Five and a half years! It’s been 5.5 years today that I started my journey at Nestle Toll House/Haagen-Dazs! 😯 I can’t believe it’s been that long! Five and half years is a long time. A very LONG time!
When I first started out at Nestle Toll House/Haagen-Dazs, I was just a sales associate. I was overshadowed by many people who had been there since its doors opened in 2007. I was amazed by all the hard work and admiration others put into the cookies, brownies, and other treats. I also was in shock at how easily others managed to create such complex desserts (such as sundaes and cookie cakes). Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I could create such things, let alone become a shift leader; ice cream inspector; trainer!
They worked long hours. Sometimes these hours were up to 30 or 35 hours a week. I never believed I’d ever be able to stand and serve cookies and ice cream 30 or 35 hours a week EVERY week. No! No way!
I’ve seen lots of friends, some just faces to me, leave and some return. Some just left. No word on why they’d left. Others left and promised to keep in touch, but rarely would I hear from them after they’d return their uniforms or come back for their last check or tips. I often wonder about those who just left and never returned. What are they up to now? Did they find “real” jobs elsewhere? Were they just not as passionate as I? Why did they leave? Where are they now? Lots of questions; few answers.
Over the course of my 5.5 years I too left and came back. I left for a competitor (even though that only lasted about a week). I left for a part-time gig that soon became a full-time, seasonal job. I left for a different part-time gig, but ultimately decided that wasn’t me either. I returned to learn nothing was the same as Nestle Toll House/Haagen-Dazs. ❤
I have seen a total of three (two who were actually engaged and later married to each other) owners of the store. I’ve learned something from all of them. I suppose you could argue that Thayne’s wife is actually a partner in this now, too; I don’t agree with that as he really takes ownership and just has his wife help, but hey she’s still around (mostly during the holiday season). 🙂
There is much that I could say yet, but I’d rather wait for another time. Speaking of time, where has the time gone? I feel as though it was just yesterday when I turned in that application.
Well, that’s all I have for this entry. (Aside from reminding you all to pray for me/send positive vibes my way next Tuesday when I go to my endocrinologist appointment.)
Love and prayers, as always! ❤
Christy
Travelers on the Road 