Someone once asked me what career I would have chosen if not my current one. I replied "chef". Why? I enjoy cooking. That doesn't necessarily mean I'd like working as a chef though and I know that. Enjoying doing something for fun and making a living at it can be two entirely different things—or they could be the same thing. I'd be the first to tell you that hobbies sometimes make very fulfilling careers. Just as it is of the utmost importance to research any career before deciding to pursue it, you should explore a career even if it is related to your hobby. So with that in mind, let's learn a bit about working as a chef.
Chefs usually work in restaurants and other food services establishments. Some chefs are entrepreneurs who own restaurants or work as personal chefs. Chefs create recipes, measure, mix, and cook ingredients according to recipes and direct the work of other kitchen workers. They can receive their training in high school or through vocational programs, but those who aspire to be executive chefs must complete a formal training program.
Now comes the opportunity to learn more about becoming a chef. First you should obtain additional information about this occupation. Get detailed job descriptions and find out about compensation and job outlook in Culinary Careers: Chef, Cook, Food Preparation Worker. If you want a first-hand account of a day in the life of a personal chef, take a few minutes to watch this video. Finally, if you are are considering whether to pursue a career as a chef, the Should You Become a Chef? quiz can help you find out if you have the characteristics necessary to succeed in this career.
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