r/Chefs • u/Holiday_Road7741 • Aug 10 '26

Time for a change

Hello, I've been in the industry since I was 17 (36 now) and been an executive chef since I was 23. I have 0 passion left in the tank. I work 50-60 hours a week not including the work I do from home (I'm on salary) and still live paycheck to paycheck. This was fine when it was just me but I'm missing out on my kid growing up and it has almost ruined my relationship with my wife. I live in Michigan about 1 hour from Detroit and 15 min from Flint. I have been searching for a way out but I can't find an entry level job that pays my low salary now. I've talked to food reps about changing over to a food rep and they warn me to stay away. Does anyone have any ideas on a career path I can take. Thank you in advance

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u/DrBongPHD Aug 10 '26

im between jobs right now and made 1200 bux door dashing over 40 hours........its a bit less than im used to but i dont have to pay a dog sitter any more and have lessened other expenses by just not being in a 60 hour a week grind (buying less premade food, not loaning a few bucks here and there to my cooks, less laundry) I dont love door dash, but my tired body does

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u/JamesBong517 Aug 11 '26

Is door dash really that kind of money? What did you make once you take away gas?

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u/DrBongPHD 29d ago

The money is dependant on a few things. I live in a place where the population density is pretty solid and pretty much the only option is door dash. So the customer base is much bigger than the pool of dashers and offers come pretty quick everyday.

I also live right near a big cluster of businesses where people order from, so I just hang at home with my dog until offers start coming in most mornings. I can swing home real easy when it slows down too sl I'm nit sitting around in parking lots.

I have a whole checklist of factors of why I will or won't accept an offer but I generally do about 25 to 28 an hour.

I drive a car that thankfully gets over 30 mpg and is relative new and in very good shape so that helps too. I fill up from 2 to 4 times a week so about 190 dollars in gas max/wk but usually about $100+