So in a mishap of workplace idiocy, I broke my hand today, well not so much my hand, but my ring finger just a little ways from my wrist. I was at work, thought I heard somebody cal for me, saw noone, and turned around too fast without lookind, and smashed my hand into a stainless steel counter. I heard two knuckles pop, and a third, more gruesome sound.
I hoped for the best, but after half an hour and screaming like a weakling every time I cluched my chef's knife, I decided it was hospital time. This really sucks, even though Workers compensation is taking care of it, I really screwed over the resturant. We lost two employees this week, and I have been filling in the gaps opening the resturant. I just put people in more of a pickle than we already were, and feel worse about the people counting on me not having me than breaking my hand. As we say in the food biz, we'll be "in the ****" for quite some time.
Fortunalely, it's only one break in a single place, so they said it should heal pretty quick. They better be right. My Chef can be a diffucult, nearly impossible guy to please, and ending a week of a very impressed Chef, (It was supposed to end in me asking, and probably geting a raise) on this note kills me.
And at least I can still use my index finger decentlty. As a "chicken pecker" typist, I can still type, but no more video games, cooking, or installing for a while. I should be around here a bit more then, so please excuse me if it seems I won't go away, as my other hobbies hurt like hell right now. And another apology if I ramble on a bit more than usual, these pain meds got me kind of loaded. I need a nap I think.......
SQLThump
Replies (2)
swez on 05/2/2008 02:53:33
Ouch indeed... but in a short while, your hand will heal and in the meantime, the restaurant will have to fend/stuggle for itself. (And it will because it has to)
In an odd sort of way, this situation may become a real benefit to your future here. While you are on the mend, the kitchen team will note how much harder they have to work to make up for your absents. When you return and are up to speed again, they may sense relief and really value your presents even more than before. (Especially the Head Chef... even if he's a hardhead and a nutcracker now, that may change later)
Once you are back on the team and filling in the gaps, they/he will see the new flow, appreciate your efforts and then, ask for that raise. Give it a month after you return, before asking for that raise. This will give you time to find your groove again, allow others to note your determination and ultimate benefits to the team. Once that is well-solidified, your raise is pretty much a sure bet if the budget allows.
Hang in there, you are on the right track, if they see you as an invaluable player, they will gladly up the ante.
Swez
PS How do I know this? (Experience) Trust in your value and be an impact player. When they have to live w/o that for a while, they'll see the difference and you'll have more bargaining power when you return. Just give it time to sink/sync in. (4-6 weeks after you return)
PSS Enjoy the time off and think/ponder about how you can become the "go-to-guy" (Utility player) when you return to the game later. Once they/you see that scenario, your "in like Flynn" ! SMILE
SQLThump on 05/2/2008 15:11:50
Thats some good logic there Swez, and looking at it like that, I can see the benefit. Thanks fot the enlightening words. I have been thinking of how I can really rock it when I get back. Weeks of dealing with just the night prep guy will inevitably drive them to insanity, but I stilI just want to work.
I am sure Chef will be very pleased to have his passionate bottom of the totem pole cook who will do anything to show that passion, and drive to move foward in the kitchen back.
One of my main issues is woknering what to do to pass te time meanwhile. Most of my hobbies hurt like hell right now.
I talked to my Chef's wife today (she runs the front of the house, both are owners) to see if I can't host for the time being. I am sure I can take reservations, seat tables, and make a seating chart. Unfortunately, we don't need anybody up there........
Guess I'll have plenty of time to work on that article now. I'll uuse that to pass some time.
I hoped for the best, but after half an hour and screaming like a weakling every time I cluched my chef's knife, I decided it was hospital time. This really sucks, even though Workers compensation is taking care of it, I really screwed over the resturant. We lost two employees this week, and I have been filling in the gaps opening the resturant. I just put people in more of a pickle than we already were, and feel worse about the people counting on me not having me than breaking my hand. As we say in the food biz, we'll be "in the ****" for quite some time.
Fortunalely, it's only one break in a single place, so they said it should heal pretty quick. They better be right. My Chef can be a diffucult, nearly impossible guy to please, and ending a week of a very impressed Chef, (It was supposed to end in me asking, and probably geting a raise) on this note kills me.
And at least I can still use my index finger decentlty. As a "chicken pecker" typist, I can still type, but no more video games, cooking, or installing for a while. I should be around here a bit more then, so please excuse me if it seems I won't go away, as my other hobbies hurt like hell right now. And another apology if I ramble on a bit more than usual, these pain meds got me kind of loaded. I need a nap I think.......
SQLThump
Replies (2)
swez on 05/2/2008 02:53:33
Ouch indeed... but in a short while, your hand will heal and in the meantime, the restaurant will have to fend/stuggle for itself. (And it will because it has to)
In an odd sort of way, this situation may become a real benefit to your future here. While you are on the mend, the kitchen team will note how much harder they have to work to make up for your absents. When you return and are up to speed again, they may sense relief and really value your presents even more than before. (Especially the Head Chef... even if he's a hardhead and a nutcracker now, that may change later)
Once you are back on the team and filling in the gaps, they/he will see the new flow, appreciate your efforts and then, ask for that raise. Give it a month after you return, before asking for that raise. This will give you time to find your groove again, allow others to note your determination and ultimate benefits to the team. Once that is well-solidified, your raise is pretty much a sure bet if the budget allows.
Hang in there, you are on the right track, if they see you as an invaluable player, they will gladly up the ante.
Swez
PS How do I know this? (Experience) Trust in your value and be an impact player. When they have to live w/o that for a while, they'll see the difference and you'll have more bargaining power when you return. Just give it time to sink/sync in. (4-6 weeks after you return)
PSS Enjoy the time off and think/ponder about how you can become the "go-to-guy" (Utility player) when you return to the game later. Once they/you see that scenario, your "in like Flynn" ! SMILE
SQLThump on 05/2/2008 15:11:50
Thats some good logic there Swez, and looking at it like that, I can see the benefit. Thanks fot the enlightening words. I have been thinking of how I can really rock it when I get back. Weeks of dealing with just the night prep guy will inevitably drive them to insanity, but I stilI just want to work.
I am sure Chef will be very pleased to have his passionate bottom of the totem pole cook who will do anything to show that passion, and drive to move foward in the kitchen back.
One of my main issues is woknering what to do to pass te time meanwhile. Most of my hobbies hurt like hell right now.
I talked to my Chef's wife today (she runs the front of the house, both are owners) to see if I can't host for the time being. I am sure I can take reservations, seat tables, and make a seating chart. Unfortunately, we don't need anybody up there........
Guess I'll have plenty of time to work on that article now. I'll uuse that to pass some time.
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