It's great that the restaurant job is going so well because it really helped me to stay calm during the hunting down of my final bistro paycheck.
I don't want to get too into it again because it was very upsetting and exhausting for me, even though I knew in the back of my mind I was in the driver's seat.
Boss refused to pay me. I called him and texted his general manager over the course of a week's time. Still nothing. Finally I threatened with a wage claim filed with the department of Industrial Relations and he agreed to pay me that very same day. I showed up, he said some shit, I stayed calm, he said some more shit and refused to let me say goodbye to kitchen staff and so I let him have it. Told him if he payed his employees on time maybe he wouldn't be having these kinds of problems. I stayed calm but he was shaking and almost near tears with what I assume was rage and embarassment. He is not used to hearing the truth from his workers, mostly illegal immigrants that feel scared to ask for their money because they don't want to get fired. That was another reason I felt so inclined to speak up for them, and another reason the sight of him makes me sick.
I got my cash and left. Went to the bank and deposited it and was able to vent a little to my cousin's husband, the law clerk that gave me the advice in the first place who ironically, worked in the same building as the bistro. We chatted about the bistro disconnect and also about my cousin, his wife, pregnant with their first child.
He was surprisingly candid with me about the child. He was nervous, unsure but excited. I was happy I got to see him in that mindframe because every time I try to understand what a child does to change a person's life, the people I speak to already have children and are so impatient and confused with what I'm asking. I assume it's because they already have had the full hormonal shifts and so tending to their child feels as natural as breathing. They don't remember what life felt like before their child. I am interested in the hormonal shift so I like to ask probing questions on the subject. People don't always understand or appreciate why. He seemed okay with my questions which made me stop asking them!
After we parted I did the bank, mailed out the found wallet at the post office, shopped a lil for work clothes and came home to get started on laundry. I have a real fancy event tomorrow evening where the mayor and a bunch of other "important" San Diegans will be feasting. I am put on as a lead server. I have no idea what that means because I am a bartender and I am confused as to why I am not even being put on as a barback if getting behind the catering company's bar is what I am after.
I got a friend a job with the same catering company, and tomorrow will be his first event. I haven't seen him in a couple of weeks so I am looking forward to working with him. Though we will probably be working separately all night but oh well, I'm sure we will be able to talk a little bit at some point. I want to tell him about the bistro boss, I can already see the expression on his face.
Sunday there is a hugeass festival on the street where my restaurant job is, so I will be on center stage, working the bar with my bar manager... He is fairly young but really seems to know his shit so I am excited to get to work with him. I have to be on my A-game because the restaurant will be flooded which means lots of people to perform for and lots of tips to be made! I have no idea what my work schedule will be next week but I hope they keep me at 4 days for the restaurant...that gives me a spare day to do a catering event and 2 days to chill...
Money is starting to roll in and I have to start watching how I spend it. So far I have been pretty good about eating at home, with only 2 dining outs last week and some money spent on Cliff bars at 7-11 before a shift. I usually have my work schedule so packed that I only get to eat quickly, which is why I tend to go out and spend money on food. But I've got to cut that out because I've got other priorities for the money right now and I am determined to take care of them!!
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