9.8.2008--Career changing story...
I almost forgot to share one of the more interesting stories from this past week!
In our classes, we are fortunate enough to have a few professional cooks/chefs who are going through the program to get their cooking degree. A few of these students have been in the culinary industry here in town (Vegas) for YEARS. So we have boat load of diverse experiences within our walls.
One good aspect of being around such people is that you get an insider's view of the state of affairs of the industry. For instance, it is a widely accepted belief that, due in large part to the presences of unions and gaming industry resources, Vegas is a place where even the lowest man on the totem pole in a kitchen may earn a livable income with benefits--many dishwashers on the strip easily make $14 with benefits after a 6 months. The down side of this is that it is nearly impossible to get rid of poor workers (if they are union, that is).
But another wide held belief is that qualified candidates are purposely overlooked for hiring to prevent competition. This seems to be changing to some extent since more and more casino restaurants are independently owned. However, it is one of those beliefs that is hard to prove--except with anecdotal evidence.
Well, here is some more anecdotal evidence to stoke the flames. One of the students who is a chef and is on the hiring committee at the restaurant where he works (a nice restaurant on the strip), openly shared an irksome story with me.
Long story short, he freely shared that any time a resume or application comes across his desk wherein the applicant is educated, well qualified, or experienced...he takes a quick look at the resume and tosses it in the trash. "I don't even call the guy. Why? I don't need someone better than me around. The others too. If you're good, we don't want you."
And I know....some of you will say, "not everyone is like that. Get over it."
Yeah, yeah...I agree. Whatever. But I think such a story is worthy to share. Why? Because I believe people need to know the wide ranging attitudes that they may be up against when changing a career.
In my case, whether it is from my instructor (the butchery guy), or a restaurant's manager, I have endured MANY negative comments for my attempt in changing careers. The comments are not hidden or subtle (i.e. I did not misinterpret what they were telling me).
In fact, a few have been outright direct and rude. Nevertheless, a couple have truly been encouraging and supportive.
But regardless, hearing stories like this from a guy on a hiring committee is always disheartening. My perceptions, that this kind of behavior exist, are of course unprovable. But again, a story like this just reinforces what I have experienced thus far.
Maybe I don't belong in the kitchen. Or maybe my education and professional experience will take me another route someday. But for now, I can only share what I have experienced and hope that it may help others in some way.
In our classes, we are fortunate enough to have a few professional cooks/chefs who are going through the program to get their cooking degree. A few of these students have been in the culinary industry here in town (Vegas) for YEARS. So we have boat load of diverse experiences within our walls.
One good aspect of being around such people is that you get an insider's view of the state of affairs of the industry. For instance, it is a widely accepted belief that, due in large part to the presences of unions and gaming industry resources, Vegas is a place where even the lowest man on the totem pole in a kitchen may earn a livable income with benefits--many dishwashers on the strip easily make $14 with benefits after a 6 months. The down side of this is that it is nearly impossible to get rid of poor workers (if they are union, that is).
But another wide held belief is that qualified candidates are purposely overlooked for hiring to prevent competition. This seems to be changing to some extent since more and more casino restaurants are independently owned. However, it is one of those beliefs that is hard to prove--except with anecdotal evidence.
Well, here is some more anecdotal evidence to stoke the flames. One of the students who is a chef and is on the hiring committee at the restaurant where he works (a nice restaurant on the strip), openly shared an irksome story with me.
Long story short, he freely shared that any time a resume or application comes across his desk wherein the applicant is educated, well qualified, or experienced...he takes a quick look at the resume and tosses it in the trash. "I don't even call the guy. Why? I don't need someone better than me around. The others too. If you're good, we don't want you."
And I know....some of you will say, "not everyone is like that. Get over it."
Yeah, yeah...I agree. Whatever. But I think such a story is worthy to share. Why? Because I believe people need to know the wide ranging attitudes that they may be up against when changing a career.
In my case, whether it is from my instructor (the butchery guy), or a restaurant's manager, I have endured MANY negative comments for my attempt in changing careers. The comments are not hidden or subtle (i.e. I did not misinterpret what they were telling me).
In fact, a few have been outright direct and rude. Nevertheless, a couple have truly been encouraging and supportive.
But regardless, hearing stories like this from a guy on a hiring committee is always disheartening. My perceptions, that this kind of behavior exist, are of course unprovable. But again, a story like this just reinforces what I have experienced thus far.
Maybe I don't belong in the kitchen. Or maybe my education and professional experience will take me another route someday. But for now, I can only share what I have experienced and hope that it may help others in some way.
Total Comments 1
Comments
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Aim to work only for the best:
"First-rate people hire first-rate people; second-rate people hire third-rate people."Posted 10-02-2008 at 10:54 AM by Vera Bradley
