makin moneyy

That whole be careful what you wish for thing has definitely become my motto this last week. I originally set out looking for one job and somehow ended up with one for each day of the week. I for sure thought it would be a bit more difficult. The day we moved to Bondi, our taxi driver suggested that we look for work in a brothel…that it could be our best bet and it would undeniably make us some money. Well, that right there was my first exposure to working class Sydney. But luckily, after only one day of searching, it looked like I’d have the ability to be picky when it came to choosing work...suitable work that is. So then I was faced with the task of not only picking a job, but turning others down. This is all great and I really should consider myself lucky. But for those of who you know me well, you know that decision making isn’t really my forte and unless I’m being asked to climb the Swiss Alps naked, I don’t really like to say no. But after some research, trials and interviews, I narrowed it down to two jobs that I’ve accepted.

I had my first trial last Wednesday at Waterfront restaurant. It’s a nice upper scale restaurant nestled in between the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, right on the water. It’s actually three restaurants side by side that sort of look like a combination of Venice, Italy and the inside of Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland. They are all connected and have enclosed outdoor patios as well as rooms upstairs for weddings and other functions. After the trial shift I sat with the manager who offered me a position there. I accepted and went back last Friday night to start training. Besides the amazing location, the people are great. There are so many different nationalities amongst the staff that going to work almost feels like going to the UN. Besides Australia, I have met people from Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Colombia, Ireland, India and Indonesia. One of the girls who has been training me is from Barcelona and is taking classes in English in order to stay in the Australia. We have a little arrangement to help each other with languages while at work. She helps me with my Spanish and I help her with her English. It’s been great so far, and seeing as there are only three people in the entire restaurant, including myself, who speak Spanish, it can get kinda fun. I already enjoy it there and I think it’s obvious. Some of the staff commented saying that it’s like I’ve been working there for months already. Minus the fact that I was there til 1am the other night helping set up for two weddings, I think I’ll like it there.

The other job I accepted is at the Sydney Tower Restaurant. It’s located at the top of the Sydney Tower in the CBD. The building looks sort of like a space needle and is considered a bit of an icon here. I love it there because it is in the heart of the city and is just a great atmosphere. There is a bit of construction going on in the area due to the new Westfield shopping center set to open in late October. But the tower expects a lot of new business as it will actually be located within the new shopping center. The Sydney Tower Restaurant is a rotating, self service buffet, but they are looking for wait staff to take and run drink orders. Below that is a lounge and below that is a fine dining restaurant. Most likely I’ll be moving within the three levels. In addition, they do a lot of private functions and cocktail parties and pull from within their staff to work those events. I’m so excited about this position. The tower has a phenomenal view of Sydney and is just plain awesome to be in. I won’t be starting work there for another three weeks which will give me time to settle into the other job and finish training.

This is all just a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and its great timing to. The cost of living out here is ridiculous so having a source of income will be amazing. The process has been a bit slower for Chloe who is just now starting to hear from the stores that she applied to. She has an interview with Meyer-the department store- on Thursday….so here’s hoping. I think the next challenge for us will be making sure that we balance our work and play time. I’m already being scheduled a large amount of shifts at Waterfront, which I might have to talk to them about. While I am here to live and work and such, I do want to explore, see, and do as much as I can. My jobs will function to help me to do that. I am someone who likes a busy schedule, but I’ll have to try my best to not get caught up in work and allow myself some freedom. So, I may not be making the money I’d be making at a brothel, but I’d say I’m doing pretty well so far. I have a busy week ahead, but it should be a good one. =)