Too Late to Be a Chef? Wrong! How to Get on Track for a Second Career in Culinary Arts
It's never too late to start a new career. When you are ready to make your move, there are plenty of opportunities ready for you to pursue. As an older chef, your career experience and education has seasoned you for a career as a culinary professional. Everything you have learned, done, and tried in the past has taught you what works, what doesn't, and what you really want to do with your life.
Whether you want to open your own restaurant, take over the helm of an excellent eatery, or sign up for a stint or two on a cruise line and travel the world, your previous experience and background has created a strong foundation for you to build upon as you make the transition.
Change is the New Normal
You may be thinking, "I'm too old, and you can't teach an old dog new tricks." That is utter hogwash and the fact is that it is quite normal to hit 30, 40, 50, and decide, "Hey, the time has come for something new, something challenging, something I'll enjoy doing." Many people who make the transition into culinary arts later in life do so because they enjoy cooking, love entertaining, and are eager to use what they know in different ways.
Older chefs come to the table with a wealth of experience under their belts. This experience can keep you grounded while giving you an opportunity to hone your culinary talents for maximum effectiveness. While you may be a few years older than your classmates are, you will find that age, experience, and wisdom are ingredients that can give you a considerable advantage as you enter the world of culinary arts.
Making the Best use of Existing Skills
Maybe you worked as an accountant, managed a small business, or perhaps you were a customer service representative. These jobs have taught skills that can be translated into a professional kitchen. From mathematics and multitasking, to personnel management and order preparation, the skills older chefs bring with them into the kitchen are invaluable assets that can be leveraged to considerable effect.
One of the first things to do when considering a career in culinary arts is to take an inventory of your existing skills. Older chefs have the benefit of experience and while at first it may not seem like your skills have a direct connection to culinary arts, don't be surprised if you find a considerable number of parallels where you can apply what you already know to what you are eager to do in the kitchen.
Balancing Work and Family
One of the biggest challenges older chefs face is finding a balance between their existing career, coursework, and family. Finding the right rhythm helps keep these facets of your life balanced and helps ease the transition into your new career. Structure is essential and strong time management skills will help you stay on top of everything you need to do and take care of.
Staying on Top of the Learning Curve
Learning to become a chef requires more than just showing up and being ready to learn. It requires knowing how to learn and apply what you have learned when it is time to enter the kitchen. You will want to identify the best study techniques for you to take notes, review materials, and practice what you have learned outside of the classroom. Repetition is key and you will find that the more you practice, the easier it is to retain the information and techniques you are learning.
Are you interested in becoming a chef? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts, consider ECPI University's Culinary Institute of Virginia for the education you need to make a difference. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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