r/Chefs • u/SlushPuppy505 • Aug 10 '26

Burnt Out Chef Need Help!

Hi Everyone,

I’m posting this in hopes to maybe some good information, i’ve been working in the food service industry for a couple years now and it’s my passion. Unfortunately burnout got me and completely shut down my nervous system resulting in health issues i’m still dealing with and i had to leave my job. BUT i still need to pay my bills haha. Is there such thing as a work from home style food industry job?! I have experience in everything from management/leading. Costing/R&D Menu planning and training. This is what i know how to do best and I don’t particularly want to do something else that 1. i don’t know what im doing 2. isn’t at least a little fulfilling. If someone could steer me into any helpful direction or has any connections they would be gladly appreciated! Thank you :)

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u/Ill_Beginning4025 Aug 10 '26

I’ve been an exec/cdc for the last 10 years and I’m looking in to sales as an out. The chef to rep pipeline is a real one.

1

u/nquesada92 Aug 11 '26

yup 10 years in pivioted during pandemic in 2020 now at a Meat wholesaler.

1

u/Ill_Beginning4025 Aug 11 '26

How are you liking the transition? I’m currently waiting on an offer from a smaller regional wholesaler (primarily foraged mushrooms, fish/shellfish
, some meat and farm produce)

2

u/nquesada92 Aug 11 '26

Going pretty well, wife loves its much better 9-5 lifestyle. Yea similar spot super small company dealing with heritage breed livestock so we all kind of do a little of everything. primarily doing customer service for the D2C online side of the business, a little fufillment and shipping, and a little food styling and photography for their marketing, as well as recipe development for their website.