I need to move back to Canada
Thursday, January 31, 2008 16:37 | 240 views
Even though I haven’t actually moved out of Canada, it sure felt like it the other day.
There were five cooks on the line at work and four of the five were Chinese. I felt so Alienated. They were talking away and not one English word was spoken. I just continued to work at my job and just kept saying to myself, “Lets get this day over with.”
Then later on four of the five cooks decided to share dinner and eat. I was not one of them, I was not even asked or offered. Nice huh?
I just continued to work away. I felt like I was no longer in my own country. Maybe I should move back to Canada and get a better job. A better one that I won’t feel so used.
It seems like as long as I don’t speak Chinenglish I’m not any use. I say this because, while I work away in pain from my tennis elbow and do my job despite of the pain, the Chinese guys get pampered.
I’m not saying they get catered to, but for example; Here I am, in a position that causes me great pain. Pain from lifting and twisting my arms causing the Tennis Elbow to get inflamed and cause some pretty nasty pain. Then there is this NEW Chinese cook that was hired on recently to work the Graveyard Shift with the rest of us. This NEW Chinese cook was always getting very sleepy halfway though his shift. He would go on about how hard it was for him to stay awake and how sleepy he was.
Some of you may already know that I wanted to be placed on the Garde Manger position for several reasons, mainly the one that would involve me not being in so much pain because there’s not a lot of things that would involve lifting and twisting of the arms, the others are because it’s something I would actually enjoy, and think I would be very good at.
Well, didn’t they go and move MR. Sleepy Chinese Cook to that position because he was always too sleepy to work the Line at night. It wasn’t because he was bad at working the line because he was the first one that did pretty good for his first few days there. That really got to me and I immediately started a job hunting campaign. Unfortunately, it’s not going very well. But I still have my fingers crossed.
So I figure if I get another job, I’ll be back in Canada, have better hours, have a life again, and get back to my side projects, and also start posting them fun games again.
Yup, I’ve been thinking about doing the ‘Friday Night Flip Off’ again, but with a new name, and also the ‘WTF Is That?’ game. The only thing that’s keeping me from them is the current job.
I wish I could just win the Lottery and get this all over with. I really, really do!
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February 1st, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I’m still trying to figure out how they are getting pampered?
Perhaps the Asian man was moved to a different shift because he did better than anyone else on the line? Also, he might have credentials that made them more willing to accommodate him. I’m not saying it’s fair that he got the position over you but that’s not his fault. That’s the person in charge of making those decisions. If they promised, the job to you they should have kept their word.
It’s also possible that he might have complained to the right person?
Re: Tennis Elbow
Most jobs won’t give you special privileges just because you’re working through injuries. You are choosing to keep working their with those injuries. So in managements mind you must be ok.
Talking in a different language wouldn’t bother me. A few of my friends/acquaintances do that when they meet someone from their native country. It’s a chance to connect and interact with someone who shares something similar. Also, if you want to be included in the discussion start talking to them. They aren’t going to know unless you speak up. At times, I tell my buddies hey time to switch up so I know what you are talking about.
Occasionally I have made a point to chat with those of my nationality. In real life and in the virtual world, I’m usually in the minority. So yes at times, it’s nice to see someone of my race. It doesn’t mean I’m going to chase after them like some psycho and tune others out, but occasionally I will seek them out.
Certain things I can talk about that they might get where I’m coming from. When they do it brings about some interesting conversations. Do we always talk about our race or the issues some of us have faced. No, but it’s nice to see others that have shared some of the same experiences I’ve gone through. I’m rarely around people of my race. It’s not by choice it is what it is.
Guess what I feel the same way when I meet people that are interested in other things I’m interested in such as veganism, fitness addicts, or into alternative healing. It doesn’t mean I’m going to automatically like them because we share that bond I’ll find that out after talking with them.
February 1st, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Opal, First off, ‘Pampered’ was an expression. As I know what the real thoughts behind hiring many “New World Asians” to the restaurant means as far as Employment and Government wages goes.
Management knows of tennis elbow, but chooses to ignore it because I do a good job doing what I do despite the problem. Why move the TAR off the roof when the Tar fixes the job, But the TAR gets soft and weathers in the sun so we’ll ignore it till the time comes.
The Cinenglish thing was just an example of how well they stick together. They shared an entire meal, and left the white guy starving. I just thought it was rude not to offer me a plate of food. Not a racial thing I’m sure, but do you think if I was Chinese, I would have received a plate of food?
I’m not being racial at all! I believe everybody should be made fun of, otherwise they’ll feel left out!
In that moment though, I have to say, it’s NOT the FIRST time……
I talk to the Chinese guys, but there are those who think they are still in China. If ya’ know what I mean…. Come eat .. I DARE YOU!
February 1st, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Re: Wages
Well ole Mac if you had explained then I would have had a better idea, right! Where is the virtual smacking stick when I need it?
Re: Eating
You didn’t say that they made the food you said the ate together. I’ve eaten with coworkers there is a difference yah know. How am I supposed to read your mind? I thought this was something only women did.
Re: Management
That’s why I said they most likely won’t give you preferential treatment because you continue to do the work. Judging by how they’ve treated you in the past I’m not surprised that they choose to ignore it.
February 1st, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Welcome to the land of wage subsidies, my friend. As long as Mr. D. K. can hire qualified foreigners fresh off the boat or plane, he will, as he knows that he won’t have to pay full wage for quite a while. Sux.
February 4th, 2008 at 1:57 am
Corey, you hit the nail on the head.