Eduardo Castillo, CEC, Executive Chef of San Antonio CC, offers ten ideas for how club chefs can achieve a better work-life balance based on strategies that work for him.
It’s relatively easy to access information about how to take better care of yourself. Historically, this information mostly focused on diet and exercise, but now we frequently hear about the importance of also taking care of our mental health and being more mindful of our emotional well-being.
As chefs, it’s not uncommon to work 12+ hours per day, six or even seven days a week just to get through the season. But how often do we really measure the impact this schedule has on our lives and our families? I often speak with friends who say they regret all they missed with their kids, friends, and family because they were at work.
It seems that it’s only when we are out of this loop that we realize the damage it has done. Yes, paying the bills is important. Being able to take that vacation when the club is closed is fine, too. But the question we must ask ourselves is: what is the true cost of this career? How good is it to work most of the year and expect to be back to 100% after a 10-day vacation?
We are well aware that our industry requires us to work a different schedule than others, sacrificing or compromising holidays, nights, or evenings in order to service our members. Notwithstanding, we must still find ways to create a more balanced approach. Most of our new hires are looking for this balance. They expect it. I am sure you have encountered new hires tell you “I cannot work Tuesdays” or “I need this weekend off” more often today than you did five years ago. We need to react. The time to start is now. We are already late.
I am aware of the fact that I will be working Thanksgiving, Easter, Mother’s Day, and almost every other holiday in the coming year. Even if it is taking half a day off or celebrating on a different day, I try to think outside the box and jump into action. I believe this is where we as chefs and leaders need to get creative and better use our time to foster relationships with our loved ones.
The added benefit is that your staff is more likely to stay around if you provide some flexibility.
Some of the ideas that have worked for me include:
- Family dinner time (or table time as we call it) does not have to happen at 6:30 pm. You can arrange for a family meal to be at breakfast time. You can make it a more formal time and prepare a special breakfast daily, plan it and serve it, and sit at the table before taking your kids to school or heading out to work. Make it a ritual. I drink coffee with my wife every morning and stop whatever I am doing so that I don’t miss that moment together.
- I had the privilege to be able to walk my son to school most mornings for the last 2 years. I am always looking for creative opportunities to spend time with him and with the people who are important. No amount of time is wasted when we are together.
- I took advantage of my long commute and began listening to audio books and podcasts. Over the past year, I have “read” over 50 books. Can you stack your commute with something entertaining and good for you?
- Schedule time for you. Start small and slow, even if it is a 20-minute walk mid-day. Most of us work in a beautiful setting. Get out of the kitchen and take a few deep breaths whenever you can.
- Request the resources you need. We all know it is easier said than done, but if you don’t start, it won’t happen.
- Get creative with your schedule and with your team organization. Ask, who else can do that task?
- Even if you have a small team, split or stagger the arrival times for the holidays and large events. Even better, if possible, schedule as many team members as you can off. This will really improve morale. Then rotate the holidays through your team so each can also enjoy their family. An extra hour or two may be all they need to get dinner set up with their families.
- Dissect all you do. Look at it from a different perspective. Try to explain the why and how to yourself using the third person. Instead of I and We, use He and They. This will open a different perspective for you to evaluate. (Just trust me on this one and try it.)
- Lastly, the harsher one, change jobs. Some people say the grass is always greener on the other side. But if you do your due diligence and explore the options, you may be able to find a place that will fulfill you more by allowing you to be in control of your time.
- Do not leave PTO on the table. If it was given to you and you cannot take it, it is a clear sign that you need to have a conversation with your manager.
It is upon us to strive for a better balance and focus on our mental wellness. Be the change and approach this industry in a different way. We need to be vocal and loud about how irresponsible it is and about how damaging this environment can be to ourselves and our families. We are the ones who need to break up the “this is how it’s always been done” mentality.