Being a picky eater myself, this was a perfect question for me!
From the mailbag:
Hi Andrew,
I’m starting at my firm in the fall in Audit. I’m very excited to start but I have one concern that causes me quite a bit of anxiety and need to know your opinion on how I approach it.
Working in audit and traveling, I realize that there will be a lot of dinners and lunches with coworkers and during busy season, ordering in food is very common. I am an extremely picky eater and it causes me a lot of anxiety going out to eat with people that don’t know about my eating habits. For the most part, I can get away with eating salad at most places with no problem. But what do I do if for instance, they suggest a place where I won’t eat anything without coming across as rude or something.
A friend of mine just went out to eat with her senior and intern for sushi (something I do not like) and it made me think about what I would say. This is probably the only thing that stresses me out about actually starting.
Thanks,
Alison
Great question and I have some personal advice to share in this matter!
While I don’t share this often on The Bean Counter, I’m actually Vegan.
What does that mean?
I don’t eat meat, dairy, fish, or any other animal product.
Yes, this made it very hard when I worked at PwC.
The entire time I was there, I was Vegan.
There were honestly only a few times (maybe 2) where we went to a restaurant and I couldn’t find something I could eat.
Sushi for example – they have great salads, fried rice (with no egg), and vegetarian sushi.
I always tried to get creative.
I would often times ask the chef for a special order to suit my needs.
While I’m sure some people thought I was a weirdo, it often times became a good conversation piece.
People would ask why I was Vegan.
I was very honest and told them about how I had kidney stones when I was 19.
Did some research.
And decided to become Vegan.
It was amazing how many people were interested.
It seemed like every meal, someone asked.
Might seem annoying, but it was better than sitting awkward silence.
So what’s my advice?
Own it.
There is nothing wrong with you if you’re just picky.
I would also suggest being ready to make suggestions.
It’s amazing how many times people say: “Where should we eat?”
*crickets*
When the opportunity comes, always be ready with a suggestions and that should eliminate about half your worries!
