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Originally Posted by Just Jim  I don't get why a couple have chosen to liken this behavior to "machismo", when no one has come across in that manner, and especially when considering that this isn't a solely male occupation. |
I mean machismo in the sense of "poor me, I have to work a double again and cover 2 stations because of poor staffing/mismanagement/preparation" If working your but off everyday 12 hours straight is job satisfaction then it is time for a new job IMO. There is nothing wrong with sitting down between service when you are ready, grabbing something to eat. Again I assume we are talking about taking breaks while service is not occurring. As a chef I insist all my crew get something to eat, and rest a bit every day, I see the payoff. Like a previous poster said the law of diminishing returns applies here.
The only time when you should be working like that is if you own the place-- period. Not that a kitchen is 9-5 in any sense but this outdated work ethos is what keeps our industry lagging behind in terms of pay, professionalism and sanity. How many chefs do you know who have missed their kids birthdays, their first steps or have destroyed marriages because they "have to work again, sorry honey". It is really sad this industry is still in this state. Cooking is not a matter of life or death but it will kill you if you let it.
It reminds me of a cook I once knew who was a meth addict, he would come in so high and tear up service all day and night long, the owner loved it and even condoned it because he was doing the work of 2 cooks while at the same time he was also destroying his life and body. He eventually burnt out and crashed, lost his wife, family and was fired because he couldn't perform like he did, a very sad situation. Otherwise he was a very talented creative person and a helluva guy.
PS I also know some women who can run circles around a lot of men and still have time to take a break.
PSS I still work on average 55+ so hours a week, take breaks and have time to see my kid everyday so don't tell me it cannot be done.