Question Time.....

Ok so here is my question, do you stay in a establishment because you enjoy the atmosphere, the people you work with, however at the moment there is no opportunity for promotion for at least 6 - 12 months?
OR
Move to another establishment (same size) which is going to give you the higher position however you don't know what it is like to work for them?

Just wondering what you all would do, I'm decided this week.

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 05:34 am: Edit

Can't you go and meet the people there now????
6-12 months is a short time, the question is, are you going to get the promotion at that time???
Will you learn more in the new place???

By Kchef (Kchef) on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 06:11 am: Edit

It takes a long time to develop relationships with co-workers. Personally I would rather be lower on the totem pole and work with people I would consider family, as opposed to holding title over mere aquaintances.

By Foodpump (Foodpump) on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 09:42 am: Edit

I'd go for the better atmosphere. Moving into a new job with a higher postion usually means that a current employee didn't get picked for the position you are going to fill. This can get sticky, and I've personally experienced hostility, sabotage, and outright fistfights just becasue I'm the new guy who got "Joe's" promotion, no other reason.

Don't let that put you off, though. If you think that this new job will help you in your career, then go for it

By Chefferd (Chefferd) on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 10:41 am: Edit

I think you should always challenge yourself, keep pushing ahead. "When one door closes a new opens" You can still keep in touch with your friends at the old place, but expand your horizons and friends at the new place.

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 06:56 pm: Edit

For once Manny is making some good points.......j/k dude. But really, what Manny said is true. Is that "promotion" really there at the end of the 6-12 month road?? or is it just smoke and mirages?? Will you learn from the new place?? Are there more opportunities for growth both in the new establishment and does it help to open doors there after? Is it the type of cooking you really want to do??

I am kind of in the same boat as you...only no opportunites have shown up....yet. I like the people I work with. I like bringing new things to the table for my members...just..I seem to have hit the ceiling in this paticular venue and the corporate environment leaves a slight bitter taste in ones mouth now. Right now I am keeping my eyes and mind open.

Good Luck!!

By Tamsin (Tamsin) on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 11:21 pm: Edit

Well as you can probably guess this is why I asked the question, I am still very much in two minds about it all. Yesterday I went for the final interview at this new place and then went there for dinner, it really does need alot of work to be done, but I like a challenge so that's a bonus. Will there be a promotion with the company I am with in 6 - 12 month, who knows, what I do know is they have 3 hotels here in Sydney and 7 in Australia and chances are there will be this position in one of them sometime.
There will be opportunities in both places, just at the moment the new place seems to have more available opportunities.
I know that I can keep in contact with the people I currently work with, the executive chef knows what is currently happening and has even offered to give me a reference because he wants to see me grow as a chef. There are alot of other things that I have to take into consideration about the two positions aswell.
I'll let you all know what I do.
Thanks everyone for their input I do appreciate it.

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 09:07 pm: Edit

Let us know what you do!...and good luck with whatever you choose.

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 12:46 am: Edit

there you go, you just said it,
:the ex chef wants to see you grow as a chef"
I bettach hes been down that promotion in 6-12 months road.
and another thing that I never did,
wait for other people to decide my future.
its yours, you should decide whats good for you.
not them or even us.( as well intentioned as we might be)
good luck Chef, you will make the right choise.

By Tamsin (Tamsin) on Saturday, October 15, 2005 - 04:37 am: Edit

Ok update time.
So here is what has happened. I didn't end up getting the job at the new place, not a bad thing but I was a bit hurt I wasn't offered the position, but hey that's life and I was happy to stay were I was.
Then about 3 weeks ago I was at a food event and ran into the chef who interviewed me, I was fine, really nice, and we had a pleasant converstation, said if he had, had another position going he would have hired me, and that they other candidate for the position just bet me, (don't they all say that?). Plus he let me know about another position going at one of the other hotels within the chain, it wasn't the type of place I was looking at but I did appreciate him telling me this.
ANYWAY
Yesterday I got a phone call from the hotel that interviewed me and said they have another position available if I was still interested. The chef had gone to their HR manager and requested that I get phoned up and asked before they advertised it. So next week I'm going to go and see what they are willing to offer.

Once again thank-you everyone for their views on the question I possed before I really appreciate your input.

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Saturday, October 15, 2005 - 08:08 pm: Edit

Congrats!
guess that Chef thought enough of you to do that.
good luck on the interview.
and that certainly says something about you too.

By Ilpro (Ilpro) on Saturday, October 15, 2005 - 11:29 pm: Edit

Tamsin,

Congrats and good luck. Decisions like this can be tough to make.

Charles

By Tamsin (Tamsin) on Friday, October 21, 2005 - 04:56 am: Edit

Ok final update (well let's hope)
I got offered the job yesterday, and I have accepted it. I told my currently employer and well as sad as he is to see me leave he is also happy that I am progressing and believes that this job will suit me.
So looks like I'm finally going to be a sous chef! (and get the black pants at last) Thanks everyone for their help.

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Friday, October 21, 2005 - 01:40 pm: Edit

Good luck, Stay focused, listen and learn.

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Sunday, October 23, 2005 - 12:46 am: Edit

The Black Pants.
Ain't that some'um.