[fliptuner]

I would seriously reconsider being a tech as a career. I used to be a tech but when you have to work with deadlines, customers and the same old shit everyday, it loses it's appeal, real quick. What was once a hobby turned into a chore.

Now, out of the daily grind at a shop, I'm back to only doing my own projects, helping friends out and the odd customer and enjoy turning wrenches again.

On a side note, one of my best friends was in the same boat as you a few years ago. He went to a top culinary school and worked at a few really good restaurants and hotels and just felt....stuck. I get it, I know your hours and pay and how hard you work. He ended up getting a job at a highschool, helping run the culinary program, getting benefits, summers off, etc. and he loves cooking again. Him and a buddy just did the Italian booth at Eat Vancouver and he still enters competitions from time to time. He also does catering on the side, for extra cash.

My point is, your industry doesn't just mean cooking in a restaurant. There are a lot of other things you can do within it that pays better and might reignite your passion for cooking.

GL