoke to the store manager, assistant store manager and some folks from the regional office and next thing I knew within 24 hours she had two options for me. First they can offer me full time hours at the rate I was asking for this would also include carte blanche benefits. Cool! The second option was a shocker. There just happen to be a open house that Friday for Management in training positions with a little more money. What!? She asked if I was ready for it and of course I said, "HELL YEAH BRING IT!!" I can go to the interview and if I don't make the cut then I would still be offered option one. Friday came and I smoked it. I had to interview with 5 different people, the last few were a bit frosty so it was hard to gauge how I did overall. I felt like I did well but it wasn't an explosion of awesomeness. I was told later that 85% of the interviewees never made it to the second round and were sent home with a thank you and hand shake.

Fortunately I had inside intel (my manager) who told me off the record that I got the position! BUT I didn't feel easy. I took her word as a grain of salt. I still wanted the official phone call from the regional office to tell me that I got it. I know, I know overkill but that's how I am. Frack! I waited till Wednesday afternoon to get the call. And now its official. I am in the management trainee program for Whole Foods!!
Now I've been told that the program has a high failure rate. Why? Well because its considered a self motivated program. Meaning it can take you 3 months or it can take you 6 months to complete. Anymore than that and you get the talk or the boot whatever comes first. Guess what this bitch is the human sponge (in case you didn't know) and I'm all over it like flies on shit. There's A LOT to learn but I'll be done by 3 months then hone every thing till its solid. I expect to move onto another store by summer time. Hopefully one of the 6 new stores opening between the summer and fall of 2013 in CT.

I just really want this to work out. I'm tired of working for crazy ass people. No place is perfect but damn give me a break!!! I've given blood, sweat, lots of tears, experienced bruising, sexual harassment and even physical fights in all my years in the restaurant industry. People always ask why do I stay in it. Well, I was out of it and worked in a corporate office for about 4 years. And it was nice in the beginning. Nice and calm. But I got bored. Crazy right? I love the food industry. But I love structure, a plan, respect of your employees, stability, love and quality of your product even more.

Now I have to get back on track. Gotta get the steady income, get back on track and squared off with my bills. At the same time get my big ass working out like the maniac I am and kill this shit! I'm so hungry for some power. I miss my bar and plates SO much. I feel like a jelly fish, soft and achy all the time. I haven't hit anything hard in almost a month or so.

Love you guys!!

Yadi

P.S. 20% off my purchases at Whole Foods! What! Awww Yeah!! AND they have a fitness program. If I meet the requirements I can get 30% off. Hmmm gotta look into that! ;-)