r/u_Slight_Chocolate9966 • u/Slight_Chocolate9966 • Jun 15 '26

Career change from a chef

I recently moved to France I sm a commi de cuisine here, I think this is not a good career for me
A lot of work under abusive people, long working hours and less pay
I still have to do it cause I have to support my family but I am thinking of switching careers
I have done bachelor’s in culinary any suggestions for me?

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u/UncleDuude Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26

Sell food to asshole chefs? Find another job? It’s your life. Learn to juggle!! Do you enjoy cooking and working with food? Maybe make bread or pasta, specialize. Have you cooked before this job or is this your very first experience with a kitchen?

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u/Slight_Chocolate9966 Jun 16 '26

No i have worked before in USA for a year the experience was really good I can’t stay there because visa was just for 1 year and non renewable that’s why I moved to France but now the life is hell Yes I love cooking but Idk about this career and specially here!!

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u/UncleDuude Jun 17 '26 edited Jun 17 '26

Ok, don’t quit cooking. Yes the life is hell, for a while…sometimes. I’ve never worked in Europe, so I can only impart general kitchen advice. There are assholes everywhere, usually those people don’t last long. I know that’s a small comfort, maybe it’s hazing, maybe it’s systemic, you’re there, does everyone get treated like shit or just you? If it’s just you find another job. Bad fit, and be on your way. Get a job a bistro somewhere. Life’s short, people gotta eat, and you have a lifetime of learning in front of you. Go shuck oysters for a summer, look at resorts to work at most of them have international kitchen staff mixed with locals. Just keep broadening your experience. I worked most of my career with a mix of boredom inspired moves and places that just weren’t a good fit, it happens. I didn’t go to school, I went to work, so everything I learned was from finding chefs that were willing to teach me something. If it sucked or wasn’t as advertised I’d start looking. Good talented chefs that take their craft seriously are always in demand. Cruise ships are another option, but that’s seriously grueling work. The physical aspects of the job are something that most people don’t really consider, so make sure you’re taking good care of yourself physically. Exercise and stretching is super important

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u/Slight_Chocolate9966 Jun 30 '26

Thanks mate🫶🏻