This is a comment/question about general chef stuff. But I am a pastry chef so Im putting it here.
Im feeling a bit depressed and defeated right now.
I want your feedback on my problem, please. Right now I am feeling horrible from being over worked.
I just dug out my text book from culinary school: "Professional Cooking" by Wayne Gisslen. Ill never forget the day I read what it said on page 8.
It says: "The successful food service worker follows an unwritten code of behavior and set of attitudes we call professionalism. Let's look at some of the qualities that a professional must have.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD THE JOB
In order to be a good professional cook, you have to like it and want to do it well........."
I thought: well, Im good there. then later it says:
"A cook with a possitive attitude works quickly, efficiently, neatly, and safely. Professionals have pride in their work and want to make sure that the work is something to be proud of."
I thought: well Im good there, too.
Then it says:
"STAYING POWER"
Food service requires physical and mental stamina, good health, and a willingness to work hard. It is hard work. The pressures can be intense and the hours long and grueling....."
Then I thought: Uh Oh.
I do not have alot of physical stamina. I am not in great health.
So I began to question if I was on the right track. But this is what I love. I decided to proceed with my education and to pursue a career in food service. I have learned how many hours I can work and stay reasonably well. I have had a hard time finding work. I have taken jobs that were "beneath" my skills because of this. But I continued to search for employment that was more suitable. I was always very clear on my hourly restrictions. But I didn't want to seem unbending so naturally I agreed I could work more on occasion....in emergencies. I was pastry chef at a very small country club. They assured me it would meet my hourly requirement. they were wrong. Unfortunately I had to leave that job. They didn't want me to go. So it's not like I had been letting them down.
Well, now I have a good job. Once again I was clear on my restrictions. However, occasionally I had to work more and I seemed to do ok. But one holiday season it was too much and I got ill. I didn't let on but it took 9 months to get back to normal. Now, I think it has happened again. In the last 10 days or so Ive worked about 80 hours. And in 3 days I work over 35 hours. My boss overbooked weddings and then had to leave town. Ive been off Sunday and Monday to recuperate...but I feel horrible. Im exhausted. My arms and legs ache. My shoulder is killing me for some reason. I ran a fever all day Sunday. I have 3 ulcers/canker soars in my mouth. My lymph nodes are swollen and sore. My stomach is hurting. I feel light headed and scatter brained. I just backed my car into another car this evening.
I REALLY love this business. It breaks my heart to think of giving it up. But it just isn't worth it.
The funny thing is: In over 2 years at this place Ive only taken one sick day. Maybe the problem isn't my boss....or even the industry as a whole, but my ability to say "no".
It just seems like in this industry there is not much tolerance for those who are weaker or interested in life outside of the kitchen.
I put in my notice. They begged me to stay. they are very happy with my work. So it's not like I haven't delivered.
Oh well.
What am I gonna do now?
Thanks for reading this rant.
eeyore