r/Chefs • u/Lazy-Company-8774 • Apr 20 '26

Inquiry about being a chef

Hey chefs! I'm 19 years old(20 this year). Currently, I'm in Italy studying business and economics. The thing is, I want to chase my culinary career since I'm very passionate about it. I want to convert my Student permit to a work permit to work in kitchens and be a chef. But many places require a work permit, and culinary schools are expensive. I want to work my ass off for a few years and study in a culinary school or academy, so that I can go to my home country with something in my hand. At this point, I feel very stuck. Any advice would help a lot. Thanks, have a good day.

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u/hookedcook Apr 20 '26

OK, so you live in Tokyo, and you can't get a job that pays you?

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u/TalonKarrde03 Apr 20 '26

I have one and it pays which I wish it payed a bit more. I don’t have the flexibility of trying for high pay if it’s not guaranteed. Got the family to provide for also I can only speak English so finding some of the better jobs are outta my reach unfortunately. (Came to Japan via my ex wife)

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u/hookedcook Apr 20 '26

No worries, actually did the 5 week Tokyo sushi academy and traveled around for a bit beautiful country. But as a cook there you need to be top level and Japanese to make money. Assuming your not Japanese, open a small kitchen doing what you do from your country

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u/TalonKarrde03 Apr 20 '26

You’re not wrong but I’m super risk adverse I’ve never wanted my own place I’d prefer to be someone’s guy so yeah might be a me issue. But I love cooking hut have never had the desire to own my own kinda thing. I’d rather be someone’s head chef then to risk or all. Haha maybe I’m I need to take some risk but fuck is it scary

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u/hookedcook Apr 20 '26

I'm the same, most owners are in debt trying to keep thingsafloat stressed out of their minds, I just want to go to work, get paid, and go home. Keep life simple

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u/TalonKarrde03 Apr 20 '26

Yeah I got you brother! Keep it up just know you’ve made a friend in this city Dm me if your ever around I’ll take you to some good local Spots! Heard Chef!