I'm Proud to Say that I've Rejoined the Workforce (any Bakers out There)

[warwick.hoy]

I interviewed today for a baker/mixer position at an Artisan Bakery called Petit Chat. About 100 loaves a day and somewhat of a dream job. I had always wanted to be a baker but the opportunities are rare. One place I applied didn't want to give me a chance considering I hadn't had any commercial experience.

Its not a particularly lucrative job, but it looks like something that I'd actually love doing and it's full time. I would consider putting my electronics engineer training plains on hold to gather skills and knowledge that I can use for a lifetime in this trade, which believe it or not is a trade. I'm really stoked that the owners of Petit Chat are willing to give me a chance.

I'm not a partier so I'm comfortable with the hours and they may be conducive to going to school in the future, but for now I'm proud to say that I am an Apprentice Baker.

Judging from those around me I thought it would be another 4 months before I found another job,...meh,...perks of being on the bottom rung I suppose. McDonalds would have been a better job than the previous job I had,...and I was about to apply there.

[Chipsonfire]

Congrats! I'm still waiting for my 'big break' back into the world of workforce. I'm going to be officially a student again in the next day or so, which I'm will allow me to find a job on campus. Campus jobs are cushy, and willing to work around my schedule.

My brother worked as a baker for a long time, until he went to school to be an auto mechanic. After graduating, he actually found another job baking and did that for a while again until he moved and started his own mobile mechanic business. He loved being a baker, but I guess it didn't pay enough to support him and his fiancée.

Good luck with your new career!

[Ziltoid]

Grats dude! i'm glad for you you didn't apply at McDo

[bongomania]

I've been a baker a few times in my life, it's a great job. The hours can suck, if you have to start at like 3 or 4 am, but otherwise it's gratifying and low-stress.

[Joe Gress]

Congrats! Having a yob is always a nice thing.


A good friend of mine started out as a cook at a burger joint in town. He's now doing his apprenticeship at the five star hotel/resort in town. I think he said he has two or three more years and then he can apply for either more schools, or work as a full time head cook in the restaurant.

[CapnSev]

Originally Posted by bongomania

I've been a baker a few times in my life, it's a great job. The hours can suck, if you have to start at like 3 or 4 am, but otherwise it's gratifying and low-stress.

It smells really good too.

[warwick.hoy]

I'm not sure if Apprentice Baker is the appropriate term. Like any new job there will be a probationary period. The owner said that if I was willing to give it a chance then he was willing to give me a chance. They asked me if it was something I wanted to do, so I imagine they have gotten some folks that were just looking for a job,...but this is seriously something I have always considered doing for a living.

I'm starting at 7am but if they ask me to come in earlier; I will.

I'm glad I didn't have to apply at McDogKnuckles.

Washington State Unenjoyment has been dragging their heels in deciding whether or not I truly did work in a hostile work environment. I'll probably tell them to sod off since I've found a job,...no thanks to them.

Luckily my wife has a pretty good job and it is just her and I. We live a pretty simple lifestyle, but it has been a struggle getting by but we've managed.

Now if someone would just accidentally mail me a Deluxe Tele instead of a used Essex,...

[LilRay]

Congrats on the job.

Don't go making "special" brownies on the side. J/K.

Hope you dig it.

God Bless, Ray

[Ziltoid]

Yeah, hostile work environment are a pain, I remember when i was goin to give my resignation at Staples, walk to the office. she doesn't greets me or anything she juss say : What do you want again? talkn to me like i was a bug spattered on the windshield of her life, simple answer : I quit, and walked away. the look on her face was priceless, after i said that she cam with a all nice with a smoothing mellow tone trying to convince me and blablabla, I did quit anyways...

[MJ5150]

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

I Its not a particularly lucrative job, but it looks like something that I'd actually love doing and it's full time.

Doing something you love will even out the lack of $$ in your paycheck. There are so many people who go to work hating their jobs everyday who get paid "big bucks". I really feel sorry for those folks.

Now send me some fresh sourdough bread!

-Mike

[Joe Gress]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Now send me some fresh sourdough bread!

-Mike

Exactly! If I'm ever in Spokane James, I'm comin over for dinner. You make the pizza, I'll bring the beer.

[warwick.hoy]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Doing something you love will even out the lack of $$ in your paycheck. There are so many people who go to work hating their jobs everyday who get paid "big bucks". I really feel sorry for those folks.

Now send me some fresh sourdough bread!

-Mike

Cheers to doing something you love. Somehow I think it was easier for me to find work because I'm not looking to replace a six figure salary. I went from being a Sandwich Maker to a Baker!!!!

I might oblige that Mike.

Originally Posted by Joe Gress

Exactly! If I'm ever in Spokane James, I'm comin over for dinner. You make the pizza, I'll bring the beer.

You're on.

EDIT: The only downside is the bakery is about 5 miles from where I live and I'm used to working about 1/4 mile from where I live,...I'm going to need a car,...but I might settle for a Vespa* for the summer/fall until I can afford a winter beater.

[rap138]

congrats, I wish I could do something I love. 5 miles can be done easily on a bicycle.

[warwick.hoy]

Originally Posted by rap138

congrats, I wish I could do something I love. 5 miles can be done easily on a bicycle.

Downhill yes.

The thought crossed my mind and I could do it, but it would suck the first couple of times. Going home would be fun though.
Spokane is situated in a river gorge. I'd have to ride uphill to get to work. I'm not sure what the grade is but it's steep enough that in the past I've had to walk my bike up it, and nearly every major arterial goes up it.

Also the winters here are really harsh. Last year we had 3 feet of snow. Previous winters have seen ice storms and incredibly frigid temps. Again; I could do it,...but it would suck.

I was leaning towards getting a scooter, but the wife ixnayed that. Her justification was not that I would kill myself on an unenclosed vehicle, but that she doesn't trust other people to not see me. Apparently I'm to precious to her,...who'd a thunk it.

I'm certainly going to try to find a beater with a heater for wintertime and explore other options for the Spring/Summer/Fall.

[MJ5150]

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

...but this is seriously something I have always considered doing for a living.

Right on bro. This is really cool. I'm excited for you.

There is no shame in being a baker. There is a little corner store type bakery about a mile from my house that has been in business since before I can remember, so before 1979. He has a huge loyal following of people. He has store hours, but usually has to close early when he runs out of bakery items to sell. I've gone by in the mid afternoon on many occasions only to see he is closed for the day.

The man who owns it is older now and ready to retire. He has been trying to sell it, but has not found a buyer. Many people are worried he will sell it to a person not so committed to keeping the "neighborhood bakery" feel of the joint.

-Mike

[CamMcIntyre]

Congrats on the job!

I feel you about not wanting to apply at McDonalds. I'm at that point. I've put in apps to most of them on the North Side, and I've even sunk to Taco Bell & 7/11. I just need hours-not overly concerned with what or where.

[Chunk-O-Funk]

Baker? Me? Nooooo.

However I do know a butcher and a candlestick maker. You guys should get together.
(sorry, that's all I got)




Congrats!

[kesslari]

Been a baker, long time ago. Job was great. People were great. Hours were very hard for me. I learned a lot, though, and had a good time.
Glad you're back into the work world in something you enjoy. That's a real bonus.

[bongomania]

I'll pass on to you one of the best pieces of education I got when I was first learning how to bake. When you have made your dough, and it has done its first rise in the bucket/bowl/basket/tub, and you begin to cut it up for rounding into loaves, the consistency of the dough in your hand should be just like the feel of a young woman's breast. If it is firmer than that, your dough was too dry, and you should adjust the recipe for a bit more water or less flour on the next batch. If it is looser, less firm than the young boobage, then either you need to adjust the recipe to be a bit more dry, or possibly you left it out proofing too long on a hot day, and should cool down the proofing area. If the dough is hard like a silicon boob then you probably forgot the yeast.

[Hawaii Islander]

Congrats! It's nice to hear good news on the job front for a fellow TBer!