If you want to have a good work life balance, do not become a chef. The chef job is a demanding one and requires you to work for extra hours beyond the norm. You will work for up to 80 hours per week without breaks.
Certainly, you have heard about such sentiments. Many people will discourage you from joining the hospitality industry despite having a passion for the same. But the truth is every industry has its challenges. For example, doctors and hairdressers can work for more hours than chefs.
With that said, it is agreeable that some chef jobs come with a huge commitment than others. You can easily achieve work-life balance on particular chef work and face challenges in others. Here are some of the best chef jobs that will help you have a good work life balance:
Agency chef
Like other sectors, agencies are transforming the hospitality industry. The demand for chefs with specific skills is rising. Unfortunately, such chefs are inadequate and hard to find. For this reason, many organizations are turning to agencies to help them get some chef. This is promoting the rise of agency chefs.
Being an agency chef comes with huge benefits. One of these benefits is an excellent work-life balance. Unlike other chef jobs, you work temporarily. Your agency will send you to a given restaurant or hotel to prepare a given dinner.
So, you have the luxury of working in different hotels and even traveling to various destinations. Each of these aspects contributes to the achievement of balanced work life.
Institutional chef
Modern institutions like universities, schools, and companies are hiring chefs. The organizations seek to save on cost and time by ensuring that workers can get some meals without leaving the entity compound.
When considering a chef job, working as an institutional chef can be a good idea. This position comes with a package of benefits, but work life balance is optimal. As you know, institutions have regular breaks throughout the year.
You won’t work for hours, as is the case in the hospitality industry. So, securing this opportunity comes with a flexible schedule that allows you to have adequate time to rest and spend with your family.
Pastry chef
Certainly, being a pastry chef is not a luxury position. This job comes with a huge commitment as you have to do different things. In particular, when you work in a restaurant, you prepare different pastry products. This aspect can make your task a complicated one.
But how can you achieve work life balance as a pastry chef? One, teamwork and delegation come in handy. In this position, you need to work with your juniors and colleagues. Collaborating with other cooks and chefs will help you have some free time for relaxing and other leisure activities.
Also, you can prepare pastry products when the demand is low and store them for the high season. This way, you will not have fixed schedules to help you get enough time to rest and be with your family.
Self-employed chef
Are you looking on to get a work life balance, but it is impossible? If so, consider becoming a self-employed chef. Running your hospitality business can be a good way to control your life. The task gives you the power to set your working and resting time.
You can consider working with event organizers or on a contract basis. This way, you can take time off when you want to go on holiday and rest your body when it demands.
In a word, every chef can realize the work life balance. But considering the above positions can be an excellent idea.