I need help

Maybe someone out there can help me. I am a Senior at Johnson & Wales University majoring in Culinary Arts. I have worked all my life in the business since i was 10. All different aspects as well. I feel i am lost. Where do i go from here? The great chefs that i have worked for in the past are either retired or have died. I have also worked with some jerks in the business. I don't know what to do. I have such a great passion and respect for food. And i am always eager to learn new ways of doing things. But Where should i go and what should i do. Any suggestions.

By momoreg on Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 09:28 pm: Edit

It strikes me that you went to J&W because you wanted an education. Just because you're a senior doesn't mean you're done learning. What are the areas that you need to improve? When you graduate, seek out a job which challenges that part of you that needs to learn more.

By W.DeBord on Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 07:36 am: Edit

There's less of a difference between you and us (professionals) then you may think. No one wants to land a job working with jerks but that happens and you learn to learn what you can then move on. Were all striving for the "right" job where we feel challenged and appreciated, where you learn and teach, etc...

Life doesn't hand out road maps to personal success. Sounds like you need to figure out what your goals are in life and start working tward them as an independant adult. Don't be afraid of making mistakes sometimes you really learn the most from them.

By Yankee on Thursday, November 16, 2000 - 02:51 am: Edit

Try the placement office. I got hooked up with a great gig in Europe that way. The school is there to help open doors for you. That is part of what you just paid them all that money for.

Work your instructors for contacts as well. Not ALL of the great chefs have retired or died. There are lots of screaming maniacs out there too, but so what? There is something to learn everywhere you go. (Read that Bourdain book, especially the parts about the wimpy and selfish CIA grads.)

You're in a great spot right now, even though it doesn't seem like it. Everything is in front of you.

By chris on Thursday, November 16, 2000 - 10:55 am: Edit

If you are a johnny wadd grad and have worked in the business since you were 10 then the world is your oyster. You have so many good things awaiting you. Go to NYC and start off at the bottom and work your way to greatness. good luck.

By M C on Friday, November 17, 2000 - 08:05 am: Edit

One of the great things about being a chef is that there is no shortage of opportunities. However, you should be prepared to pay your dues and not expect to walk into a chief position. Don't rest on your previous accomplishments, but always be willing to learn more. In regards to your education, one of the most important lessons any aspiring chef can learn is how to take critisism. You'll get alot of it, but take it for what it's worth, learn from it and never let it get you down.

By Panini (Panini) on Sunday, November 19, 2000 - 07:34 am: Edit

"I have worked for some great chefs in the past and I have worked for some jerks." This may sound foolish, but most of the great chefs I've worked with were jerks.
If you truly have a lot of experience and an education it is time for you to start your own style.Don't fashion yourself under one great chef. Work any and everywhere, become a liver and store the good things and get rid of the bad.The great job will come to you if you stay positive.
This industry is no different than others, you need to sit down and form a 5-10 plan, it's just like starting a business.
Your post bothers me, take advantage of the organizations out there to help you build your plan, find all the opportunities, get focused.
Make sure nothing is ever beneath you, the good always has some bad sides.
Good luck to you,
panini
this is just all solicited advice, you have to make your own path.
ps Career Counselors,placement, even head hunters can give you some insight.

By bbcp17 on Sunday, November 19, 2000 - 08:55 pm: Edit

I check out this site a couple of times a week on average. I usually just look and leave, but I do need to say to Panini....get a social life outside of the computer and try not to pretend you have an answer to everything. Wait a minute, I just relized why you must not have a reel social life, you're @#*%ing arrogant and full of crap!!

By momoreg on Sunday, November 19, 2000 - 10:02 pm: Edit

Was that really necessary? What was arrogant about Panini's post? bbcp17, you might as well keep looking and leaving...

By Panini (Panini) on Sunday, November 19, 2000 - 10:18 pm: Edit

I come here approx 1-2 min a day. I speak from experience. I only post to things I know about. This is the last time I will be here, due to people like you.
bbcp17, If you had 1/2 the social life my family and I have you would not respond like that. I sit on the Board of Directors of The Ryan Foundation.
ryanfoundation.org, member Chamber of Commerce, member Knights of Columbus, member Italian American Club, past PTC president, business owner, associate organizer for The race for the Cure. My wife and I are both cancer survivors,I may sound arrogant but when you have done and gone through 1/2 as much as I in your life, you may speak.
I look forward to my days of retire when I can join SCORE and help people not like yourself.
GOOD BYE TO ALL
To anyone who really needs help with anything
panini@altinet.net
paninicakes.com

By Yankee on Monday, November 20, 2000 - 12:45 am: Edit

Panini, you don't seem like the type of person who would let an idiot like bbpc17 dictate your actions. Are you? Let it ride.

By W.DeBord on Monday, November 20, 2000 - 08:13 am: Edit

Panini I understand how you would be offended. We all have been slammed or we're all in line for the next one to land on us. Every post who visits this site knows how valueable your help has been to all. Please don't think that this one idiots' post reflects reality, I think this clown must be looking at their own reflection.

Wise people can't let bullies and terrorists control them, whether that be on a small or grand scale.

P.S. This person obviously has an ax to grind from another post. I'd guess they've posted under another name we'd all recognize..???

By Ramodeo (Ramodeo) on Monday, November 20, 2000 - 09:05 pm: Edit

Panini - Don't leave, please. That idiot was out of line and everyone here with any sense knows it.

You have been a great help to me and a pleasure to correspond with thru this board.

By bbcp17 on Tuesday, November 21, 2000 - 10:20 pm: Edit

I tried posting an apology yesterday and I don't see it. I was way out of line for making personal attacks towards someone I don't know at all. This was way out of character for me. I cannot blame any remarks or comments about me. All I can do now is to say to Panini that I am truely sorry, and that he shouldn't leave the site because of my own stupid remarks. If you think these new remarks are bull I don't blame you, but I am truely sorry.

By JDP on Saturday, November 25, 2000 - 09:27 pm: Edit

.........RJM you should aslo keep in mind your personal life. Do you like to ski? Hike? Climb mountains? Visit art museums? Think about the cities that will offer you something for your inner life as well as for your professional life. Are you tied down? Is this the time for you to take jobs in Europe or the Far East? After you have children to support and a wife or husband to keep happy those experiences may not be possible. Ask yourself where you want to be 5 years from now. What is your 10 year plan? All these things should help you to make up your mind. Start a pro and con list of what you want to experience versus what you think you do not want. Good Luck!