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Starting From Scratch

post #1 of 4
10/13/12 at 8:56am
Thread Starter 

OK, I know there are a million and one posts on advice about starting over, but I am really in need of some help.  I work a corporate America job and am ready to pull out my hair!  I am a baking enthusiast with no pastry/baking education under my belt.  I just love to be in the kitchen.  I am now at the point in my life (late 20's) where I feel like it's now or never for me.  I got offered a dream job at a local small bakery and had to turn it down due to the pay and lack of insurance benefits.  If I could afford to cut my salary in half and have no health insurance, then believe me, I would have done it.

 

That being said, I have looked into the Art Institute of Michigan and was impressed with their kitchens and staff.  I've read a lot of not so good reviews in the forum about the school though.  Are there any suggestions on whether or not I should make this investment?  How do I get my foot in the door at a local bakery, while juggling my corporate job and going to school?  Is starting a home business a good idea?  My goal is to get my name out in the area as well.  I literally am a scattered mess on where to even begin.  I am currently working on my portfolio, as far as the decorating aspect, but how do I get people to try my baking?

 

Any guidance and opinions would be greatly appreciated!

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post #2 of 4
10/14/12 at 4:28am

Hello and welcome to Cheftalk.

I am not going to steer you in the wrong direction but I am going to give you a reality slap in the face FarahLynn.

 

 "I got offered a dream job at a local small bakery and had to turn it down due to the pay and lack of insurance benefits.  If I could afford to cut my salary in half and have no health insurance, then believe me, I would have done it."

 

After an education, after the money spent, after the time away from home and juggling a job, going to school and raising a family, your new career as a baker will leave you with less money then you are making now.

That's a fact you can take to the bank.

I understand your love for the craft but please understand that we (the collective "we") in the industry are here because we love what we do....not for the money.

 

.0000001% of us are in a job that pays all the bills and keeps our heads financially above water.

 

Still determined????

 

Finish up that portfolio. This has your creativity, and style to show everyone. The yellow pages is a great place to start. Check out bakeries, both corporate (lots of great benefits) and locally owned. You'll be trying to get a "benchman" job. This will allow you to become acquainted with the different types of yeast doughs and other items in the bakery.  I offer my best.

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post #3 of 4
10/14/12 at 6:23am
Thread Starter 

Thank you for the great feedback chefross.  To answer your question, yes.  I am still determined.  I know I need to get over my fear of the unknown and just take the plunge.  Going for a corporate bakery is a good idea, seeing as though I cannot, in my health, not have health insurance at the moment.  Any suggestions on what I should include in my resume?  I try to be as honest as possible in expressing that this is my love, I just don't want to sound "corny!"  Thanks again!

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post #4 of 4
10/14/12 at 7:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by FarahLynn View Post  I got offered a dream job at a local small bakery and had to turn it down due to the pay and lack of insurance benefits. 

Going to school will not realistically change the pay scale or availability of health insurance in this this industry.

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by FarahLynn View Post  If I could afford to cut my salary in half and have no health insurance, then believe me, I would have done it.

Not trying to be harsh, but if you were truly passionate, if you lived and breathed pastry/baking; do you think you would even think about uttering that statement.

 

I believe you enjoy and receive much pleasure from pastry/baking. Why not pursue it as a sideline in your spare time without making any major lifestyle decisions? Maybe in 6 months to a year, who knows??? At that time, you will have some valuable hindsight in your favor.

Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.
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