[rat]

Man you super macho guys just floor me, take a break for chrissake. That I have to work 20 hours a day every day is what keeps the kitchen in the stone age.

Wake up, people need breaks why are you not taking one for to make your boss money? It is just stupid not to. How can you say you are ready unless you have some time to get your head and your @#$% together before a busy night or after one.

Only the strong survive? what is this? Only the stupid keep doing it for years you mean.
As a chef it is your responsibility both legally and ethically to see your staff has something to eat everyday and time to eat it as well as poo and pee. Believe it or not it is true people will work harder if they feel you really give a crap about them.

If you slack you slack, breaks or not, I think most cooks cannot manage their time correctly so are constantly pressed for time. Work smart, work efficiently. Everyday I see the line go down in flames for not being prepared. Most people forget the rules of setup, timing and hustle.

Pat, seriously now your 4+ years of experience is overwhelming. Working doubles everyday does nothing for you except make your boss money because you have some twisted sense of machismo ("what are those breaks you speak of"). After 25 years in, I see the people who never take their breaks burn out and fade away. You need time maybe after another massive 4 years of experience you may realize that.

I am not sorry for the rant as this is where i would put my usual disclaimer, to advance this industry you have to stop all this super tough guy crap. The only one who cares if you worked 16 hours without any rest is your boss who will be laughing all the way to the bank. Even slaves got a break now and then. Boo hoo to all the people who would flame me here but than like I stated I've been there and done that, I'm better than most at what I do and it just kills me to see the restaurant industry is the only that hasn't advanced in the last 20+ years in terms of pay and hours. Get out of the stone age.