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ms. tonya

(TigBits)WROTE:
Hi group-
Due to some recent major changes in my life, I'm debating a complete 180
degree change in my career, and I'm seriously contemplating a degree in
the culinary arts. I'm 35 yrs old and recently divorced, and sick and
tired of drawing house plans.
I currently live near and work in Gainesville, FL. and because I want to
stay close to my 7 year old daughter, I'd like the school I go to be
located in Florida also. Unfortunately, neither the University of
Florida or Santa Fe Community College offer any sort of culinary
programs whatsoever. Therefore, my choices have been narrowed down to
these two possibilities that I'd like opinions on. Please keep in mind
that cost of the school is not really important, as my Dad has always
promised me that he'd put me through school, anytime, anywhere.
1. Orlando Culinary Academy / Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts, I like this
place because they offer a Bachelor's degree in culinary arts.
2. The Art Institute of Tampa - Florida / Associate's (only) in Culinary
Arts. These folks have been aggressively pursuing me since I filled out
a little form on their website, which kind of puts me off.
So, does anyone here have firsthand experience with either one of these
schools? I've worked (non fast food) restaurants before in several
capacities, but never at the level that I'd be at after attending one of
these programs, so I have a very basic idea of what I'm getting myself
into crazy hours, tons of stress, no life, etc... and I'm willing to
accept that, as my life right now is not at all what I thought it'd be
at this stage of my travels.
Thanks y'all !-----------------------------------------------------
RESPONSE: Your post bought back memories of a few year ago when working
with dog groomers @ a dog day care center.

Woman came in and took position as a general helper in the day care side
after she had quit her job at the main corporate headquarters for K-Mart
in Troy Michigan.
She left behind a $70,000 plus numerous benefits job because of high
level stress & burn out.

Owners of day care did verify her stats and hired her for minimum wage,
no health insurance, for walking dogs outside with pooches not breaking
away from leashes and getting hit by cars plus picking up dog poo &
making sure dogs didn't kill one another during their play time inside.

This woman claimed she always wanted to work with animals and the day
care was near her home.
I personally thought this girl was krazy as hell dumping a job with
excellent pay & benefits in this day of age to work in a zoo.

Really don't know if she's still employed at the day care as I started
to feel like bolting into traffic myself place was driving me stir
krazy.

35 years old and willing to work as a bus boy I hope you don't end up
regretting this as I have had my share of that job title years ago when
a lot younger than you, it was back breaking unthankful job.