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How do i know if i want to pursue culinary arts as a profession or i just like it as a hobby to research, learn, cook food

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John’s Answer

The hospitality/culinary career path is life changing and is always looking for talent around the world. Being a lifelong Executive Chef in Las Vegas for over 40 years has been rewarding in many ways. If you have the opportunity to start in any culinary position as a hobby, I'd say go for it. It will be a short time before you know for sure if you are passionate about cooking and spending 10-12 hour days in front of hot ovens. That is the beginning. Just ALWAYS keep in mind you are there to satisfy the guest with your culinary skills, so remember, that guest wants to eat on Christmas or 4th of July or Mother's day. So have expectations that you also will probably be working on all those holidays as well. If your passion outweighs your need to be home for the holidays, then you're good to go. It was approximately 25 years for me before I got any of the major holidays off. One simply has the ability to have Thanksgiving dinner on a Tuesday of Mother's day on the Monday after. Good Luck
Thank you comment icon Thank you for John, i appreciate your expertise and taking time to answer me. Will surely consider the things you stated above, helped a lot to get a better clarity Have a good day :) Tvisha
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Kim’s Answer

You've received some insightful answers. I would just like to add this "food" for thought. When you choose a career, you have a picture of it in your mind. Get rid of that picture. Stop and think of all the things you could do with a culinary arts degree! It's not just working at fancy restaurants. You could work at a big convention center, or on a cruise ship! And when you get bored, you can go do something totally different, like, work in a hospital (might require additional training - not sure!) But a brand new challenge - how to create appetizing meals for people with dietary restrictions.

This is to say, along the way, you develop "transferable job skills." Keep your resume current, you never know when opportunity might knock at your door. You will grow in your career - where you decide to go with it is up to you - it can go in many different directions!

Hope this helps!
Kim
Thank you comment icon Thank you Kim, that really helped me look at this with a whole new perspective and it was great knowing this side of the industry as well. Really appreciate your time and expertise, hopefully we intereact again in the future Have a good day :) Tvisha
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Alexa’s Answer

I would advise you to talk to some professionals in the culinary field. You should think about if cooking is something you can do everyday, for the rest of your life. It is a challenging field, you are on your feet all day, and have a very repetitive job. But, you also have the option to create delicious dishes. It could be a very rewarding job. You could try to work part time, and get a feel for yourself if it is a true passion, or just a fun hobby.
Thank you comment icon Thank you Alexa, it was amazing to know your take on my question Have a good day :) Tvisha
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Marti’s Answer

When I am unsure as to what type of career choice I want to choose, I try different things. I worked at a temporary agency for a while and was sent on several different opportunities that helped me decide which area i wanted to focus my efforts. When trying to decide if you want something to be a hobby or your career, the best thing to do is start some where. Maybe get a part time job in a restaurant. Then you can talk to the staff, the chef's and others that are working their to get guidance on steps to take. Sometimes, just starting towards something will either motivate you to pursue it further or go a totally different direction.
Thank you comment icon Thank you Marti, i agree with you completetly and i will make sure to implement your advice. Have a good day :) Tvisha
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for the question. It is a very good question. There is always difference between the hobbies and work as a career.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Speak to someone who are working in Food & Beverage business to understand their daily life more
2. Attend information session of culinary schools and speak to the instructors if possible
3. Explore any intern opportunities to work in the industry
4. Seeks guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you Rebecca, i appreciate your time and efforts for this question. Will surely consider your advice. Have a good day :) Tvisha
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