Work: Just What I Needed

The Highland Grill in Saint Paul has always been a favorite. Nick and I dined there often when we lived in the neighborhood and we still make the drive over at least once a month. Great food. Great service. Great memories. The wait staff has remained pretty much the same since we first visited in 2004. So, if you want a job there it is pretty unlikely that a position will be open. 

About a month ago I decided I wanted to take on a part time job and in a restaurant. I used to host and serve at Red Lobster back in the day so I figured I might be able to find a position. I looked into positions at Highland Grill, but there were none. However, I learned that they are part of the Blue Plate company which was started by two servers at the Nicollet Island Inn- another favorite. The two servers have opened a new neighborhood restaurant every year since 1993. One such restaurant, Scusi, was hiring.

I was able to successfully secure employment at Scusi. I host, bus and am training to serve. I work evenings and one weekend shift where I get to interact with other adults, earn wages and tips, keep up in a fast paced environment, and feel really great about the local establishment where I am employed. 

I left my job as a teacher over four years ago to stay home with Henry and Isabelle. There are so many reasons I find joy and reward in my job as a mother and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I feel very lucky to have this privilege and we all see the value that one parent at home brings to our family. But, here's some real talk: stay at home parenting can be pretty lonely and a bit isolating. It's possible to go days without talking to another adult except for Nick. 

I think the main issue was feeling as though my identity was defined by my children and not by my own experiences. I also really strive in immediate gratification situations and guess what? Like most jobs, raising children is a very thankless position. However, working in a restaurant provides the gratification I was looking for: provide service and receive a tip directly related to how well the job was done. Perfect. 

Life is all about balance and just weeks ago I was all out of wack. I was in search of something more and for now I think I've reset the balance. I'm able to have fun at work, feel as though I'm great at my job, and  find renewed joy in being a mom, a wife, and a valued employee. Scusi, I guess you're just what I needed.