Pros and Cons of My Previous Profession as a Cook Prep in a Culinary Setting

After working in my previous profession for 12 years, from August last year, I decided it was time to leave. While I loved the diverse roles I had in the activity, service, and food preparation departments, my professional journey came with its share of challenges. Here, I will outline both the positives and negatives of my experience as a Cook Prep, from the monetary benefits to the mental toll of poor management.

Professional Experience

My journey began in the activity department where I worked for a few months. However, I soon realized that I lacked the required diploma for this role, so I had to pivot to the service department. After a few years, I managed to become a Cook Prep, transitioning through various departments in the span of 12 years at the same company. I was initially motivated by the good money, retirement benefits, and the camaraderie of my colleagues. Working in the service department and later becoming a Cook Prep were fulfilling experiences, but the transition to a more challenging role did come with its fair share of stress.

Positive Aspects of the Profession

Good Money and Retirement Benefits

One of the most appealing aspects of my role is the financial stability it provided. Not only did I receive a steady income, but there were also excellent retirement benefits, which gave me a sense of security for the future. These benefits, along with the potential for career growth, made the work environment rather attractive.

Great Friends and Opportunity for Travel

The profession offered me the chance to make a diverse group of friends, many of whom became lifelong companions. Additionally, the opportunity to travel for work provided a unique perspective on various cultures and lifestyles. Traveling for work did come with its perks, but it also required me to miss out on significant social occasions at home.

Negative Aspects of the Profession

Mental Exhaustion Due to Poor Management

While the monetary and social benefits were substantial, my professional life was not without its struggles. Working under a new, incompetent kitchen manager who lacked leadership skills was particularly challenging. Over time, his poor management and lack of effective leadership drained my mental energy and ultimately led me to leave in August last year. Although he was a patient and good teacher, his leadership abilities were questionable. This negative aspect of my professional journey was particularly draining and contributed to my decision to change my career path.

Challenges in the Culinary Profession

High Divorce Rate and Suicide Rate

A common issue in the culinary profession is the high rate of divorce and suicide. Long working hours, constant stress, and the pressure to deliver high-quality meals can take a toll on both the personal and professional lives of chefs and other culinary professionals.

Isolation and Sitting in a Room with Nothing to Do

Another challenge is the isolation that often comes with the job. There are periods where you might be sitting in a room with nothing to do, waiting for orders, which can be mentally taxing. Being away from loved ones for long periods due to travel or work demands also poses a significant challenge to maintaining strong familial relationships.

Eating Out

Living in the culinary world also means eating out more often. While this can be enjoyable, it can be expensive and it's not always the healthiest option. I used to enjoy going out to eat, but over time, the financial burden and the need to eat out for work became a strain.

Conclusion

Overall, my 12 years in the culinary profession were filled with a mix of positive and negative experiences. The financial stability, opportunity for travel, and camaraderie with colleagues were significant benefits, while the mental exhaustion due to poor management and the challenges of the profession itself were difficult to navigate. Ultimately, my decision to leave was a testament to the importance of work-life balance and the recognition that despite the negatives, finding a role that makes me mentally and emotionally happy is crucial.

Keywords: Cook Prep, Culinary Profession, Job Satisfaction