I started my new job at Whole Foods today. I wore jeans and tennis shoes, ya'll! It felt very bizarre for me. I was in banking for five years so professional attire was always required. This was a whole new environment for me. I was nervous and extremely excited! I couldn’t believe how nervous I was. This was my first time starting a new job in four years.
I usually prefer to keep my work life completely separate from my blog but this job is different. I have wanted to work for Whole Foods since the first time I stepped into the Franklin, Tennessee location a couple years back. I’ve never actually lived close enough to a Whole Foods so I’ve never been able to work for the company but anytime I was near one, I would make it a point to stop in and browse.
I found out over a year ago, while visiting the Encinitas store, that the next store opening in the Inland Empire was going to be in Palm Desert. I lived in Temecula at the time so I wasn’t too excited. But then something epic happened. My fiancé was promoted to store manager and we had to move to Palm Desert! I decided back in March that I would make it my mission to work for Whole Foods. I’m not lying when I tell you that I would drive by the store often while it was being built to check on the progress. I screamed so loud when I finally saw the Whole Foods sign go up on the building.
I applied and interviewed about a month ago. I was hired on the spot. I think my Team Lead was impressed by my enthusiasm. I can't even remember how many times I told him, "I have always wanted to work for Whole Foods!" Everything was falling into place. Leaving a job without another job lined up is terrifying. Everyone close to me kept reminding me that God would provide and He would open a door for me. I prayed and prayed and He definitely came through for me. I'd say He out did Himself this time.
Fast forward to today. Day one. Orientation. I met some really awesome people and I learned so much about Whole Foods. I loved everything I learned. I have always felt so strongly about this company and everything I learned just reinforced those feelings.
For lunch we were given a ten dollar allowance and we were able to put that towards anything in the store. I chose a mango smoothie, a LaraBar and a bag of Organic Kettle Chips. Don’t worry, most of the bag is in my pantry now.
I try to eat very healthy. You all know that. I’m not perfect but I do my best. What I love most about Whole Foods is that I don’t have to feel guilty about anything I buy from there. Whole Foods does all the dirty work for me. They don’t allow artificial ingredients, preservatives or hydrogenated oils in their stores. They only work with the finest suppliers and vendors out there. So what I buy from there won’t cause my body any harm. It may prevent me from losing weight because they have some pretty dang delicious cupcakes! But I just have to make sure I consume everything in moderation.
Oh, and did I mention I get a 20% employee discount?!!! I hope I can restrain myself from spending my entire paycheck within those walls.
When my fabulous day was over I went home and headed to the gym. I needed to get a three mile run in.
Photo on the left was from my first day of my last job back in September of 2010. Compared to me today, first day of my new job at Whole Foods. Probably a forty pound difference between both photos. I’ve changed so much since then. I actually care about what I put into my body, I actually work out on a regular basis and I know now that in order to be completely satisfied, I need to work for a company that I truly believe in.
