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Loyalty vs. Ambition: Club Chefs at a Career Crossroads

Club culinary professionals express dedication to the industry in the short term, but concerns about work-life balance and the potential for career transitions indicate a complex landscape.

By Joanna DeChellis, Editorial Director, Club + Resort Chef | December 18, 2023

The club culinary industry is a dynamic and multifaceted field that encompasses a wide range of roles and opportunities. To gain a deeper understanding of the workforce and their future aspirations, the 2023 Club + Resort Chef Salary Survey posed several questions related to career longevity and the desire to transition into different areas of club management. The survey received responses from professionals currently active in the club industry, and the results provide valuable insights into their future plans.

Staying Power 

The survey began by asking respondents about their long-term commitment to the club industry. The results revealed a level of dedication among professionals, with 88.16% expressing their intention to remain actively involved in the industry five years from now.



However, it’s important to note that other data gathered from the survey indicates a concerning trend regarding work-life balance. A significant portion of respondents expressed concerns when asked to rate their work/life balance, considering the role’s demands and the ability to maintain personal time outside of work. Approximately 29.29% described their work/life balance as “Poor,” and an additional 32.00% mentioned that it is “Often” negatively affected by excessive work hours or demands. These figures shed light on the challenges faced by professionals in the club industry, which may influence their long-term career decisions.

Looking further into the future, the survey inquired about their career plans a decade from now. While most still desired to stay in the industry, there was a notable shift. Approximately 71.93% envisioned themselves continuing to work in the club industry ten years from now. This demonstrates a degree of uncertainty as professionals contemplate their careers in the longer term.



Exploring Transitions in Club Management

Transitioning within the club industry to different roles, such as General Manager, can be an appealing prospect for many club chefs seeking career growth. The survey sought to understand the desire for such transitions. Results showed that 43.86% of respondents expressed an interest in transitioning into different areas of club management, including roles like General Manager. This indicates that a significant portion of club culinary professionals are open to expanding their horizons and taking on broader responsibilities within their organizations.

On the flip side, 56.14% of respondents indicated that they do not want to transition into different areas of club management.



In conclusion, the survey data paints a complex picture of chefs in the club industry. While a significant majority express their dedication in the short term, concerns about work-life balance and the potential desire for career transitions in the long term indicate a nuanced landscape. The industry appears to retain a strong appeal for those currently engaged, but clubs should acknowledge the challenges related to work-life balance and consider strategies to address them.

Additionally, recognizing the openness to career transitions underscores the importance of offering opportunities for growth and development. By proactively addressing these dynamics, the club industry can continue to attract and retain talented culinary professionals while fostering their career aspirations.

About The Author

Joanna DeChellis, Editorial Director, Club + Resort Chef

As Editorial Director of Club + Resort Chef, Joanna DeChellis takes an audience-first approach that combines sound journalistic and story-telling principles with an appreciation for and deep knowledge of the intricacies of the club and resort chef market. She oversees the content strategy and programming for Club + Resort Chef and its various platforms including the Chef to Chef Conference. She has penned award-winning pieces about the many intricacies within club and resort food and beverage operations as well as culinary trends, profiles and breaking news. She is co-host of the award-winning podcast Club + Resort Talks, and has served in various content-development roles over the course of her career, including digital, marketing, print, and in-person events. She oversees the Club + Resort Chef Association, the Chef to Chef Conference and PlateCraft. Prior to these roles, she was the Managing Editor of Club + Resort Business, Associate Editor of Food Management Magazine and a contributing writer for Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News, Gayot, Cleveland Scene Magazine, and Duetto. Contact her at [email protected].

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2023 Salary Survey Reveals Varied Compensation and Perks in the Club Culinary Industry

PlateCraft

https://youtu.be/2FMew_1aY9A

Chef to Chef Conference

https://youtu.be/aOZc9QDWWWk

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  • Home
  • Profiles
  • F+B
    • Culinary
    • Banquets
    • Pastry
    • Beverage
    • Recipes
  • Certification
  • 40 Under 40
    • Chef Nominations
    • Class of 2025
    • Class of 2024
    • Order: Commemorative Plaque
  • Films
    • Watch: Inside Ocean Reef
    • Watch: All Ships Rise
  • Master Class
  • Resources
    • Reports + Playbooks
      • Make Yourself Hirable: A Playbook
      • Salary Survey Data
      • Grand Gatherings: The Banquet Cookbook
      • 2025: Hottest Food Trends
    • C+R Talks
    • C+RC Association
    • Digital Issues
    • Submit Industry News
  • Chef to Chef
    • Register for Chef to Chef
    • Chef of the Year
    • Chef to Chef On Demand
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe