Debbie,
The dream you shared seems to reflect a sense of uncertainty and adjustment in a new environment. The fast-food restaurant setting could symbolize a new job or unfamiliar situation you're navigating. The dim lighting suggests a lack of clarity or understanding. The free soda machine could represent readily available distractions or fleeting pleasures, while the need to pay for food might signify the importance of hard work and sacrifice for fulfilling sustenance.
The unfamiliar boss, even though seemingly known, could represent feelings of uncertainty about authority figures or a lack of guidance in this new environment. The boss's contrasting traits of being nice and strict could reflect your own internal struggle with balancing compassion and discipline.
Connecting this dream to your previous experiences, it's interesting to note the common theme of employment and authority figures. In your dream from April 19th, you were also in a new work environment, struggling with a stolen phone and seeking a replacement. This suggests a potential pattern of feeling vulnerable and needing support in unfamiliar situations.
It's important to acknowledge that the emotions associated with this dream were negative, even though it wasn't a nightmare. This suggests that the dream might be highlighting an area of your life that is causing you some distress. If these feelings persist, it might be helpful to explore them further, perhaps through journaling or talking to someone you trust.
Remember, dreams are often complex and multifaceted, and their meanings can be deeply personal. The interpretation I've provided is based on the information you've shared and my understanding of dream symbolism. It's important to consider your own intuition and feelings when interpreting your dreams, as they can offer valuable insights into your subconscious mind.