In a rut, wanting to move up

[youngbuck]

So im about to turn 23 and like to think I have an idea of what im doing, but I know I have a really really long way to go. Im currently working as a line cook in a country club now near houston and plan to move to new orleans soon looking for another line cook position at a nice restaurant there and learn the creole/cajun cuisine. But I was wondering at what age and how you first got into being the sous chef at a place. Move up from within? Know someone? Im not expecting to land that spot just yet, but I dont want to wait much longer, im getting anxious. Any stories or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[LessTalkMoreRoc]

I became a sous chef @ 23 in a Private golf course and I got that position by caring about how I presented myself, caring about every plate I presented and caring about getting the job done right even when others did not. I really did all that I could to better myself the few years before by purchasing 1 cookbook every paycheck (I now how the most amazing culinary library), I formed a group of young people who like myself wanted to be on the top of their game and we met once or twice a week to discuss anything food related.

As many great chefs on this forum will tell you it's a lot of hard work to transition from a cook to a chef and it takes a lot more than just saying you want to be a sous chef/chef you must take action and focus on ways that you can better yourself in this career.

[chubyalaskagriz]

It's all relative, and there's really no set standard. Some line cooks are ready and capable at a youngish 24 and others require longer tenure for any number of reasons. Plus not all kitchens are created equal. It's more about the Chef and his/her feelings and expectations. When the chef thinks one is ready, they will extend the opportunity. As a young line cook who thought he was sous chef material perhaps earlier than he really was- it took me a while to get that. That said, when a chef finally entrusted me with her confidence, I was forever grateful and enjoyed exceeding her demands and expectations.