Stepping Stones

Before continuing, I must apologize for my lack of posting over the last few weeks, I feel extremely guilty... whatever. That’s the beauty of blogging, there is no pre determined, or expected posting dates, as Steve Biko once said ‘I write what I like’, me? I write when I like.

Since the last post, there have been many developments in ‘The World of George’, from an almost perpetual state of unemployment I have managed to secure myself, not only one, but two forms of income.

The first came about by finding out that a friend of mine took over management at a rather fine establishment known as the 'The Forum', the best Belgian Beer Cafe in Cape Town (it is however also the only one). With taking over management, he was presented with a really up-market looking venue but, fortunately for me a rather depleted staff. With only the kitchen staff remaining (the kitchen has now been closed) there were no bar staff or waiters.

This is where I stepped in; I boldly offered my services, knowing full well that although having consumed the equivalent of a small nations production of beer, I still had never actually poured a pint of Stella. It looks easy enough, but trust me when I say that it is definitely an art form, one that can only be learned by an unfortunate wastage of a large amount of white foam and golden liquid. After two weeks, I have almost mastered the art.

So the first job title presented to me was that of 'Barman' or Executive Beverage Purveyor’ if you don’t like the term, I'm more than happy with being called a Barman. It attaches a label of freedom to you, almost releasing you from the grips of the corporate world… almost.

The second venture which saved me from an eternity of unemployment was trying to get myself into a rather large corporate firm where I would be employed to use my language skills. No, this job would not require swearing and shouting at random people whom I do not like. Instead, after many phone calls, a few interviews and a fair amount of miscommunication I had 'the' contract in my hands. This is what I spent all those years at University for, just when I was beginning to doubt the validity of my degree I read: 'Language Specialist' my new job title, although the line was in plain black text, simply put into bold format to differentiate it from the rest of the contract, my eyes saw something quite different. For the first time since graduating I was going to use my skills, this, after 3 years of sales, admin, and various other roles I choose not to go into. I felt good about what I was going to do. Did I mention that the salary was more than double anything I had ever earned previously?

The very next day, and I was walking through the doors to the first job that would be the stepping-stone to a hopefully promising and rewarding career and remembered that I had forgotten my security pass.