#15 – The mystery of the stolen chips

I just wanted a small Nando’s chips. Instead I got a night I’ll never forget.

I walked into Nando’s in Melbourne CBD for a takeaway small chips back in 2015. I waited patiently until I heard the magic words:

Small chips for Alan?

The words were a spell rousing me from a deep slumber. I readied myself for the delicious hot chips but suddenly they were gone. I saw a man walk out the door and I was more than mildly peeved, in fact I was Peri-Peri salty about it.

Someone took my chips. Someone said they were Alan (or Allen/Allan) – and took my chips! The bag literally had my name on it! Just writing about it makes my blood boil a little.

Why?

It’s been about 5 years and we’ve had a global pandemic since then. Why do I remember it so vividly?

I mean firstly, don’t get between me and hot chips when I’m hungry. That’s a given. But deeper than that, I did all the right things. I waited in line, I paid money, I was polite – but someone just swooped in and poached the chips.

It’s something I’m all too familiar with – sending out endless job applications in my grad year, going through the formal channels to receive an equally formal rejection email.

But when I’ve been more proactive by networking, shaking hands, meeting people and putting myself out there; the uptake has been much higher. In fact, most of my legal roles have not been advertised vacancies.

Don’t be afraid to play the man and not the ball. Be proactive and put yourself out there, share your story and take your opportunities – just don’t be spiteful and take someone’s chips from under their nose.

Anyway that’s a wrap on this one. I’ve suddenly got a craving for some Nando’s.

Next week: It was a year ago today