Corporate life sucks

hazchem

So I've quit. I enjoyed working for a multinational for a long time, it had a lot of perks and a good career upside. But, ultimately I got tired of it and decided it was time to try something new.

So, in a week's time, I'll be starting as the manager of Plunge cafe in Summer Hill, in the inner west of Sydney. Its going to be a steep learning curve, a lot to get my head around after being out of hospitality world for 15 years plus. But I can't wait, its gonna be tops fun.

Drop in and say hi if you're ever in the area!

Lou

Wow, very inspiring!!  It's a big decision to make but one I couldn't imagine anyone ever regretting.  I dream of ditching the corporate world one day and going to pack beans for a roaster (if that's an actual job!!!), just so I can smell coffee all day! I know I'll finally get the guts to do it one day so I love hearing stories like this. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

askthecoffeeguy

Packing and labelling is how many would be roasters start their roasting careers - my roaster says that he usually has someone on the packing for at least six months before they're allowed to even get close to a roaster And I can sympathize on the job front - my last cafe @ Melbourne Uni paid it's own way after after eight years of trading and I didnt even work 'in store' for the last two years I was there! But it was no longer a challenge so I sold up to open Foxy and last winter I went three months with little or no income and nothing in the bank - to keep the store afloat - thankfully now it's paying it's own way! But what is life without a challenge ? Pat

beanflying

I escaped the jungle about 10 years ago. Loved the $$, travel perks etc but the piles and piles of corporate bullstuff was getting to me. Now working harder, making less money and very very few if any regrets. Best of luck with the positive step

WotB

At least he still has sociable hours.  Compared to 90% + of hospitality workers, he's got fantastic hours. I've got the day for other pursuits, but at night, it's business as usual.  Makes for a crappy social life.

hazchem

well, one day down and I'm hooked. Playing with coffee all day and looking after customers is great fun. Not having to do a dinner service does make for reasonable hours, still an 11 hour day though. Yay for hard work!!  ;D ;D

Koffee_Kosmo

Good luck haz It is hard work but very rewarding if you dont loose your focus KK

askthecoffeeguy

on 1297103651:

well, one day down and I'm hooked. Playing with coffee all day and looking after customers is great fun. Not having to do a dinner service does make for reasonable hours, still an 11 hour day though. Yay for hard work!!  ;D ;D

yep, agreed its a great way to make a (sometimes meagre) living! talking to customers, meeting locals - last monday my manager looked after a customer's kids while they packed up their house, and these customers moved to New Zealand four months ago! its the willingness and ability to make a difference in the local community, as well as making great coffee, which can set you apart from the other guy Cheers, ACg

DoubleRistretto

good on ya Hazchem!!

askthecoffeeguy

Contgrats to Hazchem on your well not 'sea change' exactly but let's say a 'coffee change' for the better!