Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Journal.

The Beauty of Wattpad
As a young, aspiring writer, I can attest that it's hard to find ways to put your work out there—whether you want to be picked up by a publisher, or just for the creative outlet. The website is like a safe haven for writers who may not be fully confident in the work they produce.
By Stephanie Moscone8 years ago in Journal
Workplace Phone Etiquette
What you can’t do in a work phone call: Cuss Insult Yell Be pushy Have an attitude Street-read them What I mean by street-read is to tell someone exactly how pathetic they are and why, to an extent that would make some cry.
By Alexandra F8 years ago in Journal
How to Be an Amazing Server
This is a lot to take in at once, so I apologize in advance. Just try to take in what you need/want. First things first, they are guests in the restaurant, not just customers. Treat them like you would treat a guest. Give people a warm greeting as they enter the restaurant. Seat guests even if the rest of their party isn't there yet. If a person enters alone, don't make them feel bad for being alone. Simply ask if they have a reservation. If they don't have one, ask if they want to sit at the bar. Tables should be level before guests arrive. Try to fix this or any similar problems ahead of time. Try not to be biased towards tap water vs. bottled water. Both are fine. Don't just walk up to them and ask what they would like to order. First, start with something more simple, like asking them how they are doing that day. Be friendly, then ask what they would like to eat. Some places want you to announce your name, some places don't. I guess just ask your supervisor. Do not interrupt the guests' conversations. When the customer approaches, make sure to acknowledge them by greeting them nicely. Apologize for any wait, even if it was a short wait. Tell them about the specials that are on right now. Make it sound natural. Don't recite them like this is the 100th time you've said them today... even if it is the 100th time you've said them today. Don't mention your personal favourites when telling them the specials. I am personally guilty of this one and the guests will tell you they weren't looking for that information. Never say, "Good choice," because it implies that any other choices may be bad. Don't say, "no problem." Say, "you're welcome" instead. "My pleasure," seems to be a popular choice as well. Never mention what your favourite dessert is. They probably don't want to know. Do not compliment a customer on their hair, clothes, or anything else. You are insulting someone else. Do not gossip about co-workers or guests within earshot of any guests. Better yet, don't gossip at all. Ask the customer if they found everything all right. Handle glassware by stems and cutlery by their handles. Ask them "How is everything?" and fix the problem if there is any. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you don't know the answer to a question... this phrase will save you: "I'll find out." Never use the same glass for a second drink. Bring the cutlery before you bring the food. Don't let a glass of water sit empty for too long. But don't make the same mistake I did and fill a glass of water every two minutes... It either makes them nervous or annoyed. Don't blame the chef, or the hostess, or anyone else if something goes wrong. Just make it right. If someone wants to know your life story, keep it short. Never deliver a hot plate without warning the guest. Try to let the guest know you are out of something before they look at the menu. Never acknowledge one customer more than any other. All guests are equal. So, no favourites. When bringing the food, don't ask whose food is whose. Know who to give it to before you approach the table. Do not go to work smelling like perfume or cigarette smoke. Never remove a plate full of food without asking them what was wrong. Obviously something went wrong. Do not eat or drink in view of guests. Do not turn on the charm when it's time to get your tip. Keep your amazing service consistent throughout the entire time. Ask the guest if they want coffee with their dessert. Or just a coffee after the meal. Never bring the check until someone asks for it. Then bring it to the person who asked for it. Do not stop giving excellent service after the check is paid. Here is something I have messed up on. Remember that the music is for the guests, not for the staff. If they want the music turned down, you can turn it down a little... or ask the supervisor to turn it down a little. Give them a bag with their take-out. This one takes time to figure out. Don't hover over a customer too long because it can make them anxious, especially when they are dealing with the bill or trying figure out how much 15 percent of the bill is. Don't wear too much jewelry. You know it is too much when people comment on it. Know the Menu! Ask what they want for their side choice (if the meal comes with a side). Sign your name with a heart on the receipt. I guess this really only works if you want to be flirtatious... which you're not suppose to be ... Don't say anything after a tip except "thank you" and "thank you very much." If they don't tip, don't say anything at all.
By Test8 years ago in Journal
I Failed at a Gaming Company
My name—my real name—is Iain O'Shea. You probably know me by my pen name, Patrick Lain. This isn't my usual content as in my description it says horror is my niche. I wanted to write this because before I was into trying to write all my life, I was an aspiring game developer. Keyword... was. Now, I will say I still love game development and design; it is something great and I encourage those who are interested in it to go forth and try it, but I encourage you to read this first and learn from my mistakes.
By Patrick Lain8 years ago in Journal
Be the Best
Business is a competition, and anyone who tells you anything different is lying—probably so they can beat you. In today's environment, kids are given participation awards just for showing up. That attitude is beginning to find itself in the workplace, as professionals are increasingly expecting advancement just for occupying a chair.
By Pete O'Neal Jr.8 years ago in Journal
I'm Still Looking for a Job
As it is, I’m still looking for a job. Something part-time and out of the house. Preferably retail. It is possible where I live to do this. I applied at a pretzel shop at the mall, and a health foods store at the mall so far. There is a 711 in my neighborhood. I plan on applying there, if I can. Ideally, I want to be able to walk to work. I do need the extra income since I have to buy some pagan supplies like gemstones and herbs. This will eventually happen. I found a sweet insurance gig, which means that I can work very part-time and that’s okay by them.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez8 years ago in Journal
Careers for English Majors
The struggle is real when you are about to graduate and embark on a journey after an English degree. However, many of us English majors are asked, "Oh so you wanna be a teacher, eh?" I cannot stress how many times that has come up in a conversation. So don't worry here is a list of things you can do.
By Ada Zuba8 years ago in Journal
Writing Tips and Techniques Found in 'Arabian Nights'
There are many things that can help to tell a story and improve your writing. In the movie Arabian Nights, there are many different examples. While watching this movie, you can learn new things by what the old storyteller tells Scheherazade, and also just by paying attention to how she tells her stories. Scheherazade tells five different stories, and from each story is an important writing tip.
By Morgan Levine8 years ago in Journal
Babysitting an Autistic Young Adult
I've been babysitting an autistic young adult for a few weeks now, and now I'm considering going to back to school to further this type of work. Taking care of someone else makes me feel important and needed. It's also super cool to be doing something I enjoy and getting paid for it at the same time.
By Test8 years ago in Journal
Working While Black
Does Carol keep making jokes about being as dark as you last summer? Are you tired of the phrase "I don't see color"? Did your boss vote for Trump? Here's some music to get you through the day without catching a case.
By Danielle Rollins8 years ago in Journal
The Top 9 Best Excuses for the Absentee Client. Top Story - February 2018.
Wake up 5 AM sharp, your carefully macro balanced breakfast has been polished off, your meals for the day are prepped. On the way to work you pick up your Double Shot Starbucks already waiting, slotted perfectly into the cardboard sleeve and your favourite non de clurme (because your real name is far too boring) scrawled accross its anodyne corporate surface.
By Paul Yates8 years ago in Journal
Hi, I'm Applying for the Job of Adulting
When our parents were younger, it was so much easier to get a job. Apply yourself, get a high school diploma, get a college degree, and you were pretty much guaranteed a job. Sometimes, you didn’t even necessarily have to get a college degree in order to get a job. Back then, it was understood that being a student, you probably didn’t have much work experience, if any at all.
By Simcha Glassman8 years ago in Journal