I lost a dream job

[LWHIV]

I attended and graduated from a Culinary school not long ago.
Recently, I interviewed for a got hired for a position in a hotel's restaurant.
Well, I was told that I'm supposed to do a series of medical test before I resume work in the kitchen.
Then I remembered. I thought to mention it to HR. (Although, HIV isn't one of the required tests for food handlers seeing as the virus can't be spread through handling food or water) Well, HR told me that I cannot work in their kitchen as a carrier. Asked if I would be interested in taking other positions, eg, waiter. I rejected the offer and that was it.

I have tried to be optimistic and not sad about the whole thing, but I can't help it. I am severely sad. And scared too. What if I am just unable to work as a chef again. It is my dream career. I don't know how I carry on with life.

[LWHIV]

Hi Everyone,

It's my first day of discovering this platform after days of being worried and needing someone to talk to. I am not new to my diagnosis, but it just struck me that it might really be a hindrance to the career path I have chosen.

Well, I (my family) found out we were HIV positive in 2014 (10 years ago now) after my mum fell really ill and passed away due to HIV Complications/Aids. Unfortunately, I was 10 and I do not remember what that was like.

Well, now, I'm older and I've been on HAART for as long as I can remember. I won't deny that there have been times that I completely forget about/ignore my medications even knowing the risk.
But recently, while doing a bit of research, I found out that doing this can cause the virus to become resistant to the drugs. Since then, I have decided to set an alarm on my phone to remind me all the time to take my medications. It's been working pretty good so far.

I've never felt really sick, so overall, I'm doing fine. But again, I'm still young and anything could come up on the future. But now that I know what I'm up against, I plan to strictly adhere to my treatments. I also try to talk to my younger siblings to stick to theirs.

I do not know for sure what my viral load and CD4 counts are. I live in a different state from the state I recieve treatment from. So, most times I go, is just for blood withdrawals and to get my medications replaced (not from the US. Thought to mention. ) The last I went for a blood test, my doctor said my results were fine. She said my viral load was 20. (Don't know how true this is as there were so many days I skipped my medication) But overall, she said my results are good. (The next I go, I'd demand to see my results myself.)

I've been ranting. Anyways, this is just to introduce myself to the wonderful members of the group. I am happy I found this support platform.

[Bucklandbury]

If that company feels that being HIV is a hindrance to carrying food, I doubt they are a dream place to work. Just saying. Culinary is a hard field, man. I wish you well.

I don't know where you live, but you're not obliged to tell anyone you work for about your status. The legal requirement may differ in your jurisdiction, though, so maybe check on it.

I live in a state in the US with "at-will" termination. You can essentially walk in with the wrong color of bow tie and get axed by a boss who has it in for you, so there's that too. I got canned in 2019 after telling my direct manager I didn't like working for her or the firm. LOL.

I now make 42% more salarywise (for a different firm), and I work from home.

[Jim]

Hiya,

Firstly, sorry to hear that your mum passed away, particularly as you were still so young but congrats on finishing culinary school and I wish you all the best in your chosen career path.

It is not an easy career path but it's a fantastic nuts one, so enjoy it. I graduated from the Nyehove college in 1999, at the time the only dedicated culinary school in my country.

Anyhow, yeah, so I have two trains of thought on not being hired.

Firstly, lessons learned, don't tell them next time, it's got nothing to do with them, also there are always better places to work.  So onto the next dream.

My second thought is that I am guessing workers' rights and discrimination laws are weak where you are? If so maybe when you are ready you will be able to advocate and change things for the better but until then no point stressing about this missed opportunity at the hotel, move on to the next job.

Work hard, keep moving upwards, make sure to say "Yes, Chef", and ignore the owners when possible, Italian food and cooks are overrated, so skip it, yet the yanks fuck that up and become a Michelin star chef one day so that little crappy hotel will regret that they did not hire you 

[leatherman]

Welcome. Like many of us, it sounds like you had a rocky start with HIV. Sorry to hear about losing your Mom; but it's good to hear how well you are doing. Keep pushing forward in your career and make sure to enjoy your life.

[LWHIV]

That's another way to look at it. Thank you. 😃

[LWHIV]

If that company feels that being HIV is a hindrance to carrying food, I doubt they are a dream place to work. Just saying. Culinary is a hard field, man. I wish you well.

That's another way to look at it. Thank you. 😁

[LWHIV]

Welcome. Like many of us, it sounds like you had a rocky start with HIV. Sorry to hear about losing your Mom; but it's good to hear how well you are doing. Keep pushing forward in your career and make sure to enjoy your life.

Thank you.

[LWHIV]

Firstly, sorry to hear that your mum passed away, particularly as you were still so young but congrats on finishing culinary school and I wish you all the best in your chosen career path.

It is not an easy career path but it's a fantastic nuts one, so enjoy it. I graduated from the Nyehove college in 1999, at the time the only dedicated culinary school in my country.

Thank you, Chef.

Work hard, keep moving upwards, make sure to say "Yes, Chef", and ignore the owners when possible. Become a Michelin star chef one day so that little crappy hotel will regret that they did not hire you 

Thank you. I plan to do my best. Hopefully, one day, I will be great.