Quote:
Originally Posted by ChefSean 
Is the picture really that grim? Many things I've read preach that a cook's life sucks and the only really happy cooks/chefs (with few exceptions) are those plastered on the Food Network. When does the life of a professional cook change and "having a life" become possible. As cooks, do we willingly give up that world?
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I think it's only "grim" if thats how you look at it. No-one becomes a Chef for the money, or the benefits. We do it because it makes us happy -we have hospitality in our blood. I'm 33, I have a wife and a baby on the way. I only get to sit down with her for a meal once or twice in a good week, she's asleep when I get home and gone before I get up, but we are both very independent people and enjoy the time we do spend together.
If you want a career in the culinary world START NOW, times-a-wasting. -Even though Chefs are not pop stars and they don't expire after 35,(
tv would like you to believe that all chefs are young and good looking) It's going to take you years to get your chops, education, and decide what part of this culinary world you fit into.
If your wife supports your decision, take the leap. You can always fall back on computers if you dont like it, or even do them part time to supplement income.
Food is the glue that holds a family together anyway, Life revolves around the kitchen table in most households. there is an importance to it, why wouldn't you want to be a Chef ? read "The Apprentice", the Jacques Pippin biography. Then have your wife read it. He has some amazingly insightful things to say about family and being a chef.
I guess the bottom line is: if it makes you happy do it, you don't have to destroy your family to become a chef. there will be sacrifices, but anything good is worth the work.
-ciao
mike