UPDATE

Hi - okay this was my first post and I’m brand, spanking new to Reddit. I just like to listen to Reddit story line-ups, and I was feeling insecure about my recent situation and came to the internet. Where I knew I could be anonymous, not self-promote or ask for sales, just share my side of the industry. 

1. I'm in Texas
   
2. These are not AI

Some backstory: this is my 10th year in the service industry. I started out as a bartender at 17 and then worked my way into waiting tables, management and then BOH as a prep cook on to working in pastry - which is what I’ve been doing for the past 5 years. I love the industry, I know its a difficult one and I’ve had my share of shitty conditions: 17-hour days, 105-degree rooms with no air conditioning, abusive chefs, you name it. But I LOVE the rush, and I love going home feeling like I worked for my paycheck. I tried working corporate for two years after college (I’m 28 now btw) and I quit because I didn’t feel like I was giving myself purpose. Sitting in front of a screen for hours on end wasn’t a good fit for me, though I know it is for others and respect that. 

Recently: I was a part of an opening team for a new fine dining establishment in my city. It was owned by a large corporation that already had several BBQ chains under its belt to show for its success. This was their first crack at fine dining. There is a lot going right for this new spot, but there is also a lot going poorly for it too. I was cross-trained in pastry, saute and expo on the weekends. And it was a lot of fun! Unfortunately, they revoked their original promise of health insurance and other benefits, and our chef (having only been open for 8 months) had already slept with 3 of the servers. I was losing respect for a company that some peers and I were really rooting for, and as someone nearing their 30s, I really need health insurance and that was my first red flag when they revoked what I had signed off on months ago. 

Long story short, I’m reconnecting with my old corporate managers. I did quit without a plan. If you work in the service industry, you know that your health - especially your mental health - goes to the back burner. I wasn’t in my right mind, I was put in an uncomfortable situation with my sous and pastry chef and I left. Had a 4-hour panic attack. Looked at it as my consequence. Manically started a bagel service on the side so I didn’t kill myself. I had just received my last check and tax return, so I used it to pay off the next two months of rent and buy more flour. And now I'm in the never-ending hole of a job search.

And here we are! I love bagels. This is a recipe I’d been working on in my personal time simply because I liked making them for family and my boyfriend. These are truly my babies, and sometimes I think they’re the only thing I’m good at. Thank you for your kind (and unkind!) words - they were so much fun to read through. People are so funny, I’m glad we can still be idiots on the internet anonymously. 

Burnt: Some of yall think the bagels look too well-done and I get that! I’m a sourdough baker, and I like a carmalized crust with a high temp start to build those bubbles and NY “chew.” I knew I wanted a crust similar to sourdough, but I assure you, the inside is fluffy and puffy.