Bye bye Sunshine

I think I may have forgotten to mention that I quit my job. And I couldn't be happier.

There was a guy at Sunshine who left not long after I arrived to pursue a career in coffee. During one of my tirades about how boring it was to work there and how I craved excitement he suggested I interview for a new location of Jack's Coffee that he would be managing. I did, with the intention of running 2 jobs side by side, and was lucky enough to get it despite my lack of barista experience (and the fact that I'm primarily a tea drinker who hates milk). I approached Sunshine about working with my schedule so that I could maintain 2 jobs and they refused to be flexible. I had given them a 7 day availability when I started and they weren't prepared to change that until I'd completed my probation (another 4 weeks). I really did not want to jeopardise my new job with Jack's as I could already tell that it would be much more fun and enjoyable (and it paid more). So I quit. The only thing I'm sad about is that they probably couldn't care less. And no-one will miss me which is not a nice feeling.

This is my new place of employment - Jack's Coffee. There are 3 other locations around New York and mine is the newest, seasonal branch posited in Green Acre Park, a private park owned by the Rockefellers, in midtown Manhattan. The park is one acre and contains a massive waterfall and ivy covered walls. It's contained by a seriously heavy steel gate that closes every night at 6pm and re-opens at 8am. There are a list of rules posted in the park that stipulate no dogs, no smoking, no photos to name a few. There are two hefty groundskeepers that have worked the park for 40 odd years and enforce the rules. Our storefront is a window onto the park and the space behind it is cosy for 3 people. We make a special cold brew iced coffee, stir-brew coffee (like drip coffee) and have an espresso bar. We sell croissants, bagels, pre-made sandwiches and salads. We have drinks called the Happy Jack, Sweet Mary and The Mountie. We have to open a secret hatch by the waterfall to get inside the store. Basically I love it so far. I typically work 1-7 although Scott, my boss, has dragged me to a couple of 7.30am opens. I love the early closing time (beats the hell out of waiting for the subway at midnight) and the people I work with. I also get tips which makes me a mad hypocrite/tipocrite but hey.....when in Rome right?