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What is it like working in the hospitality industry?
I'm 17 and I am planning on becoming a chef, so I was just wondering what it is like.
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8 answers
Updated
Linda’s Answer
For me,I went to culinary school in high school, I chose a different career then realized that culinary was actually ment for me! I work at a country club, and it’s awesome I love it there the people there are nice sometimes lol, but you have to be really passionate about it and find the right people and restaurant and environment, I’ve been working at my job for almost 3 years and still going to stay there,. I work on the hot side meaning I cook all the dishes in the sauté person and then we have a grill person, there’s still lots of prepping and tickets coming in if you really love being in the hospitality industry you’ll love working and prepping and being a saute person!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Geovauni
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
The hours are long, the pay is low, and it is a business that requires mentoring. Always has, always will. But with all professions, there are opportunities for success. Just try to have an idea of what kind of chef you want to be; are you okay working the repetitive but steady job of a commissary kitchen? Or are you gonna cut your teeth in fine dining with little pay to start for those first few years? Both are valid but are incredibly different, and some chefs won’t find any joy cooking the same food year in and year out.
I say try it out, give it a few years and see if this is something you can maintain and thrive in. But don’t be afraid to walk away from it too; because at the end of the day there are no real retirement plans for a chef. Very few of us get to stop working and be at peace. We cook until we die. As morbid as that may seem, the highs are incredibly high. It’s not the best life you can have, but it’s still a life worth living.
I say try it out, give it a few years and see if this is something you can maintain and thrive in. But don’t be afraid to walk away from it too; because at the end of the day there are no real retirement plans for a chef. Very few of us get to stop working and be at peace. We cook until we die. As morbid as that may seem, the highs are incredibly high. It’s not the best life you can have, but it’s still a life worth living.
Thank you so much!
Geovauni
Updated
Michel’s Answer
Being a chef is a mix of creativity, skill, and hard work. It involves creating and preparing dishes, experimenting with flavors, and ensuring everything is presented beautifully. Chefs often work in high-pressure environments, especially during busy service hours, and need to manage a team, maintain kitchen hygiene, and handle orders efficiently.
It can be incredibly rewarding, though, to see people enjoy the food you've created and to constantly learn and grow in the culinary arts. Plus, it offers a lot of room for personal expression and innovation. Brace yourself for a lot of sacrifice.
It can be incredibly rewarding, though, to see people enjoy the food you've created and to constantly learn and grow in the culinary arts. Plus, it offers a lot of room for personal expression and innovation. Brace yourself for a lot of sacrifice.
Updated
Laurent’s Answer
Hello!
Consider seeking a part-time job at the top-rated restaurant in your locality. Clearly express your intentions and if they decline, don't lose heart. Simply approach the next best one. The idea is to gain first-hand experience from the inside. You don't necessarily need an expensive college degree to learn and grow. Opting for a trade or skills diploma can be equally beneficial.
Working for establishments not only provides opportunities for learning but also allows you to engage in activities you enjoy. Consider expanding your horizons by seeking opportunities abroad, such as on cruise ships or at international hotels.
Although this career path may not be easy, it can open doors to numerous rewarding experiences and allow you to witness and participate in activities that you've only seen on television or the internet.
Remember to save your earnings and plan for your retirement while pursuing something you love. It's also perfectly fine if you decide to switch careers after a few years. The choice is yours!
Consider seeking a part-time job at the top-rated restaurant in your locality. Clearly express your intentions and if they decline, don't lose heart. Simply approach the next best one. The idea is to gain first-hand experience from the inside. You don't necessarily need an expensive college degree to learn and grow. Opting for a trade or skills diploma can be equally beneficial.
Working for establishments not only provides opportunities for learning but also allows you to engage in activities you enjoy. Consider expanding your horizons by seeking opportunities abroad, such as on cruise ships or at international hotels.
Although this career path may not be easy, it can open doors to numerous rewarding experiences and allow you to witness and participate in activities that you've only seen on television or the internet.
Remember to save your earnings and plan for your retirement while pursuing something you love. It's also perfectly fine if you decide to switch careers after a few years. The choice is yours!
Updated
Guney’s Answer
Embarking on a culinary career means embracing long hours and challenging tasks. But imagine this, if you start your journey in the kitchen today, you could find yourself working alongside a renowned chef or in a Michelin-starred restaurant. It's your chance to rise through the ranks from the get-go.
Becoming a well-respected, handsomely paid chef in New York City's bustling hospitality scene doesn't happen overnight. It requires dedication and years of hard work. You might even have to roll up your sleeves and wash dishes or clean up your workspace. But trust me, the rewards are worth it. Once you've put in the effort, the satisfaction and success you'll experience will make every moment worthwhile.
Becoming a well-respected, handsomely paid chef in New York City's bustling hospitality scene doesn't happen overnight. It requires dedication and years of hard work. You might even have to roll up your sleeves and wash dishes or clean up your workspace. But trust me, the rewards are worth it. Once you've put in the effort, the satisfaction and success you'll experience will make every moment worthwhile.
Updated
Mable’s Answer
Hello Geovauni,
The hospitality industry is an incredible platform for personal growth and it can unlock countless opportunities for you!
As a proud holder of an International Hospitality Management degree, I've had the privilege of working both behind the scenes and directly with customers. This broad experience in the hospitality industry has significantly strengthened me, both on a personal and professional level.
It's true that being a chef can be quite challenging and it wasn't the perfect fit for me. However, the beauty of the hospitality industry lies in its diversity. You have the chance to explore various departments, even within the culinary field itself. This allows you to discover and experience firsthand what suits you best!
The hospitality industry is an incredible platform for personal growth and it can unlock countless opportunities for you!
As a proud holder of an International Hospitality Management degree, I've had the privilege of working both behind the scenes and directly with customers. This broad experience in the hospitality industry has significantly strengthened me, both on a personal and professional level.
It's true that being a chef can be quite challenging and it wasn't the perfect fit for me. However, the beauty of the hospitality industry lies in its diversity. You have the chance to explore various departments, even within the culinary field itself. This allows you to discover and experience firsthand what suits you best!
Updated
Jay “ChefJay”’s Answer
Geovauni,
The advice I give anyone pursuing this career (and any other one for that matter) is to always have fun doing what you love.
"If you're not having fun every day doing what you love, you are in the wrong field!"
Pursue what you love. The rest will all fall into place!
The advice I give anyone pursuing this career (and any other one for that matter) is to always have fun doing what you love.
"If you're not having fun every day doing what you love, you are in the wrong field!"
Pursue what you love. The rest will all fall into place!
Updated
Gilberto’s Answer
The hotel industry is very nice and interesting, if you like what you do you won't have a problem, many hours of work but that is also rewarding, a lot of growth, you earn well but sometimes it is very enslaving.