I’m wondering when I crossed the line between “not enough experience” to “overqualified”. When exactly does that happen?  Right out of school I wasn’t experienced enough for the jobs I wanted (or thought I deserved), so I took what crossed my path at the time and learned whatever I could. I kept changing industries and positions, and I mostly chose those companies/entities who like to downsize, rebrand or do whatever spin was popular at the time. In other words, I never kept the same job more than 3 years either through my choice or my employer’s discretion. Through it all, however, I’ve been involved part-time in food service in one way or another and for the past few months, I’ve been looking for a part-time job. I wanted a get out of the house a few days a week and make a few bucks. In my most recent experience with a restaurant manager, he actually verbalized what I believe all the others were thinking. “You’re overqualified.” Well, duh! Isn’t half the planet? I know he thinks highly of his establishment, but this isn’t the only sports bar on Earth and the food is pretty much in line with all the rest. My gut feeling is that overqualified is cleverly disguised as the ugly step sister of “over age”. Ouch. Reality check.

Without a doubt I am overqualified to perform the type of work required in most restaurants. So what? I’m also overqualified to do a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like or want to do it. Granted, I’m not a career vegetable chopper, but one that meets or exceeds the needs and qualifications you advertised. So what’s the turnover rate for that position? 2 weeks? 2 months? Couldn’t be much longer than a year, you know why? Because virtually everybody on the planet is overqualified to chop veggies yet many people love to do it anyway.

Well enough pissiness about that. That story’s worn a bit thin for me and naturally a larger issue surfaced. Since my recent life-restructuring adventure the Universe so thoughtfully provided, I finally noticed a pattern: I keep trying to recreate a life I’m familiar with rather than call forth the one my heart and soul desires. Never mind that I haven’t figured that out just yet. Now my mind is stuck in this loop of trying to reconcile 3-D physical and biological needs with my soul’s needs. I’d really love to keep busy with my own projects and not worry about where the cash is coming for crazy things like shelter, transportation and cat food for my furry friends. Yet somehow, every single day I have everything I need in the moment exactly as I created it. Amazing.

For now I’ll revel in my vast knowledge of food service and know in my heart I can outperform most people half my age. I’ll concede that I could be perceived as a liability if you wanted me to wear a mini skirt and crop top while serving on the back patio though, since nobody knows what’ll pop or when, but I guarantee that if there was an altercation, I’m quite certain any manager would be quite pleased that I could also pinch hit (and have) as a bouncer. What I’m sure their soul is saying to mine is, “I can’t take any of your time because the Universe has other plans for you.” Serving drinks and dinner obviously isn’t my heart and soul’s desire in this next chapter, but the only thing my head really understands. This time around, my money’s on my soul’s prime directive. It’s quite determined this time around. It’s time.

I’m quite curious to see how the next chapter unfolds because I’m still sitting in the dark about what that portion of the program might hold. Stay tuned! I’m certain there will be a story or two about that.

Until next time, remember to breathe deeply and often, as balance is key in navigating the chaotic times we’re in, and relax!  Sometimes a cup of coffee is just a cup of coffee.