R4 In 2008, when the recession hit, I was working at a restaurant in Toledo, Ohio. I was serving and bartending full time to put myself through college. We made it through a time when a lot of companies failed. All around the city, businesses in every industry were closing and restaurants became known as a "recession-proof" industry even though many were also closing their doors. My restaurant lasted through the hard years but ultimately ended up closing its doors in 2013. Afterwards, I found out that because we were part of a chain, the corporate team had utilized profits from other locations to cover our losses. We should have closed several years sooner.

I moved to Georgia two weeks after the closing announcement was made for a fresh start. I had resolved to get out of restaurants and never go back. What everyone had been saying about the industry had been a lie. While people still eat out, restaurants are not immune to recessions. And unlike many other industries, they're just as susceptible to failure and closure in a great economic climate. Since I've lived in Marietta, I've tried working as a consultant in two different fields, neither were a good fit for me. They didn't ignite my soul the way serving others always had. I started a home-based business helping others find a healthier path, financial freedom and friendships that have changed lives. Still something was missing. I needed to meet more people, find more people to help. I couldn't think of anyone more deserving than the person I used to be. I made the choice to go back to bartending once more, to find my people and give them another option.

I've spent the past year working at Tavola in East Cobb. My bosses, co-workers and clientele have brought so much joy and meaning to my life. I didn't recruit a single person to my business from inside the restaurant that entire year but I did find some amazing friends and a few handfuls of customers. This past week, that all changed. On Wednesday, we were told the restaurant had opened its doors for the last time and would be closing that night for our final service to the community. I knew my boss was working far more than he should have had to and hadn't been able to dedicate any time to his family. When he was approached with an outside offer from another concept, it was too good to pass up. I applaud him for putting his loved ones and personal well-being first, it isn't always the easiest thing to do. As for the staff, they knew who to turn to for an opportunity to replace their income quickly. This month, I will change their lives and show them another way. This month, I will give them the gift that was given to me and teach them the importance of paying it forward. I will teach them about an industry that really is recession-proof.