It’s hard. It’s hard when the tickets won’t stop printing and half your staff has their heads in the clouds for whatever reason. It’s hard when you’re in the middle of a 27-day stretch of 12-hour shifts. It’s hard when you feel like a bad parent because you don’t spend as much time with your kids as you should. It’s hard when Mrs. Smith complains that her soup wasn’t as good as the old chef’s or asks where the finger sandwiches are that you took off the menu six years ago. It’s hard. Being a chef is hard. There’s no other way to say it.
When you find yourself standing in the midst of a chaotic kitchen, overwhelmed by the noise, the heat, and the relentless demands of the job, it’s natural to feel moments of doubt. The pressure can be immense, the clock ticking faster than seems possible, food costs are two points off, the steward no-shows, and it feels like critical eyes are watching your every move. In those moments, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in the expectations placed on you, like the passion that once fueled you is slipping away. But it’s precisely in these challenging times that you need to pause, take a deep breath, and reconnect with the reasons you chose this path.
Remind yourself of the sheer joy that comes from creating. There’s a unique satisfaction in taking raw ingredients and transforming them into something beautiful and delicious. It’s a process that requires not just skill, but also imagination and creativity. Every dish you craft is a reflection of your vision and your passion. Remember the thrill you felt the first time you brought a dish to life—the excitement of combining flavors and textures in a way that felt uniquely yours. That joy, that spark of creativity, is the core of why you’re here.
Think about the satisfaction of a job well done. In the kitchen, success is often measured in the smallest of victories—a dish perfectly executed, a service that runs smoothly, a menu that’s well-received. These moments might seem fleeting, but they are the building blocks of a rewarding career. Every time you overcome a challenge in the kitchen, you’re growing, learning, and becoming a better chef. There’s immense pride in knowing that you’ve given your all, that you’ve met the demands of the day with skill and determination. Even when the day is tough, the sense of accomplishment at the end of a successful service is a powerful reminder of why you do what you do.
Consider the impact you have on those who enjoy your food. Cooking is a deeply personal act of giving, a way of sharing a part of yourself with others. Every dish that leaves your kitchen has the potential to create a memory, to bring happiness to someone’s day. Think back to the moments when you’ve seen the delight on a member or guest’s face as they take their first bite, or when you’ve received a heartfelt compliment from someone who truly appreciated your work. These are the moments that make the long hours and hard work worthwhile. They’re a testament to the power of food to connect, to comfort, and to bring people together.
Reflect on the pride you felt the first time you created a dish that was truly your own. Perhaps it was a recipe you developed from scratch, or a new twist on a classic dish that showcased your unique style. That sense of ownership, of having created something that’s an expression of your culinary identity, is a source of deep fulfillment. It’s a reminder that being a chef is not just about following recipes or executing techniques—it’s about creating something that’s authentically yours.
There’s also the excitement of discovering new flavors, techniques, and ideas. The culinary world is vast and ever-changing, offering endless opportunities for exploration and innovation. Remember the times when you’ve experimented with a new ingredient or cooking method, and the thrill that came with unlocking something new. That sense of curiosity and discovery is a driving force in the kitchen, keeping your work fresh and exciting. It’s what keeps you pushing boundaries, trying new things, and striving to be better with every dish you create.
When these moments happen, remember to take the time to fully enjoy and embrace them. The joy is always fleeting because for chefs, when challenges arise, the response is always, “Okay, what’s next?” But take a moment to lock these memories in your heart and in your head so they’re always there when you need to call on them.
So, when the kitchen feels like too much to handle, when the doubts start to creep in, remember these things. Remember the joy of creation, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the impact you have on the people who enjoy your food. Remember the pride in your work, the excitement of discovery, and the fulfillment of knowing you’re making a difference. These are the reasons you chose this path—and they are what will sustain you through the toughest of times.
