Looking for more time with family

cheftech · #1 10-29-2006, 06:28 PM

I have been working in hotels, resorts, and conference centers for the last 13 years. I know that these places demand a lot of time at work and do not allow for much at home but I have come to the conclusion that as my kids get older I would like to (and need to) spend more time with them as well as my wife. I have thought about working in hospitals, retirement centers or for corporate cafeterias but thats about it for ideas.

I wanted to know if anyone has any ideas about other opportunities I should seek or if you can give me your opinions about working at a hospital or a corporate cafeteria. Also, if anyone has experience working for companies like Aramark, Sodexho, or the Compass Group. I would like to hear your experiences.

Thanks

Rivitman · #2 10-29-2006, 06:51 PM

The most regular hours seem to be in the healthcare side.
Hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities and assisted living.

Everybody I know that ever did anything for aramark said they hated every minute.
Compass and sodhexo seem to vary by assignment.

panini · #3 10-29-2006, 08:06 PM

Chef,
Worked for ARA for 16 hours before turning my apron in.
If you're in the BigD area, I know some schools are looking for teachers.
I also know some chefs that have signed on with food brokers to demo or tech their items.
Also R&D.
pan
Your making the right move!

chefbigdog · #4 10-29-2006, 08:21 PM

Chef,
I worh for Sodexho in campus services, the job can be smooth depending on what location you are given. Not to many late nights or real early days 2 or 3 times a year you have to put it all out for the parties for president board of trustee, graduation etc. Closed for break here and there. Closed for Christmas. Done by mid May. Then maby some summer camps. Home every night with the family also pretty flexable for field trips with your kids etc. Lots of paper work and follow up. Hope this helps

cheftech · #5 10-30-2006, 09:48 PM

Thanks to everyone who has replied. You have confirmed what I had suspected a long about ARA & Sodexho. I'm in Austin, TX and I have a few online resources to check for job postings...HCareeres, Career Builders, Monster, and I visit the Sodexho and Compass sites. Does anyone have another suggestions where to find job postings ?

Someday · #6 10-30-2006, 11:33 PM

Have you tried things like Central Market? Whole Foods?

They are corporate and offer good benefits, good hours, etc.

shroomgirl · #7 10-31-2006, 07:08 AM

When I personal cheffed it was school hours 4-5 days a week.....loads of benefits but not ins. It's a whole different ballgame but worked for me as a single mom with 3 sons. They got ins from their father.

Dangel · #8 10-31-2006, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheftech

Does anyone have another suggestions where to find job postings ?

craigslist is a great spot to check for job openings - here is the Austin link:
http://austin.craigslist.org/ret/

Austin is a college town isn't it? Go directly to the website for any/all of those schools and look for the employment link. A side benefit working for a college is often free tuition for the employee and dependants! Out of curiosity I went to the University of Texas at Austin job postings and found these two:
http://utdirect.utexas.edu/pnjobs/pn...r=060928016160
http://utdirect.utexas.edu/pnjobs/pn...r=061012016161
I wish you a lot of luck and success with your search

foodnfoto · #9 10-31-2006, 09:13 AM

Also check the International Association of Culinary Professionals or IACP
They have a job search function on thier website-www.iacp.com
Most jobs are for chefs, but some other interesting opportunities show up from time to time.
You might consider sororities and fraternities if you live near a large university campus. Often they hire cooks to feed the brothers and sisters.

Try freelance recipe testing and development
I know I sound like a broken record, but get a book by Mary Donovan titled Careers for Gourmets and Others Who Relish Food

Chefmatt06 · #10 10-31-2006, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shroomgirl

When I personal cheffed it was school hours 4-5 days a week.....loads of benefits but not ins. It's a whole different ballgame but worked for me as a single mom with 3 sons. They got ins from their father.

Hi..this is the first time i logged in...? is personal cheffing a good thing financially...quality of life seems better but does it pay the bills. i am thinking of getting into it but want to make sure its going to help support the fam....any suggestions..chef matt