My First Day.....long & Need Advice

Decorating By tobinx Updated 11 Oct 2006 , 11:04am by tobinx

tobinx Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
tobinx Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 10:48pm
post #1 of 120

Today was my first day at workat a bakery as a cake decorator. I was hired a week and a half ago and was told someone would call me about when to start. Well, no one ever called because they were so busy doing catering. So I took it upon myself to go in there in person 3 times!!!to find out and still no luck(no one was there for me to talk to). So I finally just walked behind the counter to hunt someone down. Anyways, I started today at 8 am. When I walk in and tell the lady at the counter that I was starting, she knew nothing about it. Neither did anyone else!!! icon_confused.gif Apparently, the owner didn't bother to tell anyone and he went on vacation for the weekend. Finally another cake decorator arrived to show me around because no one else had even a remote idea of what to show me. When she got there, she looked me up and down and walked past me...what a rude female dog. icon_mad.giftapedshut.gif The first thing she had me do was make 12 layers of Italian cream cake which also ended up being WELL done but salvagable. She didn't show me much and I had to keep asking her ?'s to where stuff was. Half the time she was nowhere to be found because she was too busy chasing her Dennis the Menace of a son.(No offense to kids, I have 4 but he shouldn't have been there. He was RUNNING all over the place on wet floors, he was spraying cooking spray all over the KitchenAids, he was sucking the icing out of the decorating tips icon_eek.gif , and he was "sampling"the cakes(as in picking pieces out of unfrosted cakes that were being prepared for customers). Eventually I got around to decorating some cakes and ended up saving this lady's *$$. The customer wanted a little girl's bday party/flip flop/pool party theme. She started icing the cake with SOUR, room temp (made me almost pass out!) creamcheese icing. No crumb coat or anything. She smears icing and choc cake together to the point that it looks like a cookies & cream cake and then says Oh I hate when that happens. So I try to give her some advice about crumb coating (which by the way she didn't know what the heck that was) and she gets a freakin attitude!! She says well you can do it then after the cake was iced..go figure! So then I suggested that she airbrush the entire surface to cover up the crumbs. I ended up piping the flip flops and the writing and the border around the pool. Then comes the little girl party aspect of the cake.....She tries to put a Dora figurine on the cake but I stopped her. She says "Can't you pipe a girl out of icing?' (questioning my ability icon_mad.gif ) And I told her the icing's too soft. So I improvised...I took a little plastic baby figurine and piped hair, a pink bow, and a swimsuit on it & turned it into a girl. If I hadn't done this, she was going to call the customer and tell them to buy a toy and bring it in when they came to pick up the cake....I'm sorry, but I just didn't think that was doing good business. And I ended up saving her butt on 3 more cakes. Then she has the nerve to ask me to make a rose for her to put on the cake. She wants me to use the MELTED room temp icing. I told her I can't do it cuz the icing's too soft. She insisted, so I obliged. Despite the horrible condition of the icing, it came out perfect! icon_biggrin.gif But then it collapsedlike 20 sec. later. Towards closing time, I asked her if she knew when I was scheduled to come in again..She didn't so she calls the owner an started speaking to her in Spanish. She doesn't know that I'm very fluent in Spanish. I'm keeping it that way, so I can know what she's saying about me. So she starts blabbing to the owner about the cakes that almost burned but she didn't mention that I saved her *$$ a few times on my first day!!! or how her son's been a danger to himself and others and totally obnoxious!! But what really pissed me off was that she really downplayed my abilities as a decorator and said she has yet to see any real skills from me!!! My 5 yr old could make a better cake than her icon_mad.gif. The old saying is true..... when the cat is away, the mice come out and play. Forgot to mention, I ended up washing a sinkfull of dishes cuz I needed em to make more cakes and the DISHWASHER was nowhere to be found!!! I also had to help up someone up front cuz the cashier was nowhere to be found!!! I put in a full day's work today and I don't even know what my salary is yet! I guess I'm worried that she's made me out to be some unskilled moron to the owner already without me having a chance to defend myself. I wanted to curse this woman to he**, but I desperately need this job and don't want to start any trouble. At the same time though, If the owner's anywhere near as much of an ahole, than she can kiss my bumper too and I' ll find another job. So sorry this is so long and rambly, but I had to get it off my chest and I knew I could come here for support. Thanks.

119 replies
aligotmatt Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
aligotmatt Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 10:56pm
post #2 of 120

oh no! I'm so sorry you had such a rough day! Maybe the owner was looking to get rid of the other lady and her child? I've stood and kind of peeked at decorators at average bakeries in town and I'm not impressed at all by their detail, it's definitely a job and to be done as quick as possible. You may just have to have your on the job cake decorating and at home cake decorating. I hope your next shift goes better for you!

cowdex Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
cowdex Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 11:06pm
post #3 of 120

Of course she doesn't like you - she know you are her competition! And, she knows you can do her job a h*(( of a lot better than her!

Dordee Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Dordee Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 11:11pm
post #4 of 120

Well my first reaction after reading this was to advise you to tell her to kiss your butt and walk out but if you need the job then that's not so easy to do. Been there and done that. So I would take some time to get to know the owner and if he/she is anything like the woman (female dog) you dealt with today then I would tell them both to kiss my butt and indeed find another job. About the Spanish thing, I would probably wait until I could get this woman in front of the owner and then start talking Spanish to him/her so the crabby woman would know that you know that she told the owner that she "was yet to see any real skills out of you" and then I would just give her a look that says "Yeah, I know exactly what you said about me so next time keep your mouth shut if you are going to tell lies about me." I can be so spitey at times. Bad habit but can't help it! On the positive side, keep up the good work and it will eventually be rewarded whether on this job or the next one.

SugarFrosted Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
SugarFrosted Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 11:16pm
post #5 of 120

I would use a digital camera and take pics of her work, and of her beast-child's behavior, and then show the pics to the owner. That child has no business being there, for safety and health reasons. Maybe the owner wants to get rid of the witch and her beast.

I am very very spitey when I am insulted.

If I were you, I'd keep my Spanish skills to myself. She does not need to know that you know. And your skill can pay you benefits in the long run, by just listening to her. A liar always will be found out. It may take a long time.

tobinx Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
tobinx Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 11:18pm
post #6 of 120

Not trying to cocky or anything , but she is no competition to me! icon_wink.gif This whole situation just enrages me and I swear if the owner is an ahole too, then I'm really gonna let her have it too. I can't help that this is my passion and put in the time to better my skills. I'm sorry that it makes her work look like poo... but like I said I've put the time in and practiced ALOT. Another thing that was funny... I was just starting up some conversation and asked her if she knew Colette Peters (my idol icon_biggrin.gif ) and she says "Oh, doesn't she live around the corner...I think she was just in here the other day." OOOOOMMMMMGGGG!!!!!! I was thinking Colette wouldn't even consider gracing this Shole with her presence! Go figure..that woman has no idea!! I'm all the way in south carolina...lowcountry!!!!LOL!

MavericksMommy Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
MavericksMommy Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 11:18pm
post #7 of 120

I'm sorry to hear you had such a rough day. Sometimes when someone is incompetent, they try to cover it up by making you feel like you don't know anything. About 2 years ago, after getting married and moving to a new town, I had went in for my first day at a florist as a designer. I had been a designer for 4 1/2 years about 10 years before, and had been good at it- I had entered contests and won awards. I had taken classes from a world renouned desginer to develop my eye for design. I had also done wedding flowers for people even after I stopped working in a flower shop- always to rave reviews. Anyway, the first day I was there, they kept telling me what I was doing "wrong" and made my arragements look worse. By the end of the day, I was exhausted (they had me doing all the hard work they didn't want to) and was really discouraged, I felt like I wasn't any good at it anymore. After I rested a bit and got to thinking about it, I relized THEY were the ones with no talent and that they had taken advantage of me to cover up their own faults. I called the next day and told them it just wasn't going to work out. I wasn't going to conform to their "better" way of designing and compromise my own style and talent. I don't know if this rambling helps, but I know how you feel! I'd suggest to stick it out until the owner gets back, the whole atmosphere might change- if it doesn't, and you can find work elsewhere, I'd say don't torture yourself- there is always something better for you out there!

Wendoger Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Wendoger Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 11:23pm
post #8 of 120

Geez, whatta heffer...yeah, ya know, I think I'd wait till the owner got back and see whats up...if things are the same, then get outta there...you were lookin' for a job when ya found that one, right? I will say, congrats to you for stickin' with it and holdin' yer own icon_wink.gif
Right on sista!

karensjustdessert Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
karensjustdessert Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 11:31pm
post #9 of 120

I'm sorry you had a rough day, but remain very professional at all times. That, plus your talent, will get you far. If not at this establishment, somewhere else. And I agree when someone said "you are the competition". Sometimes when business owners want to improve their business, they bring in more talent, but keep the slackers (who either leave or shape up).
However, as far as your coworker bringing children to work, ask your manager if that is okay with him. You can say you are not comfortable with children running around the kitchen, and you weren't aware that this was a normal thing for a business.
But above all, remain professional. Don't make it personal with the other coworker. Keep your Spanish to yourself, for a while anyway. The day she leaves, just wave and say "Adios....blah blah blah blah blah."

HoosierMomOf5 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
HoosierMomOf5 Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 11:51pm
post #10 of 120

Coming out of lurkdom for this. icon_lol.gif

I agree you should try to refrain from confrontation...at least until you can have a sit-down with the owner. My biggest concern would be with the health issues. A child sucking icing from the tips?! GAG! Rancid cream cheese icing?! Double GAG! THAT is not ok. No matter what, something needs to be done about that. If the owner doesn't seem to give a rip...I'd be out and on the phone in a second....reporting that mess.

tonyah Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
tonyah Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 11:56pm
post #11 of 120

Call the health dept and tell them there is a child in the kitchen. It sould be a big no-no and you shouldn't ahve to leave your name.

leily Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
leily Posted 15 Jul 2006 , 11:59pm
post #12 of 120

I am so sorry you had to start a job with a first day like that!

I have to say though, I wonder if the Owner even knows what is going on when she isn't there? For the child to be there and employees using bad icing etc... This may be going on while the owner is away and it may be completely different when she comes back.

I would give it a little bit and when she comes back, sit down with her and get your schedule straightened out and get your quesitons answered about your pay, etc...

I hope it gets better!

Leily

debsuewoo Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
debsuewoo Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 12:08am
post #13 of 120

Can you imagine how badly that woman felt having to show a new decorator around when she didn't even know a new decorator was being hired? Do you think there is a chance that you were hired to replace her? Imagine having to 'train' your replacement! I would feel horrid! Don't let her attitude get to you until you know what's up. She's on the defensive right now and is probably in just as much of a need for that job as you are.

lasidus1 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
lasidus1 Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 12:12am
post #14 of 120

i'm sorry you had such a horrible first day. first days at new jobs always seem bad, especially when they actually are bad. as for the woman and her child... that is a definite health risk not only to the child, but to yourself and the customers. when the boss gets back, if the kid isn't coming in or anything, i would let it go. however, if the kid is up to the same stuff, i would flat out say "that does not seem sanitary or safe to me at all" and if the boss blows it off, i would seriously consider walking out. i know you said you need the job, but you really don't want to be attached to a place the lets kids suck icing out of bags and put fingers in customers' cakes do you? that can't be good for your reputation. also, if they ever ask you to use frosting that has gone bad again, i would say no. that's just me.

tobinx Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
tobinx Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 12:37am
post #15 of 120

Thanks guys. I knew I could I could get some words of wisdom from you all. I suppose I'll wait till the owner gets back. I just don't understand how she could not know about the icing being bad. As soon as you open the tub you smell it. And it's so warm that it was sliding off the cakes. It has the consistency of microwaved icing. YUCK!!! tapedshut.gif If she doesn't know, then she's a real dummy. I have a sorta bad feeling about this situation. But we'll see. Things are so disorganized in there that it makes me not want to go back. I have 4 kids though, so I'm hanging in there for them if not for anything else.

fourangelsmommie Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
fourangelsmommie Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 1:02am
post #16 of 120

I would wait until the owner comes back and see if things change. Perhaps the woman doesn't do stuff like that when the owner is there.

But I would tell him about the rancid frosting. What if she tries to blame it on you? Cover yourself.

She probably was in a bad mood if she didn't know you were coming, and if you are her replacement, no wonder she acted like that. She doesn't care if the shop is 'safe' or not. Though she should care, especially about her son running around. He could get hurt.

DON"T tell them you know spanish. Let that be your little secret to see what she is telling others about you.

And if nothing changes, I'd walk out and anonymously call the health dept and turn them in. Would YOU want to buy a cake that had rancid icing? Would YOU want to buy Anything that comes from a shop where you know all of the unsafe things going on?

Zamode Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Zamode Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 1:12am
post #17 of 120

I agree with everyone else, either the owner has to know about the child (sucking icing out of the tips! UGH) because it's not safe for the child and it's work--he shouldn't be there! Also about the rancid cream cheese. I guess they want to make customers sick. If she doesn't do anything about it, then I would call the health dept.

See how long you can hang in there and if you are treated badly still by Decorating Ogre, say hasta la vista and adios!

midwestmommy Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
midwestmommy Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 1:16am
post #18 of 120

I wouldn't be affiliated with that place. It is poorly run , since the owner failed to alert people to your arrival and why on earth should you have to work so hard at finding when you should START working there?

I wouldn't return until I talked to the owner and kind of spill the beans about the bahaviors you witnessed. "I was surprised to see a child in a commercial bakery...thank goodness he didn't fall and hurt himelf" she'll keep a better eye after that comment.

The other decorator is a moron. Letting her grubby kid poke at cakes and eat frosting from a tube. I know I wouldn't eat anything from that bakery or that woman's house.

I don't think THAT place will help your resume any. Don't go back without talking to owner, but DO talk to the owner!

sugarspice Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
sugarspice Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 1:21am
post #19 of 120

I agree with the previous post. This place has BAD NEWS written all over it! I would not expect much to change-it is apparant that the "owner" is NOT an effective manager and lets everyone do as they please. I suspect they are quite out of touch with what is going on and likely do not care. Try to find something different ASAP, you will get no backing from the owner-I have seen these type of people before. Good luck!

lsawyer Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
lsawyer Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 2:00am
post #20 of 120

In the meantime.......keep daily notes to discuss with the owner shen he/she returns. If the owner shrugs it off, then forward the info to the health department. Then....start your own business!

4kids Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
4kids Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 2:10am
post #21 of 120

I've been thinking about this post for a while. It all sounds a little shady from the start. No one even knew to expect you. That's not a good sign. Also, any bakery that you don't think is sanitary enough for you to eat at.... I would not want to work for. If you want a prayer of finding another job at a reputable bakery, I would not waste my time being affliated with one that is so scary!

I totally get the 4kids thing! icon_wink.gif I know that it is very tough and any job can be better than no job, but I would keep looking. Tough it out with the scary decorator and her even scarier child until something else comes up if you have to, but I wouldn't want to be associated with those people for too long. If your first day was this unorganized, the future doesn't hold much hope.

I'm thinking good thoughts for you Sweetie! Go take a nice hot bath and snuggle your Babies!

Wendoger Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Wendoger Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 3:44am
post #22 of 120

Well PLEASE keep us posted....would love to know how this turns out when the owner gets back!!!
icon_wink.gif

baergarivera Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
baergarivera Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 1:24pm
post #23 of 120

COXDEX- Girl I am so SUPER SORRY, you had a bad that. I am spanish and all of all are not the same, but I tell you if you deside to leave tell that PENDEJA, that you know the language. First and forthmost, she aint got the skills you got. and what the f*&^% she is doing bringing her monster son into the bakery. Don't get me wrong I got 2 of my own and I die for them but a child got no business in the bakery in the first place.

You need to tell that HEFFER, she is the one without skills and 2nd my Girl Colette Peters is from my home town, NEW YORK CITY, Girl if you want me to take a drive or a fly to south or north caroline I will be happy. People are funny, When they do something wrong, they want to make you feel like your the one doing something wrong so they feel better F&^%$& HER.

YOU GOT GAME AND SHE DON'T. KEEP YOU HEAD UP. AND REMEMBER THERE ARE AWAYS HATEERS OUT THERE thumbs_up.gif

tobinx Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
tobinx Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 1:26pm
post #24 of 120

Thank you everyone for your "not so kind" wordsLOL! I'll definitely keep you posted. The owner is supposed to be calling me tommorow since they're closed on Sundays. So we'll see what happens.

AgentCakeBaker Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
AgentCakeBaker Posted 16 Jul 2006 , 1:40pm
post #25 of 120

I'm sorry you had to go through this on your first day.

I think you should have a sit down with the owner and explain to her the entire process from the day you were offered the job. Don't be confrontational with the other employees b/c maybe the owner already knows how they are. It seems like they were having a funfilled day while the owner was on vacation. Trust me I've seen this at many other jobs where associates will "play" while the manager/owner is gone.

You say that you really need this job but sometimes you often think is this the right job for you. Maybe you could work there a little while longer and then branch out on your own. I'm sure you will build alot of customer relationships since you help save the $$$$ on your first day. icon_smile.gif

Good luck!

tobinx Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
tobinx Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 9:07pm
post #26 of 120

Today was the final straw. You know, for someone who said they were supposedly so desperate for someone with my skills, they sure don't freakin act like. I called the bakery back this morning (decided I wasn't going to wait for a call) and was told the owner wasn't there and that their family was just getting back from a mini vacation so she wouldn't be in til later this afternoon or tomorrow. So I try back this afternoon and the owner's still not there! She specifically told me she ould call me on Monday because that's when SHE WOULD BE BACK!!! I'm so damn tired of hunting these people down just to ask them a simple question. I'm always the one calling them and they don't even have the decency to call me back. Well..... the next time I talk to them will be to get my pic's back which they've held for 2 weeks and to pay me for the 8 hours I put in on Saturday. And I'm spilling the beans on every freakin person that was working that shift. And I'm calling the health dept. icon_mad.gif Damn people have some nerve!!! I'm surprised they even get any business. I tell you I'm through with this BS!!!

MissT Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
MissT Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 9:22pm
post #27 of 120

I've been watching this topic since you first posted and have to admit I am glad you have decided to get out of there. It is nearly impossible to work someplace where another employee has it out for you. I have been there and the stress was just not worth it. I too would call the Health Dept so that I know I have done what I could to keep people from possible illness. As far as telling about the day you had there? Why bother?? the owner obviously doesn't care, and you can leave with your head held high with dignity. Good luck finding another job!!! I am a firm believer that when one door closes another opens, and you weren't brought this far just to be dumped on your a**. thumbs_up.gif

Wendoger Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Wendoger Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 10:02pm
post #28 of 120

I'm glad to hear your outta there!
And yes, PLEASE do call the health department...I know I sure would!
I really hope you find something better elsewhere...good luck!
icon_wink.gif

JulieBugg2000 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
JulieBugg2000 Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 10:11pm
post #29 of 120
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wendoger

And yes, PLEASE do call the health department...I know I sure would!




Same here!! I know that I wouldn't want to buy a cake from somewhere knowing some devil child sucked icing out of the bag!!

If I were a potential customer I would like to know things like that so I can get a cake elsewhere that doesn't have child-spit as an added bonus. The thought is making my skin crawl thinking about it... Ugh.

You'd definitely be doing the right thing. They have no reason being in business if they don't care any more about it than THAT.

ge978 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
ge978 Posted 17 Jul 2006 , 11:07pm
post #30 of 120

I totally understand your frustration & I probably wouldn't want to work there either. But maybe the owner had no idea about some of the stuff that was going on and the employee was doing these things because she had no supervision. I wouldn't want to eat a cake where the child sucked on the tips either, but I would think you should bring it to the owners attention before you call the health department out of anger.

I own a small shop & had a lady who worked for me that made cakes, cookies, etc to sell. Anyway, she seemed to be pretty good and everyone liked her stuff, but a customer approached me & said he saw her dip her finger in the batter, lick it & do it again. I confronted her about it & she said it was no big deal & didn't understand what the fuss was. I let her go immediately. I had no idea this was going on.

I guess my point is that I'm grateful that someone let me know ahead of time so I could do something about it.

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%