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Will my hours be flexible if I work in culinary ?
I would like to know more about the hours and flexibility.
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13 answers
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Christian’s Answer
No. Most full service culinary departments require a set amount of hours and require an open schedule beyond posted requirements.
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Diane’s Answer
Hi Jana, the culinary/hospitality industry, while rewarding, typically has long hours. The hours can start very early morning if working breakfast/lunch time frame or go very late into the evening if working the late lunch/dinner time frame. There is also a chance you can work holidays depending if the facility you are employed by offers holiday hours of operation. Most culinary/hospitality facilities are open 7 days a week so working weekends is very normal for this industry as well.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Jana,
Understanding Work Hours in the Culinary Sector
The culinary sector is renowned for its high-energy, ever-changing atmosphere, often characterized by extended and irregular working hours. However, the flexibility of these hours can differ based on the specific job role and employer. Let's delve into the typical working hours and flexibility you might experience in the culinary world.
Restaurants and Hotels
Working in restaurants and hotels can mean unpredictable hours due to the fluctuating nature of the business. Peak times usually revolve around breakfast, lunch, and dinner services, often resulting in long shifts and inconsistent schedules. Employees may need to work on weekends and holidays, as these are generally the busiest periods.
Catering and Event Services
Jobs in catering and event services usually involve working evenings, weekends, and holidays, as these are prime times for events. While the hours can be flexible during off-peak periods, they may become more fixed as the event date nears.
Bakeries and Pastry Shops
Bakeries and pastry shops often have early morning shifts to ensure fresh baked goods are ready for the day. However, these hours tend to be more predictable compared to restaurants and hotels, as business usually winds down in the late afternoon.
Food Trucks and Mobile Catering
Food trucks and mobile catering services may offer more flexible hours, as they can adjust their operating locations and times based on customer demand. However, this could also mean working extended hours during high-demand periods.
## Advantages of a Culinary Career
Despite the potential unpredictability of working hours, the culinary sector offers several perks, such as:
Creative Outlet: If you have a love for cooking and experimenting with flavors, the culinary sector offers a platform for creative exploration.
Community Spirit: The culinary sector often fosters a tight-knit community, promoting strong relationships with colleagues and a supportive work atmosphere.
Skill Development: A culinary career encourages continuous learning and skill enhancement, offering the chance to work with a diverse range of ingredients and techniques.
Job Security: The constant demand for culinary professionals ensures job stability and chances for career progression.
## Reliable Reference Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics: This resource offers insights into the standard work environment and hours for various culinary roles.
National Restaurant Association: This association provides valuable information about the restaurant sector, including common working hours and the potential for schedule flexibility.
Culinary Institute of America: As a prestigious culinary school, the CIA provides resources for budding chefs and industry professionals, including details on the challenges and rewards of a culinary career.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Understanding Work Hours in the Culinary Sector
The culinary sector is renowned for its high-energy, ever-changing atmosphere, often characterized by extended and irregular working hours. However, the flexibility of these hours can differ based on the specific job role and employer. Let's delve into the typical working hours and flexibility you might experience in the culinary world.
Restaurants and Hotels
Working in restaurants and hotels can mean unpredictable hours due to the fluctuating nature of the business. Peak times usually revolve around breakfast, lunch, and dinner services, often resulting in long shifts and inconsistent schedules. Employees may need to work on weekends and holidays, as these are generally the busiest periods.
Catering and Event Services
Jobs in catering and event services usually involve working evenings, weekends, and holidays, as these are prime times for events. While the hours can be flexible during off-peak periods, they may become more fixed as the event date nears.
Bakeries and Pastry Shops
Bakeries and pastry shops often have early morning shifts to ensure fresh baked goods are ready for the day. However, these hours tend to be more predictable compared to restaurants and hotels, as business usually winds down in the late afternoon.
Food Trucks and Mobile Catering
Food trucks and mobile catering services may offer more flexible hours, as they can adjust their operating locations and times based on customer demand. However, this could also mean working extended hours during high-demand periods.
## Advantages of a Culinary Career
Despite the potential unpredictability of working hours, the culinary sector offers several perks, such as:
Creative Outlet: If you have a love for cooking and experimenting with flavors, the culinary sector offers a platform for creative exploration.
Community Spirit: The culinary sector often fosters a tight-knit community, promoting strong relationships with colleagues and a supportive work atmosphere.
Skill Development: A culinary career encourages continuous learning and skill enhancement, offering the chance to work with a diverse range of ingredients and techniques.
Job Security: The constant demand for culinary professionals ensures job stability and chances for career progression.
## Reliable Reference Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics: This resource offers insights into the standard work environment and hours for various culinary roles.
National Restaurant Association: This association provides valuable information about the restaurant sector, including common working hours and the potential for schedule flexibility.
Culinary Institute of America: As a prestigious culinary school, the CIA provides resources for budding chefs and industry professionals, including details on the challenges and rewards of a culinary career.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Updated
Sairam’s Answer
A field of passion and creativity. The culinary industry can be demanding and requires long hours, especially in certain roles and environments, there are opportunities for flexibility, particularly in smaller establishments or roles with more autonomy. On an average, this field requires more hours to be spent working in the initial stages of career. Once you are a chef in a reputed institution, the working hours might go down.
Up-front, long hours of work preps one to acquire skills to master this field.
Up-front, long hours of work preps one to acquire skills to master this field.
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Jacques’s Answer
Being part of the culinary world can be an immensely rewarding journey, especially for those who truly love it, rather than just seeking a steady income. As I travel from one hotel and resort to another, I've observed a recurring theme - they often need more hands on deck.
While your work schedule might have some wiggle room, it's absolutely essential to keep a clear line of communication with your head chef or kitchen supervisor. If you're juggling other commitments like school, looking after your kids, or even another job, it's crucial to inform them right off the bat. Be sure to include these details in your job application and bring them up during your interview. This allows them to figure out if they can fit your schedule into the kitchen's needs without any hitches.
As part of the chef management crew, my workday usually spans 10 to 14 hours. However, most establishments won't have you on the clock for more than 40 hours a week to steer clear of overtime. At first, you might not land the most ideal schedule. But once you've proven your value to the kitchen, they're likely to grant you more flexibility with your hours.
Here's wishing you all the best on your gastronomic adventure!
While your work schedule might have some wiggle room, it's absolutely essential to keep a clear line of communication with your head chef or kitchen supervisor. If you're juggling other commitments like school, looking after your kids, or even another job, it's crucial to inform them right off the bat. Be sure to include these details in your job application and bring them up during your interview. This allows them to figure out if they can fit your schedule into the kitchen's needs without any hitches.
As part of the chef management crew, my workday usually spans 10 to 14 hours. However, most establishments won't have you on the clock for more than 40 hours a week to steer clear of overtime. At first, you might not land the most ideal schedule. But once you've proven your value to the kitchen, they're likely to grant you more flexibility with your hours.
Here's wishing you all the best on your gastronomic adventure!
Updated
Erica’s Answer
Hi Jana,
I have 10+ years of experience working in restaurants so I will say this, it depends.
What position are you considering? If you are looking to cook, your flexibility will depend on how well staffed the restaurant is. If they are short on staff, you will work more. Wait staff tend to have more flexibility since there are usually many of them staffed and you may be allowed to swap shifts with coworkers.
What are the restaurants' hours? A traditional restaurant will be open from 10am-10pm on weekdays. They usually split that into 2 shifts. Morning and Evening. You will be asked about your preference and availability during the interview process. Consider restaurants that have special hours that may meet your needs. Brunch restaurants close by 2pm and restaurants that are only open for dinner usually operate from 5pm-10pm.
Hope that helped!
I have 10+ years of experience working in restaurants so I will say this, it depends.
What position are you considering? If you are looking to cook, your flexibility will depend on how well staffed the restaurant is. If they are short on staff, you will work more. Wait staff tend to have more flexibility since there are usually many of them staffed and you may be allowed to swap shifts with coworkers.
What are the restaurants' hours? A traditional restaurant will be open from 10am-10pm on weekdays. They usually split that into 2 shifts. Morning and Evening. You will be asked about your preference and availability during the interview process. Consider restaurants that have special hours that may meet your needs. Brunch restaurants close by 2pm and restaurants that are only open for dinner usually operate from 5pm-10pm.
Hope that helped!
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
You should expect to work over 40 hrs a week.
The more you work the more knowledge you will gain to get a promotion
The more you work the more knowledge you will gain to get a promotion
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Peter’s Answer
The hours can be adjusted to your liking, as long as you're clear about your needs from the get-go. The industry primarily operates during evenings, weekends, and holidays, but there are also opportunities with fixed hours. For instance, you could work in hospitals, universities, or corporate business dining from Monday to Friday during the day. If you're just starting out in this field and eager to climb the ladder quickly, being flexible with your schedule can be beneficial. Remember, you'll need to invest time to gain experience.
Always follow your passion and enjoy what you're doing!
Always follow your passion and enjoy what you're doing!
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Kathy’s Answer
Great question! It really depends on which area you are working in., and of course the company you work for.
I am a morning person, usually up at 1-2am that seems to be the time that my creative juices kick in. I love starting my days early. Most of my positions started around 6-8 am. Most companies require at least one day of the weekend, saturday or sunday.
In the restaurant industry, we started at 6am. Got most of the baking done, shipped the desserts to the different restaurant locations and we were completed by 3ish.
Bakeries was different. Mass productions, we were done when all the orders were completed. Wedding cakes as well. Our hours reflexed the amount of hours put in. Sometimes you are working12 - 18 hours, it's a rarity but possible. Be ready to smell like sugar.
In a company like Sam's club, you are done when your hours are up.
In the supermarket industry...when the cakes are done, you can go home.
So you see, each division requires different attention.
Honestly, just like ANY industry, start as an apprentice. Pay is little, but at least your foot is in the door. When they see that you are serious about what you are doing, they may give you more respnsibilities.
Each position is different as well. Bakers and decorators require a different mind set. Prepare for long hours but it will be worth it.
I am a morning person, usually up at 1-2am that seems to be the time that my creative juices kick in. I love starting my days early. Most of my positions started around 6-8 am. Most companies require at least one day of the weekend, saturday or sunday.
In the restaurant industry, we started at 6am. Got most of the baking done, shipped the desserts to the different restaurant locations and we were completed by 3ish.
Bakeries was different. Mass productions, we were done when all the orders were completed. Wedding cakes as well. Our hours reflexed the amount of hours put in. Sometimes you are working12 - 18 hours, it's a rarity but possible. Be ready to smell like sugar.
In a company like Sam's club, you are done when your hours are up.
In the supermarket industry...when the cakes are done, you can go home.
So you see, each division requires different attention.
Kathy recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Delaney’s Answer
Hey Jana,
The culinary field can have flexible hours, but certainly some long hours ahead. It is a job that will always be in person and often times your busiest days are when most other people want to relax (for example: most people go out to restaurants on the weekend, so if you are cooking there Friday and Saturday nights will be heavy work days for you!). However, there are lots of careers in the culinary field and therefore you may have the option to adapt it to your schedule preferences. I worked as a baker for a few years, so I was up at 4am, but done with work by 2 or 3pm every day. You can also be a private chef and set your own hours! So long story short, it is a grueling and extremely rewarding profession where you will likely out in long hours, but like most fields it depends on where you end up and you can find a job that works for you!
The culinary field can have flexible hours, but certainly some long hours ahead. It is a job that will always be in person and often times your busiest days are when most other people want to relax (for example: most people go out to restaurants on the weekend, so if you are cooking there Friday and Saturday nights will be heavy work days for you!). However, there are lots of careers in the culinary field and therefore you may have the option to adapt it to your schedule preferences. I worked as a baker for a few years, so I was up at 4am, but done with work by 2 or 3pm every day. You can also be a private chef and set your own hours! So long story short, it is a grueling and extremely rewarding profession where you will likely out in long hours, but like most fields it depends on where you end up and you can find a job that works for you!
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Ross’s Answer
It depends on the place/industry you work. Restaurants tend to be less flexible because no matter what they need the staff on hand. Resort restaurants tend to be more flexible because it is a flexible industry. I've worked in both and they have been very stressful, now I am working in Senior living facilities and love it because it is very flexible and easy hours. The flexibility of the schedule will also have to do with the management and policies of the place you work
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Philip’s Answer
Being part of the hospitality industry can be a truly fulfilling experience. It's all about brightening people's moments as they share quality time with their loved ones. When you're in a front-of-house role, you become the welcoming smile of your organization. You're the one who creates lasting impressions on guests, and it's your face they recall when reminiscing about their visit.
There's a lot of room for flexibility when it comes to front-of-house roles. Some roles you'll get to pick, while others might be assigned to you. But the beauty of having a supportive team is that they're often ready to swap shifts if you need some time off. However, the number of staff needed can fluctuate based on business demands. During quieter periods or seasons, there might be less need for staff, resulting in a more compact schedule. The company usually decides who gets these shifts, often based on merit or seniority. But when the busy season kicks in, there's usually a need for more hands on deck, meaning you can clock in as many hours as you wish.
There is a lot to love in the restaurant industry, and this flexibility is definitely one of the most appealing benefits you can enjoy.
There's a lot of room for flexibility when it comes to front-of-house roles. Some roles you'll get to pick, while others might be assigned to you. But the beauty of having a supportive team is that they're often ready to swap shifts if you need some time off. However, the number of staff needed can fluctuate based on business demands. During quieter periods or seasons, there might be less need for staff, resulting in a more compact schedule. The company usually decides who gets these shifts, often based on merit or seniority. But when the busy season kicks in, there's usually a need for more hands on deck, meaning you can clock in as many hours as you wish.
There is a lot to love in the restaurant industry, and this flexibility is definitely one of the most appealing benefits you can enjoy.
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Michael’s Answer
Most food service operations that you would get in to have set schedules, unless your in an atmosphere of everything changing daily like in a catering business. When managers find someone good they try to get them set on a certain schedule so they know that’s a shift they don’t have to worry about.