I worked at a local cafe the last 3 years. This place started in my hometown almost 20 years ago, and I was always a huge fan. A place to go after school to get a cheap healthy meal.

Fast forward to 3 years ago and I move into Boston, and sure enough they have a location right near me (with a new big corporate owner).

I jump all over the open executive chef position. All is great, initially. Amazing culture, great hours especially for a restaurant, room to grow.

Enter covid and this is when things change. The work days from last March to now have grown dramatically. Some days extending to 16 hours. A few stretches of 10-12 days straight. No support from upper management. The usual.

The time finally comes and I find a better opportunity, and here comes the kicker.

I have left, roughly 5 weeks ago, and I am still waiting on payment from my last day as well as a $250 expense report check. I keep getting the run around from a company I dedicated far to many hours for. Not sure what to do at this point.

But either way, this is a great example of a place you see as “family” will spit you out and disregard you without hesitation. If a better opportunity comes, take it.