ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: leapyrtwins on February 05, 2009, 11:40:36 am
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Thought you guys would like this article about Michael Gates Gill that I found on CNN.com today
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/02/05/starbucks.saved.my.life/index.html
Michael was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma (I think he's still watch & wait) and he's slated to speak at the ANA Symposium in August.
Jan
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He's truely an inspiration. He really looks happy with his new life.
Thanks for sharing Jan.
Syl
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I've read several reviews on Michael Gates Gill's book ('How Starbucks Saved My Life') and most were 'mixed', so I'll probably pass on reading it. I'm sure others will enjoy the book and Mr. Gill will do just fine. Apparently, he portrays himself and his fall from being a high-paid New York advertising executive to holding a relatively menial job less than candidly - but his AN is certainly real. I wish him well and if he's in observation mode, ('Watch-and-Wait') I hope it doesn't grow, for his sake.
Jim
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Interesting article (and clip).. Thanks for sharing. Something tells me that he's making more in book sales, lecture engagements, movie rights, etc.. than the $10 per hour that he's paid at Starbucks. Don't get me wrong, he's an inspiration for many people, however I bet he's making more than the measily salary at Starbucks and much closer to what he was making as an executive. First the book, now a movie.. next another book and possibly movie. Don't kid yourself, he's doing well for himself.
I'm with others that wish him well and continue to get reports that the AN is not growing. I wouldn't wish growth, treatment, and symtoms of their AN on anyone.
Thanks for sharing it!
Regards,
Brian
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Well, if I do go to the symposium, hearing him speak will definitely be a highlight. I did read his book and it was really good - and a quick read too, so if you're hesitating because you think you'll invest too much time reading it, I think you should give it a shot.
I'm quite sure he's making a comfortable living at this point, but the book explains what he had to go through and the whole learning process involved in his getting to where he is today. I know (and am related to a few) people who have lost good paying jobs and refuse to take a job considered "below" them - even if it means paying the bills! Starbucks money is just as green as that big Ad Agency in NYC!
I didn't know he was watch and wait. I thought he had surgery - but I'm not sure where I would have gotten that idea from. I guess we can ask him in August!
And Jim, I have to disrespectfully disagree with you on the Starbucks job being menial because I could not survive without them! They may not have saved my life, but they certainly have a way of making it much more pleasant! :D
Lori
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And cynically speaking, the way the media has played it up -- he is making a living as a Starbuck's employee? Brian, I'm with you. He's found a way to cash in. Personally, I don't like this. I may not make many fans here -- but I'm not buying this -- and it's soured me on the commercialism of Chicago.
Sorry if I offended anyone -- but there are a lot of us who have done the deal and are now dealing with the consequences. A watch and wait is just that -- there may be the anticipation but they just haven't crossed the line.
I'm checking out on this one. He's no Kay. He's no Nancy Ann. They are my heros. This guy is an imposter.
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Wow, didn't mean to start a controversy :o Just wanted to share news with you guys - and thought you'd be happy for a fellow ANer.
I also thought it was pretty impressive that the ANA could get such a "famous" speaker - whether they are paying him or not - but I guess I just pissed some of you off :o Yikes!!!
Lori, as you know the book does not say what Michael does to treat his AN - but I thought I read somewhere that he is watch & wait. I could be wrong, but as you say we can ask him in Chicago. I hope you'll be there - sorry I'll miss David, though :'(
Jan
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I agree he's no Kay or Nancy - or Lori for that matter! ;)
The book was more a riches to rags to riches sort of story line. It wasn't about the AN. In fact, it was only briefly touched on in the book - it was, by no means, the central theme. In fact, I was a little disappointed there wasn't more mention of the whole AN side of the story. But that wasn't what it was about. Starbucks didn't save his life because he had an AN - Starbucks saved his life because they made him realize the kind of person he had become - which wasn't a good one - and helped him to see things from another point of view and grow to be a better person. And, lucky for him, he had the smarts to write about it and cash in on it. If only I had thought of that! Of course, I was more rags than riches before my AN too, so I don't think my transformation would have been as dramatic.
Go to the library and check out the book. It really was a nice story.
And Jan, you are just a trouble maker by nature!
Lori
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Is there a market for a rags to rags story? :)
What I don't get is how he had such a great job before, and then managed to be penniless, such that making 20K a year at Starbucks was useful. No home equity? No 401K? Nothing in the checking account? It just seems unlikely, although I know some sports figures and Hollywood celebrities manage to do the same thing.
Rolling up your sleeves and working with the common folk is good therapy for anyone, but there are millions of us out here who already know that. Michael's story hinges on the fact that he was too rich to know it himself, but it is much more of a revelation to him than it is to us regular joes.
Steve
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YOU GUYS!!! READ THE BOOK!!!! It will all make sense then.
And Steve, I think in your case, it would be a rags to knit hats story. There may be money in that!
Lori... lots of rags... no riches yet.
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Jim, I have to disrespectfully disagree with you on the Starbucks job being menial because I could not survive without them! They may not have saved my life, but they certainly have a way of making it much more pleasant! :D
Lori:
I accept your choice to disagree but Webster's dictionary defines 'menial' as: : a person doing menial work ; specifically : a domestic servant or retainer and most people understand the word to imply a 'low-level' job with relatively low pay. I wasn't trying to impugn Starbuck's employees or those who make a living serving others (literally). My son, a university graduate, worked his way through college doing what might be termed 'menial' jobs. They may not have 'saved his life' but they certainly helped pay for his expensive education! The whole point of Mr. Gill's story is that he went from high-paid executive to serving coffee and cleaning toilets at Starbuck's and claims it 'saved his life'. He emphasizes the contrast....I simply noted it.
Anyway, it's just a characterization that you certainly have a right to disagree with and I see no harm done. :)
Jim
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Jan, I'm not pissed off. I just wanted to point out that he's not only making $10 working at Starbucks. He's found a way to cash in and make tons more money than what Starbucks is paying him. Kuddos for him. I'm happy for him. The fact that he has an AN (at whatever state he's in) only, in my opinion, HELPS him make more money. I just wanted to point out to everyone (in case some missed it) that he's making a little bit more than $10 an hour at Starbucks, which is the primary part of his "story".
That's all.. :)
Brian
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Jim,
I was only teasing you! Just making fun of my own addiction to Starbucks!
And technically, if that is what Mr. Webster says about menial jobs, my job as a nurse certainly qualifies as menial - definitely low pay and considering what's involved sometimes, I'd rather be serving up lattes. :D
Lori
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Jim,
I was only teasing you! Just making fun of my own addiction to Starbucks!
And technically, if that is what Mr. Webster says about menial jobs, my job as a nurse certainly qualifies as menial - definitely low pay and considering what's involved sometimes, I'd rather be serving up lattes. :D
Lori
Lori:
Oh, I noticed the 'grin' emoticon in your post and didn't think you were all that serious. I just wanted to clarify my use of the word 'menial' and used your comment as a vehicle to do so.
One of my wife's best friends is a nurse with over 30 years experience. She works in a hospital on a part-time basis. She says she's paid very well but doesn't get to do much patient care, anymore. She complains that she spends most of her time doing 'administrative' work because she's a 'charge' nurse. She isn't too happy about it but the money she earns is necessary and welcome.
Frankly, Lori, I think nursing is a noble profession. My limited experience with nurses (my 2006 AN surgery-hospitalization) made me realize that, aside from their technical duties, which are critical to patients in some cases, a nurse's attitude and efficiency can have a significant impact on patient satisfaction. My experience with nurses was all good. My ICU nurses were mostly young (they looked like junior high students to a 63-year-old guy), efficient and very pleasant. Of course, I was a model patient. No, really. I did whatever they asked, didn't complain (much) and almost never asked for anything. O.K., having my wife at my bedside for most of the time I was in the hospital helped. She slept in a nearby room usually used for patient-doctor consultations. My neurosurgeon secured permission for her to sleep there. Some of the nurses weren't too happy to have her around (she didn't ask them for much, either) but most thought it was charming that an 'old married couple' (old in their youthful eyes) were so devoted. At my urging, my wife finally went home at the end of my third day in ICU, satisfied that I was O.K. (I was eating again). The next day I was moved to a semi-private room and discharged late the following morning. I was anxious to go home but kind of sorry to say goodbye to those nice young nurses. We thanked them, all. I think my wife made cookies or something for them. That experience and my only other hospitalization (when I was 8 years old) solidified my positive opinion of nurses. Of course some are inept and/or have the personality of a doorknob but the majority I've come in contact with on the job, as it were, are hardworking, pleasant people, just like my wife's friend.
In any case, I hardly think nursing is 'menial' or a position of servitude, although, to their discredit, I suspect some doctors may see it that way. I hope you're at least paid enough to be able to keep buying those Starbuck's lattes. ;)
Jim
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David, I am so humbled by what you said about me & Kay. We all went through the surgery or radiation - we all had/have an AN to deal with.
We are all the heroes. You are a sweetheart, Thank you again.
Always good thoughts, Nancy
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Cheri,
I keep asking for a raise on this domestic engineer position too. And maybe holidays off? Haven't had any luck yet. It might be time to go on strike. :D
And, yes, you're right - the author came from money and had everything handed to him. And I think there was a time of "rags" for him. But, he was smart and made it work out for him.
Lori
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No Lori you have the job title ALL WRONG..........it is Domestic Goddess ;)
Anne Marie
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I'm no hero...how about all the people that sacrifice everyday for us? Soldiers, paramedics, police officers, or firefighters like Donnalynn's sweet Jim, who is now struggling because he has been protecting all of us!! You are sweet, David, to say that though!
K
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Yes you are a hero Kay, Nancy is right beside you on the hero platform. We have all had our battles with this thing. We have all struggled to make our decisions about treatment. None of us went looking for an employer to pay for our treatment. Instead we came to this forum for help, advice, support and community.
Ladies and gentlemen take your bows because in my eyes we are ALL heros.
Anne Marie
PS I really do not think I want to read the book or see the movie.
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A couple of years ago our newspaper ran an article with the title "Stay-at-Home Moms are Domestic Goddesses." I cut out the title, laminated it and posted it on my fridge.
Sara
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Anne Marie,
I almost typed "domestic goddess", but I didn't want to offend any stay at home dads we may have on the forum! ;D
Lori
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Than they are "Domestic Gods" hehehehe
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If you saw me right now, you wouldn't say " goddess" - I just got back from the gym (& Walmart, of course)
K
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Well, I went to the library and checked out the book. I did not find Mr. Gil inspiring in any way. I'm afraid he lost me near he beginning when he indulged himself in an affair that caused his wife to leave him. I also thought he was using the book as a vehicle for dropping the names of the rich and famous he knew or brushed elbows with. (Frank Sinatra on the musak? Let me tell you about the time we hung out together . . . Tea? That reminds me of the time I spilled tea on Queen Elizabeth's lap. Prince Philip was none too happy, let me tell you . . .) And he just seemed to try too hard to convince the reader of how much happier he is now. I think most of his new-found happiness comes from lectures and the book and upcoming movie.
When I was laid off with a soon-to-be-ex-husband in drug rehab and a newborn to support, I walked two miles with the baby to the grocery store and carried her home with groceries in the stroller so that I could save the gas in my car for job interviews. How in the world could he afford Starbucks if he was so far down on his luck?
I'm glad that I did not buy the book to support this guy in any way. I would rather hear a speech from Crystal, the lady who hired him, any day.
Sara
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Sara -
interesting perspective; thanks for sharing it.
As for me, I would never begrudge someone his/her good fortune - as long as it comes about legally ;)
I didn't find Michael's book inspiring, but I did think it was a good success story.
Life is what you make of it and I say, you go Michael!
Good luck with the pending divorce - I know that story all too well - extremely stressful; extremely costly; heartbreaking; long, long battle. But in the end it will be worth it for you and your child(ren); it has been for me and mine.
I hope you have a success story of your own to tell (even if you don't publish a book about it) some day very, very soon.
Hang in there,
Jan
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Hi Jan -- I don't begrudge him his success, I just prefer not to contribute to it as I just don't find his story inspiring. I think there is more to the story that was not told, but as a former Madison Street executive he knows how to construct the proper spin. I do have to say the book was well-written. Or he had an excellent editor, or both.
Thanks for the kind thoughts regarding my divorce, but it was actually way in the past and I could not be happier (well, not until my facial paresis clears up anyway!). My ex-husband died from complications of alcoholism about the time my youngest son was born. Such a waste. I am still sad when I think about it. Sorry I was not clearer about the time frame.
I hope everyone has a swell weekend.
Sara