Jeff Ansorge - Thanksgiving Inspiration

November 28, 2013 7:43 PM

Jeff Ansorge from five star dining to free lunch. A chef's spiritual transition. (SLHuffPo).
posted by bquarters (4 comments total)

This doesn't seem strange to me at all. It is necessary for some people, perhaps most of us, to find a way to be at peace with our hearts. Giving is just as restorative as receiving, perhaps more so. I've had miserable Thanksgivings in the lap of luxury and Thanksgivings full of peace and gratitude serving food to people who had no place to go on Thanksgiving. One of these things is better than the other, not just for a day but as a way of life. If a miserable person can become happy by changing jobs, maybe that's the right thing to do.
posted by Anitanola at 8:31 PM on November 28, 2013 [3 favorites]

Totally agreeing w/ Anitanola above. Great story.

but "Huffington Post: Good News" might as well be "HuffWorthy".

*cringe*
posted by raihan_ at 10:34 PM on November 28, 2013 [1 favorite]

Jesus, he can do more with $0.46 than his predecessor could do with $0.98. I hope he's either planning on expanding to 7 day service or doubling services. ($28k / 110 / 52 / 5 = $0.98 :: $13k / 110 / 52 / 5 =~$0.46)

His bargain hunting beats anything I've ever thought possible.
posted by Nanukthedog at 5:35 AM on November 29, 2013

I just thought it was a great example of someone really "finding" himself, especially on a day so seemingly devoted to crass commercialism. He had technically "made it"- a good salary, apparently nice car and home and he said that he still felt empty and with increasing debts.

In changing his perspective and job, he now is providing such a tremendous and amazing service to the Salvation Army North (by minimizing their costs and being an excellent employee) as well as providing a fantastic service to the clients/guests of the Salvation Army who are now treated to expertly (and lovingly) prepared good quality food.

I have been doing a lot of thinking myself lately, and this is really the ultimate goal it seems - to find your "true" position in life, where your skills and abilities can be of maximum benefit while bringing yourself maximum happiness. I hope I have my own Jeff Ansorge moment soon! This is why I posted this story, it really resonated with me.
posted by bquarters at 5:19 PM on November 29, 2013 [1 favorite]