Re: What's it like to be a chef?

Posted by Jim Durkee on January 25, 1999 at 14:25:52:

In Reply to: What's it like to be a chef? posted by Shannon on January 23, 1999 at 11:21:36:

:Shannon,
I'm 37 years old and have been a working chef for over 1/2 of my life I wouldn't consider doing anything else.
If you enjoy being on your feet all day, not always working in an ideal enviroment, long hours. Then this is the job for you. This is not totally true, but it is some of the downside to the job. But on the other hand if you enjoy being creative and have a true passion for the arts then there is no job more rewarding. You develop everyday, it's not like working in a factory or sitting behind a desk.Where everthing is mapped out for you. Everyday there is a different challenge and something new to learn. To answer some of your questions. It is a very competitive field. How far you you can advance in this field is limited only by you and how far you want to go. The job market for a good chef is endless. Salary will vary on location and how marketable you make yourself.
I hope I was a little help with your questions Please feel free to contact me with any question you or your class might have.
Thanks,
Chef Durkee

Hi! My high school Career Awareness class is researching careers that we're interested in. I've always watched Food Network and the cooking shows on PBS and I would love to be a chef, more specifically a pastry chef. Could any of you answer some of these questions that I have?

: 1. Are there opportunities to advance?
: 2. Is the field competitive?
: 3. Is there a likelihood of success?
: 4. Is the work routine or repetitive?
: 5. What's the salary range?
: 6. Is there much job security?
: 7. What are the usual working hours?
: 8. What are the educational and training requirements?
: 9. What is the employment outlook?
: 10. What are some positive and negative aspects of being a chef?

: Thanks very much for your help!!!

: -Shannon

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