Quote:
Originally Posted by bcrdukes
I've worked about 10 years in the industry I'm in. I've also had many jobs while growing up. But now that I'm older and wiser, one thing I came to realize is that you have to find something you enjoy doing. I'm just glad I enjoy what I do and my career path within the industry has been quite interesting.
I got to work with all kinds of people from all walks of life, dealing with irate and irrational clients, to building some of the latest and greatest of technological innovation. I got to travel a lot and had the opportunity to meet some stellar people throughout the years. Would I trade anything for it? Hell no! Do I enjoy what I do? Hell yeah.
But do I ask myself "What if?" Fuck no. As much as money is a driving factor, the love of my job is definitely a lot more important. I think I would have slit my wrists many times over if I had stuck at working at McDonald's flipping burgers for $7.15/hour.
Go find something you're good at and something you like. This is only for YOU to decide. Worry about the money later. It will come. Go to school. Give it a chance and see if you like it. There are people out there who get paid $21/hr to sort mail all day but do you really want to do that for 7.5 hours a day, 5 days a week for the rest of your life? Probably not. But again, that's for you to decide. Not your friends. Not your family. And heaven forbid, especially Revscene.
Your afterthought in going into the trades is fueled by your pessimism so think that through before you decide to pursue something else. If it helps, a close friend of mine recently completed a program at BCIT in electrical trades. He's currently working full-time as an electrician earning his hours and will be returning to school. I don't see him very often anymore. Why? Because he's busy busting his balls off, getting electrocuted, working in some bizarre conditions but he loves every minute of it. And nobody can take that away from him. Happiness and success is a definition you define.
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Couldn't have said it any better. I'm kind of in the same situation as you are. I've been a cook since i graduated from high school. Its definitely a stressful job and the amount of pay you get for what you have to put up is sometimes not worth it..but thats my opinion about it. However, some people love to cook because they found passion in it. Whether it be the environment or just cooking fantastic food, its your call. also, if you ever decide to work in the culinary industry be prepared to work wacky hours and holidays. You will be dealing with all sorts of people as well. Some Chefs are nicer than others and some are "Ramsey" style. lol
Now, 2 months ago i took up some sessions with a career counselor and he helped me with deciding what my next step should be to step out of the kitchen. Not only did he opened my eyes up with the amount of options i have with different careers, he also revealed some of my more personal personalities which took me by surprise.
Imo, if you really are interested in cooking, i suggest you go hit up your favorite restaurant(s) and ask if you can work for FREE (sort of like a work interview) for a day or two just so that you can get a taste of what the kitchen is like. If you like it, then ask for a job there. you may start off with dish washing like all other cooks in the industry. The great thing about cooking is that its one of the few occupations that let you travel all over the world.
Like what other people have mentioned to you, give the job a chance and see if you like it or not. Money will be an issue as you start taking up more responsibility, but don't forget about yourself.
Good luck!