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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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career changes
I have been thinking a lot about what I want to do with the rest of my working life.
I am really not content to be working in an office situation as I have been.
my interests are a bit more creative...I love cooking and I love writing.
I was reading about a program given by the French Culinary Institute in Italian cooking. it's an intensive program taught here and in Italy, with a 9 week "job" in an italian restaurant when the coursework is completed (kind of like an internship)
the price tag is VERY steep....not necessarily more than a masters may be...or even some undergrad degrees...but it's a lot easier to find a job with a degree in regular coursework, even if it doesn't necessarily pertain to what field the job is in, rather than something as far fetched and "focused" (for lack of a better term,) as a cooking "degree".
anyway, any thoughts/ideas/opinions that you'd like to share are most welcomed.
TIA
ETA: the cost of the program is $38,000
Message edited 6/11/2007 4:19:49 PM.
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Posted 6/11/07 3:14 PM  |
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JennCo
My greatest joy is my baby boy
Member since 1/07 2772 total posts
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Re: career changes
I think that if this is something that you really see yourself doing and having a passion for...then go for it!
My advice is there is nothing worse than giving up a great opportunity to make yourself happy! Good luck with your decision!
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| Posted 6/12/07 2:35 PM |
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Michelina627
LIF Adult
Member since 2/06 1071 total posts
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Michelle
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Re: career changes
Make sure that you can commit yourself to the hours and lifestyle of working in that industry. There is a lot of burnout since most holidays and nights are spent in restaurants.
Talk to people in the business first, and if you are still passionate - definitely go for it!
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| Posted 6/12/07 7:42 PM |
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Smiles111
...
Member since 12/06 1905 total posts
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Re: career changes
Posted by Michelina627
Make sure that you can commit yourself to the hours and lifestyle of working in that industry. There is a lot of burnout since most holidays and nights are spent in restaurants.
Talk to people in the business first, and if you are still passionate - definitely go for it!
Good advice!!
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| Posted 6/13/07 10:13 AM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
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Me
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Re: career changes
Posted by Michelina627
Make sure that you can commit yourself to the hours and lifestyle of working in that industry. There is a lot of burnout since most holidays and nights are spent in restaurants.
Talk to people in the business first, and if you are still passionate - definitely go for it!
I agree. The college where I went for undergrad had a hotel and restaurant management major, but most of my friends who worked in restaurants changed fields because you never get a weekend or holiday off since those are the busiest times for restaurants. It's a very difficult lifestyle, prone to burnout.
That said, if it is what you want, have you looked into the Culinary Institute of America? I used to live right near there, and from what I have heard it is the most well-respected school in the US.
I spent far more than that for my doctoral tuition, but it just sounds very steep for a non-degree program.
Message edited 6/13/2007 11:12:59 AM.
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| Posted 6/13/07 11:12 AM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
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D
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Re: career changes
Posted by Michelina627
Make sure that you can commit yourself to the hours and lifestyle of working in that industry. There is a lot of burnout since most holidays and nights are spent in restaurants.
Talk to people in the business first, and if you are still passionate - definitely go for it!
I agree. I have a brother who is a chef and he works HARD. You really have to love it to stay in it for the long haul, because besides working every weekend and most holidays, sometimes you get called in on days off for parties or special events. Many, if not most of the jobs also don't provide any benefits, including health insurance.
Could you see yourself working in the field first, to get a feel for it and then apply to the program?
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| Posted 6/15/07 1:32 PM |
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kimchee
LIF Toddler
Member since 1/07 428 total posts
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Re: career changes
If you like both writing and cooking why not be a food critic?
I would seriously consider being a cook unless you can withstand being on your feet most of the day on the job.
I dated someone who started work as a chef and it was physically draining on him. He was very fit but working in a restaurant is hard on your feet and it's HOT and stressful unless you're the executive chef who only need to oversee things...
Not to deter you, but there are other careers that also combine cooking and writing.
Working in a catering business or being a food critic are two jobs I would think about if I had your interest.
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| Posted 6/15/07 1:57 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: career changes
Posted by kimchee
If you like both writing and cooking why not be a food critic?
ITA with this. I think this is right up your alley (well from what I see of you on here, anyway...)
You can take some less costly and less commitment oriented food appreciation type of classes.
I honestly think that $38K for a 9 week course is rather steep, and I agree with the APs - working as a chef in a restaurant is very trying. The hours needed to work, and the committment needed timewise before moving up is TREACHEROUS. I also worked in the industry, and you are pretty much dedicating yourself to miss all weekend plans and holiday plans outside of working. It can take years before you can spread your wings as a chef, and the shift hours can be very very difficult. And if you take a vacation (in some places) good luck having a job to come back to....
You could also try to create your own style of cooking & become the next Martha/Rachel/Giada....they have made an excellent living for themselves combining their love for cooking and their desire to write.....
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| Posted 6/16/07 1:00 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: career changes
Posted by MsMBV
Posted by kimchee
If you like both writing and cooking why not be a food critic?
ITA with this. I think this is right up your alley (well from what I see of you on here, anyway...)
You could also try to create your own style of cooking & become the next Martha/Rachel/Giada....they have made an excellent living for themselves combining their love for cooking and their desire to write.....
these two things are more up my alley, you are right.
as of right now, I don't see myself working in a "restaurant" perhaps a smaller cafe, but no bigger.
I really want to cater and to write. so these are my goals.
oh, and I totally misrepresented the course.
its a 28-week intensive training course. 10 weeks at the FCI in NYC (plus additional language classes) and 9 weeks at the ALMA school in Parma, PLUS a 9-week internship at a restaurant IN Italy.
I am currently getting started on some small catering, so we'll see how that goes.
I do not mind hard work or being on my feet. I DO mind being stifled and bored out of my gourd for most of the waking hours of the day.
thank you all for you input. I will keep you posted.
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| Posted 6/25/07 2:37 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: career changes
Posted by Ophelia
oh, and I totally misrepresented the course.
its a 28-week intensive training course. 10 weeks at the FCI in NYC (plus additional language classes) and 9 weeks at the ALMA school in Parma, PLUS a 9-week internship at a restaurant IN Italy.
I am currently getting started on some small catering, so we'll see how that goes.
I do not mind hard work or being on my feet. I DO mind being stifled and bored out of my gourd for most of the waking hours of the day.
thank you all for you input. I will keep you posted.
Ah that course sounds a bit more in depth. 
Good luck with your new endeavours. I am sure you will be fantastic!
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| Posted 6/25/07 8:55 PM |
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