I might have misspoken, when I said I "figured", I actually meant I did know I will be doing those tasks. When I asked what to expect, I meant the other things? Pay rate, general atmosphere (more relaxed or restaurant "I don't care how you do it just get it done attitude"), etc, etc.
To put things in perspective I have been working as a line cook for a year and a half. It's an upscale, seasonal/weekly menu restaurant and everything is from scratch from the pastry's and pasta to the sausage and terrines. I can't say that I know a lot or much of anything, in fact I would describe myself as at best an average cook in a good restaurant. I won't know for sure until I experience it myself but judging from everyone around me I've learned that no matter what restaurant I go to the "core" of what I do will never change. Only the creativity, professionalism, and whether or not I plate with my finger or with tweezers.
In any case, I don't think I'm old enough to know for sure what I want to be doing 10 years from now but I do know that going off my feelings now it won't be in a restaurant. The "professional arc" most people fall into is probably work the line until someone gives you a chance at sous or do something completely different in or out of the field. I don't want to fall into that group of people who realize at 28-30 that $13/hr just isn't enough. I'm sure most people want to believe that they will be an Exec or Sous early and young, but I see that there only 1 chef/1 sous and the odds aren't in your favor. It's a lot of time to sacrifice on "maybe's" and "what ifs". I wouldn't say I lack passion per se, but restaurants are scary for those who are smart enough to look ahead. I'd rather have the flexibility, financially, and socially in a place where it seems to be a more systematic rise to the top then restaurants. Not to say it wouldn't be as hard in a different place but judging myself now I don't believe I have the necessary characteristics to be a "great" restaurant chef, and if I can't be great why stick with it.
So when people tell me that if they could do it all over again, they would learn what they needed and go work "corporate" earlier in their lives because the day to day task won't change a year or two years from now, I listen. I can't tell you exactly what my goals are because they change...sometimes daily. But I do not want to be that "guy" of which there are so many that burned out and then decided chains and what not are the next best thing.
Sorry for the rant btw
