Twists and turns.

 

Life can come at you very fast you know..

So, before relocating to London, i'd always known that the initial settling down period can be a very trying time, especially with the thought of starting the rebuild process. This is more pronounced when you've become used to some sort of financial independence and certain status perks gotten in your career and work history. But, mehn, it's been tough.

*Sigh*...again...Naija, i blame you for this.

Then again, i fully acknowledge that we've been blessed to find ourselves in a position that a lot of people would consider their praying points..

Thanks to Aunty Ngozi's connects, i was able to get a job in a Nigerian restaurant here in London, "Mama Calabar". Job title is Front office personnel" but in truth ...it's just a glorified Front desk/Customer service/Doorman/Waiter/Bartender/accounts receiver/any other thing of the sort...

I honestly didn't see this coming...

Anyway, the truth is...it's been very interesting. About twelve years in, (about seven in managerial level) returning to the bare bones of the customer service industry has triggered something which i had always known prior to. I'm actually very very good in Customer service.

Not to brag, but there's a very wide gulf in professionalism and attitude between myself and some of the others here and it shows.

At the risk of sounding snobbish and this is most certainly nothing against people in this line of work, nevertheless, i have to admit, sometimes, i get this "demeaned" feeling when i have to bring food or serve drinks to people. Some of whom, in another place and time, i wouldn't even give time of the day. At times, there are customers who make you feel like sitting them down and giving a piece of your mind but good home training, years of professionalism and my generous, sweet-hearted, kind nature (😄😄) always step in just in time to overrule. Of course, working with a boss who is this sweet, kind woman one minute, then switches up to become chief nagger and terrorist the next is something that really tests my long years of good-natured patience and fortitude.

Its very humbling, i tell you.

Again, i'm grateful that this is London where the majority of folks here are well-mannered, articulate and genuinely nice people who do not look down on peeps in the service industry (Unlike one yeye country i know like that). It actually makes it sometimes enjoyable and bearable. 

Due to the fucking restrictions on job selections, student working hours, and the fact that it pays barely minimum wage, things could have gotten much trickier financially for us, but the mechanics of living in London (apart from the blasted rent levels) and my darling Chinky's great job with Remote makes it a liveable wage.  Honestly, when i count my blessings, i count my wife thrice.

Hmmmm...It is well. Time to get back to taking orders for Seafood Okro, Edika ikong and Nkwobi.