Just came off a "double" (a double shift). It was my first official shift on at my new job.I've mentioned that we got a three-star review from one of the two major restaurant critics in town. We're across from Millenium Park, a major tourist attraction (the city spent a half billion dollars on it). We're about a two minute walk from the Palmer House, a historic and popular Chicago Hotel, and about a three minute walk from the Congress, another historic and popular Chicago Hotel. We're roughly kitty-corner from the Art Institute of Chicago. And jeez, we're right on friggin' Michigan Avenue.
The place is busy. Damned busy. A slow day there is still pretty good. It serves great food, and in general, people tip well. I made a lot of money. I made today about 2/3's of what I brought home as a teacher in a week (remember that worked a double). I'd say that says something really sad about our society's values, and how appalling it is, but for now, with two kids and school and textbooks and some car repairs and a couple of trips to see my and Kim's families to pay for, all I can say is it's great and I'm relieved and happy.
I like the people I work with. There are some people there who are unhappy with their lives and it shows-- you see that in any business-- but most are happy to be there. It fits for them. It solves a problem-- how to make a decent living while working on something that doesn't make a decent living until you invest some time and energy into it. More on the place later. I'm tired, and I'm pretty sure I'm working another double tomorrow.
13 comments:
I'm glad you're making decent cash with the new gig, it sounds like there won't be any shortage of customers.
Wow, that's a great location.
I *still* have yet to visit Millennium Park.
I want to take the whole family downtown at some weekend in the near future.
It's a damn crime we haven't been there yet. I really want to see "The Bean" up and close. It looks amazing in the photos I have seen.
Great location, huh?
When I work a double shift it means I'll be making a wheelbarrow full of money, or getting 1.5 hours of time due, for every hour I work. For you does it just mean a lot of extra tip money, and does it make up for the exhaustion?
That's sad when a great teacher can make more money as a waiter, but I'm happy you are.
GETkristiLOVE said...
That's sad when a great teacher can make more money as a waiter, but I'm happy you are.
My thoughts exactly.
Well said Kristi!
Teachers should be paid more than most professions.
I know where you are! The last time I was in Chicago (nearly two years ago), I spent a lot of time at the Art Institute and walked through Millenium Park.
When does school start for you?
Wow, you are right down the street. I have never noticed this restaurant and I am very very confused.
I'll tell Flannery to tip well when she comes for a visit.
Maybe we need to start tipping teachers. I don't know, that equation is all wrong. Glad you're getting some good coin though.
I thought Millenium Park cost half a gazillion dollars. No?
That's a great report, Johnny. And also, you can write freely not worrying about the teaching gig. Cheers to your endurance and may you be tipped generously!
Glad to see everything's work out for you. You're right on the main drag. If my wife and I visit her cousin (she lives in a small condo in downtown Chicago, somewhere where they filmed one of those scary Chucky movies) I'll look you and the restaurant up.
Here's another sad commentary on teaching: I've taught in private & public schools and for social services, yet I've found the best place to teach is in a prison.
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