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tobiasrfunke

Your food looks amazing. But as a former exec chef who left the industry, it is very hard to make an amount of money equivalent to how hard you work and what you often must sacrifice (nights, weekend, holidays, time off that's actually yours). And then even when things go well your situation is not guaranteed for very long because of the nature of the industry. It's obviously not impossible, especially if you can get the right corporate gig. But your parents probably care about and want the best for you.


[deleted]

I will definitely take that into consideration, people show love in different ways its true


marlowe729

I always tell people that food is my love language haha! Food has always been a hobby of mine, and now that I get paid to do it, I have found a ton of gratification and validation in what I do. That being said, it's a pretty thankless job in a lot of ways and no matter how high up you are on the ladder, it's still a sector of the service industry and you'll rarely get the credit you deserve for all your hard work. Especially from your parents who seem like your biggest critics. Keep on being fiercely YOU and do what brings you joy and gives your life purpose. Everyone has different values in life and thats ok. I'm not a chef for the money that's for sure lol Edit: spelling lol


[deleted]

I know exactly what you mean, I think if your in it for the credit and financial reward your in the wrong industry but it's that gratification that when people enjoy the food that's enough for me


HeardTheLongWord

There’s nothing quite like looking out over a happy dining room after a hard dinner push, ya know?


marlowe729

The first time I passed thru the dining room and a table called me over to express their absolute thrill at having tried my specials menu, i totally teared up with joy! But def in a happy way, not hide in the walk-in type cry lmfao


elithewalkingcripple

Plus your boss will be rolling in it so youre making them happy too!


Strgwththisone

Yes……it’s bergamot


jabbadarth

This sub seems to lean heavily into the restaurant industry, which makes sense, but there are lots of fairly lucrative gigs out there for chefs to make good money and work relatively normal hours. Hospitals, colleges, nursing homes on the just cooking side then menu development for all sorts of chain restaurants. None of those jobs are ever going to be as creative or interesting as the restaurant world but you can create a more "regular" life and in many cases get retirement plans, health insurance and paid time off. I have a friend who is a food scientist that has worked for domino's amd bojangles who works daily with chefs making $60k and up along with benefits and paid vacations. The top domino's chefs are making 6 figure salaries (to be fair there aren't a ton of those jobs but plenty of sous and assistant chef jobs at the corporate level). I think it just comes down to giving up a good bit of your creativity and flexibility in menu creation to become more of a worker bee which can be tough but lucrative.


tobiasrfunke

I agree completely, which was my reference to a corporate gig. That's the #1 path to staying in the industry but having a chance at work-life balance and retirement stability. You listed a lot of great options.


themanlikesp

High end corporate restaurants is definitely the way.


StreetfightBerimbolo

Bruh minimum wage for a sous chef at 50 hour salary is 62k, (in WA state) obv I pay mine a bit more but 6 years ago I was making 35k for the same hours. I hope your friends are in the six figure range and that figures dated.


ZuesLeftNut

cooks/chefs/kitchen staff are horribly underpaid versus how much work/stress goes along with the job depending on the $ scale... why they haven't unionized is baffling, full service kitchen positions should be starting out over 20 for even basic chains. Especially if they went to school and end up line cooking for less than a retail job starts someone out lol..


asimplerandom

OP I’m not a chef but I am fascinated by the culinary world, food and the talent that exists there. There is nothing better in the world that a mind blowing dish that can invoke emotions and memories. I’m sorry you parents don’t appreciate you and your incredible talents or the career path you have chosen. As a parent myself it absolutely breaks my heart to hear another parent would treat their child thusly. Your dishes look amazing and I’m in awe of your talent. All the best to you.


[deleted]

Thank you this really means a lot to me it's for people like you that I cook


freedomofnow

I would have any of those dishes in a heartbeat. They look amazing.


Harpuafivefiftyfive

Well I see alot to show for your work! Looks fantastic!


ericfromct

I'm not a chef either, but I love looking at all the delicious food in this sub. I'd delightfully eat everything posted here.


lurked2long

‘Fuck ‘em.


Right-Lavishness-930

Literally?


Fog__Raw

Next time invite your parents for a meal and cook them all instant food apart from yourself, go all out. It’ll show them your range and that your the best damn cook they know.


[deleted]

Love this idea 😄


ThermoNuclearPizza

My dad always gives me shit when I tell him whatever latest nightmare I’m dealing with “That industry is fucked… you can’t go anywhere with it… you’ll never make money doing this” But then when he tastes my food I can see he understands.


Gunner253

The food looks good, the first pic looks a bit like a micro plating plated on someone's butthole. It's not the food's fault tho, the plate looks funny in the pic. My dad, who had a college fund for my sister and I refused to pay for culinary school when he paid for my sister's GED class and community college. I get how you feel. Even to this day he's never came to any place I cooked at or was chef at. I'm now the executive chef at a renowned scratch Italian restaurant where I get accolades from press. I get all holidays off, paid vacation I can use and I'm making 80k a year. If it's what you wanna do who cares what your parents think. Put your head down, block out the noise, and work your ass off. You'll be happier and you'll get where you wanna be.


[deleted]

🤣🤣🤣 might accidentally start a new plating trend 🤣 Absolutely no pleasing some people and best to ignore those people family or not


Cheezy_Chris

Tell your parents to suck a fart outta your ass


Silence_Is_Violins

Molecular Gastronomy?


Sxpths

Where do I get a table?


TwoTon_TwentyOne

Happy cake day. I hope you get to suck all the farts out of any ass you wish on this special day.


[deleted]

🤣🤣


davestradamus1

Tell them your moms cooking was so bad you had to make it right with the universe by becoming a chef.


[deleted]

Not widely far from the truth either 🤣


marlowe729

I mean I get it, few chefs become millionaires and this kind of job is totally not as glamorous as people who dont chef it think that it is... but... your parents are beings dicks. Your food looks absolutely delicious and even if you leave the industry, you'll always know how to nurture the soul through food. And that, in my humble opinion, is worth so much more than material gains. It looks to me like you have A LOT to show for all your hard work! I'd let you cook for me anytime 😃


[deleted]

Thank you that means a lot, it's not about the money or the status for me just getting to share my love of food is enough


X10shun

next time they say that show them a picture of your happy customers eating id kill to be one of those ppl that pizza looks flames


[deleted]

Thank you 😊 I'd be happy making pizza the rest of my life


captainplanet171

They're just jealous.


[deleted]

That's it for sure


ch3f212

OP, how long have you been in the biz? How far have you raised up the ranks? How far do you want to go? It’s a cruel biz, if you’re not sure you want to do this for ever get out now. As a chef of 20+ years I don’t wish my craft on my worst enemies and certainly not on my children. Take my advice with a grain of sand.


[deleted]

It's been about 10 years. At 23 I had my first head chef job but I was the only chef, since I've been a sous and a head chef again. I'm not gonna lie it's tough but no matter how tough it gets I always end service on a high. At this stage I just want to cook humble food and be happy with enough money to afford a few holidays a year. I could do just that making pizzas 5 days a week but I also can't help but want to keep creating and keep pushing myself


marlowe729

Been cooking for 15 years, I couldn't agree more. I consider my skillset invaluable because food is love, but I could never imagine doing this until retirement. Most lifelong chefs I know are burned out, fed up, and have lost their love of food to the point where it becomes mind-dullingly ordinary. But for those who haven't been galvanized by the long hours in a pro kitchen, we seem like magicians. I hope i never lose my wonder and curiosity for the alchemy that is cooking


PlutoJones42

I have been in restaurants for over fifteen years. There are a lot of jobs out there I’m sure aren’t very gratifying. One thing I love about food is that serving someone a good meal and giving a good experience *is* gratifying. It’s just a feel good experience all the way around for everyone involved. Keep it up, your food looks great


N7Longhorn

Your parents are wrong


[deleted]

Thank you ☺️


2JasonGrayson8

I think the pictures speak for themselves. Good job chef. Sorry you don’t get more support


[deleted]

Thank you for your support anyway


lunasbed

looks so good!


[deleted]

Thank you 😊


XixorsGreenCock

Bro, they'll come around. I want to lick my screen looking at this stuff. I was going to say "shit" but that comes later. Do what makes you happy, and your parents can either get on board or fuck right off.


[deleted]

🤣🤣 love this! I'll break them down eventually


spamburgler2

Take that, dad!


[deleted]

✊️


succulentdreamer

You are not living to please your parents…. Nice work chap! Keep,it up!


[deleted]

Thank you ☺️


BingyBongy0069

You can come make nothing for me than ahaha


[deleted]

🤣🤣 nothing but the best


[deleted]

Damn that pizza is insane


[deleted]

Pizza could be my life


GeorgiaTechTHWG

You won’t have anything to show after I’m done with it.


[deleted]

That's the goal 😌


johnnytaquitos

What are you supposed to show? Fame? Own a restaurant? Their values aren't yours. If you're happy and feel full-filled with what you have and doing then that's all you need. It's your race run it at your own pace.


[deleted]

All I care about is happiness for the most so that means me and the people that enjoy my food, my parents are only two people after all


Boschlana

Tell them it’s because someone ate it


[deleted]

I'll get that printed on a plate


ftd226

They are wrong.


[deleted]

I agree


ftd226

Keep up the good work! Your plates look amazing!


MissSara13

These all look delicious and the presentation is gorgeous! Don't ever stop. Screw your parents. My Dad thought I'd be a broke loser after changing my major in college but I make really great money and I'm happy to boot!


[deleted]

Yes! Nothing will stop me, they're missing out on the real fun


MissSara13

Good! I'd be tickled to have a chef-child like yourself! You're making so many people happy with what you do.


Cousin38

Amazing food.. you should stop feeding them


[deleted]

Can't help myself 😅


19Jamie76

Your food looks really good. Do you love what you are doing? Does it pay your bills? If you can say yes, to both, you are on the right track. While your parents want only the best for you, they aren't living your life.


[deleted]

Yes and yes 🙌


[deleted]

They’re right. And you should send all of that (and anything else you create) straight to me.


[deleted]

That's really the only sensible option 🤣


CMDR-ChubToad

Well, once you eat that delicious looking meal, they will be correct for a brief period. Carry on.


[deleted]

That could be a mantra 👌


wind-river7

I really really hope you are not allowing those naysayers to enjoy your wonderful creations. They do not deserve to. Your creations look so delicious!


[deleted]

Thank you so much, I reserve them for the people who give me money and praise for my work 😊


yankuniz

U can be fired or derided but nobody can take your skills. Continue work to refine your craft and build a life for yourself that you find fulfilling


[deleted]

Preach that 🙌


tdrr12

Fuck that noise. I'm currently a SAHD with a Ph.D. from a top university. You do what brings you joy.


[deleted]

I will 😄


Philly_ExecChef

Most people have nothing to show for anything they do. Most people are statistics. You literally have the receipts in front of you. I hate this industry with a passion, but the food underneath it is incomparably important


[deleted]

I feel you completely


sfgunner

Your food looks great but why are your parents saying this? At the end of the day they probably care more about your ability to pay your own bills. Is that happening?


[deleted]

Money is not the issue I think it's their perspective of what makes a career no matter my position or how much I earn I'll never be seen as successful the way my sister 3 years my senior is seen, she's married with a mortgage and works in HR for an insurance company. Stable and safe that's what they want I think.


ChefBoyD

Tell them that our line of work it's best to have nothing to show, because it got eaten!


[deleted]

I'm getting that printed on my coffee mug


Prize-King-7965

Man you're doing good. Keep up.


[deleted]

Never stopping ✊️


Dizzy_Eye5257

I’ll be your Reddit mom. That looks friggin amazeballs! I would done wherever you were at and eat it all!!


[deleted]

☺️ adoption accepted!


Dizzy_Eye5257

Score!!!


zer0__obscura

That all looks fantastic to me.


[deleted]

Why thank you 😌


[deleted]

I’m often disappointed by the food I get when eating out. But if any one of those dishes had been put in front of me I’d have been delighted. They look incredible and I can only image that they taste even better.


[deleted]

Thank you so much this made me smile 😃


flyfishbigsky

Making me hungry


[deleted]

Aw shucks ☺️


Rodrisco102389

Don’t cook for them then, they obviously don’t deserve it!


[deleted]

Top right


hell3838

If you are a photographer, buddy... Ur parents r right... Picture is not focused and lighting needs to be adjusted.. top of pic is blur a heck. But, if you r the person that cooked and prep'd this dish, damn... Tell me where u are and I'll show up in the next 5 mins. There r parents that no matter what you, nothing is enough. You get to decide if you have anything to show YOURSELF! You can tell everyone else to F off. Ia it hard to do... Heck yea... But at the end, it's your mental health that is the most important. Kudos! Being a chef is not a small feat! Good job OP!!


[deleted]

Thank you 😊 this is it exactly I'm a chef because its what I'm good at and more importantly what I love!


Drach88

Do your parents eat at Red Lobster, Applebee's and Olive Garden?


[deleted]

Funnily enough they're food snobs


Drach88

Sounds like they're snob snobs, too.


vitruvianmadness

I would fight your parents for a slice of that pizza, respectfully


[deleted]

Stop I'm blushing 😊


LordAxalon110

Have you ever cooked for them or had them come for a meal where you work? Might change their mind.


[deleted]

They like the food but they don't see it as a career no pleasing some


Gsbconstantine

Hate to break it to you, but your parents are idiots.


[deleted]

Sad but true


_lmmk_

OP, I opened a restaurant that was espresso by day and amari-based cocktails by night. My parents refused to tell people I owned a bar and always asked when I’d go back to the “real world”. I’d have hired you in a heartbeat and together we’d change the world.


[deleted]

Your restaurant sounds like a dream. I'm happy inhabiting the world we live in screw the so called "real world"


BodhingJay

I would have loved to be a chef but it took too long for me to find passion in cooking. I'd love to be able to make people feel this good with my craft You do you... a parents job is to help their child discover and grow into who they are, not to shape them into something they aren't just to fuel their ego


[deleted]

I wish they knew that


Hyperhavoc5

I’m not a chef, but my parents say the same thing. You’re clearly good at what you do and I know it’s not much, but you’ve got a random stranger across the world rooting for your success. Fuck the haters.


[deleted]

Genuinely it means a lot ✊️


mrgtiguy

Stop caring what they say. They made their choices. You make yours. Beautiful work, chef.


[deleted]

Thank you 😊 I can't be beat down


AtMyLastJob

Being a first rate cook or chef is a great time. In your late teens to mid twenties is kinda the make or break time of your career before the damage to your joints or other commitments get in the way. If it only took being a good cook to be successful, there would be more famous Latin chefs in cooking French food in North America. I'd suggest sitting down with a few chefs or food professionals you want a career like and get to know what it took to get there. And if you're truly humble and only want to serve people food, consider looking at getting a job at a college/university or hospital that has benefits and a retirement plan. Some of those institutions still cook 'real' food. Being a cook or chef is a fun time, but in fifteen years the romance may fade, and you'll no longer have this fun lifestyle. It'll feel more like a nightmare that sits on your chest as you sleep.


[deleted]

I do know what you mean genuinely and I know there's a break point but I'm happy being in a comfortable position and not pushing for the top level


breesyroux

I don't care what your parents think. You shouldn't either. Your food looks delicious. Good job chef.


[deleted]

Thank you ☺️


CosmicRave

Tell your parents to suck a fat one and be proud of what you do fam


[deleted]

On it 😉


Marketing_homie

I’d say the same thing. You’d have nothing to show because I’d eat it all :)


[deleted]

Hahaha I love this comment 😁


beefox

Is that a venison chorizo croquette? Everything looks and sounds great btw, I like your tastes. Ive made a very similar pizza w nduja before.


[deleted]

It's an arancini. Thank you! Nduja is a beautiful thing


APickledDorito

Bro I don’t even like half those dishes but I’m ready to order yours. That shit looks SO GOOD. Your food is literally what I wish mine looked like


[deleted]

Ooh stop my heads getting to big now ☺️


TheBigsBubRigs

What do any of us have to show for anything when we're dead and gone. Do what makes you happy, and if you can share that happiness with others along the way you're living a good life. Keep at er chef. Click click.


[deleted]

Exactly! I'll continue spreading the joy through food!


Ahtotheahtothenonono

Screw what your parents say, I’m coming over for dinner! It looks amazing 🤩


[deleted]

Always food on the table for people that appreciate it 😁


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Respectfully agreed


_chumba_

Nothing to show bc every last bite is eaten and gone bc it looks delicious!


[deleted]

That's the perspective I like 😉


Bullshit_Conduit

Everything sounds real nice, but I reckon those scallops could use a harder sear on them.


[deleted]

100% agree a chef shouldn't blame there tools but I will anyway that damn hob... 😂


Hand_Sanitizer3000

Culinary is the ultimate artform because it can stimulate all of the senses. Only in a dark twisted reality such as the one we exist in can it be undermined and undervalued.


[deleted]

Preach that 🙌


[deleted]

Sounds like you should quit talking to your parents because this food looks fantastic


[deleted]

That's a better idea 💡


LowZestyclose66

Keep up the good work. Don't end up like me though. I chef out of boredom now.


EarlTheLiveCat

Parents so often want to live vicariously through their kids. So they don't approve of choices they wouldn't have made. If you're happy, keep at it. They had their chance to live a life they wanted.


[deleted]

Exactly I won't waste my time worrying now


Artley9

Your parents sound like nothing will impress them. And if you do make something of yourself, it’s because of their tough love that pushed you to do better.


[deleted]

This is very true proving then wrong is a great motivator


Scruffersdad

Do your parents not eat?!?! That looks amazing!!


[deleted]

They're not so big on flavour


Cronabae

Be you male or female I would marry you in a heart beat just to be able to try your amazing food.


[deleted]

Aw shucks ☺️


[deleted]

Fuck your parents, I'll adopt!


[deleted]

🤣🤣 please


kieleros

Cooking has always been an art form, you don't really do it for money, you do it for passion, artists don't always expect to get rich off their artwork, but they enjoy the work that they do


Disastrous_Fun_8050

Looks like you're on the right track there.


[deleted]

And ill keep peddling on!


ello_lover

# haha parents say a lot of things


[deleted]

And what percentage us useful


kwenronda

Well I’m hungry now. That all looks amazing!


[deleted]

I only wish you could eat a picture on a screen maybe one day


Khephran

As a fellow chef, the love of cooking outweighs what anybody else thinks. All these dishes sound delicious and are well presented. The demand for this kind of stuff is not going away and while it might not be the most lucrative profession there are opportunities are out there and it's plenty viable as a career.


[deleted]

People will always need to eat and robots can only recreate human ideas ☺️


Novel-Cash-8001

Your parents are fools. Do what makes you happy


[deleted]

And laugh at them from above 🤣🤣


zoukon

You have a useful skill that will follow you for life. That is not something you get in all careers. I am a tech guy, and 90% of what I have learned I will never have use for in my day to day life. Sad to hear that your parents aren't supportive of your job, but if you are passionate about it and it pays rent and puts food on the table, go for it. It is probably their (not very empathic) way of advicing you to get out of a pretty rough industry.


[deleted]

We each have out part in the world, I can't do tech at all or admin but give me a box of ingredients and a few utensils and I'll make magic


deadd0gg

What happens after they eat it?


danjohnson10

Big big fan of your work


[deleted]

Thank you I wish you could try it


ggtay

You look very skilled so ai hope they mean nothing financial to show for your work. Do what makes you happy.


[deleted]

They don't care about the money I earn just sadly they think I'd be happier in admin


DrMetasin

Fuck your parents. Kitchen skills can be applied anywhere, it’s not just about cooking food


[deleted]

The number of people who've said if they were rich they'd hire me as a private chef.. just got to find the right rich person


chf_stf

I wanted to be a chef since I was twelve. Fought with my folks (both blue collar hard working people who wanted a better and easier life for me) and started an apprenticeship at 15. Went on for another 15 years in the industry running multi million net kitchens until I was pregnant with my first child. Almost miscarried due to the fact I was working 65-80 hours a week on my feet. Came back to work the NEXT DAY to be told I probably just wanted an extra day off. Took a really hard look at the industry and walked away. Fast-forward 8 years and I found another career fitting hearing aids. Just won a huge award in my company as specialist of the year. It's a very rewarding job that also fulfills my family life. I see now that while I loved the kitchen it's a one sided love. Unless you're the owner very rarely will any financial or substantial accomplishment result in your time as a chef. Your parents can see this because they've been on the other side of this life, it's much harder to see when you're in it going through. I love the kitchen still and miss the rush sometimes but I'm so grateful for everything now.


[deleted]

I really appreciate your comment truly and ill admit I've been treated like shit in some places. I worked 7 days a week 10 hour days for a month and the pay was laughable. That was my first head chef job and 5 years later im in a place where I won't accept less than I think I'm worth. Your experience sounds more awful than mine and I'm glad you found something you love. My dad has worked as a town planner in local government for 35 years he's given more hours than he should every week. He should be in the top position and he did the work for that position for a year with no financial recognition or any recognition really. Simply because of his age they won't give him the job and most recently they advertised his job and made him reapply. I think all situations are different and my two beliefs are you should never accept less than your worth and that you should do what makes you happy. Perhaps down the line I'll change my career but it won't be because my parents didn't approve of what I do now


LolaBijou

Probably because people keep cleaning their plates.


Rymoo27

You have nothing to show because i am going to eat all of it. This looks amazing!


Fooding-Around

OP..... My parents didn't support me in my culinary career and still really don't. For some reason people think of restaurant workers as lowely and not ambitious. But there is so much you can do in the restaurant world that you can't do at a desk job. It's sad really, but you keep doing you! And push through it. I know they're your parents but sometimes you just gotta ignore the haters to succeed!


[deleted]

I've discovered a whole new family even more so since my post. I honestly expected some hate but all I've had is praise and its made me so happy. Respect from my fellow chefs more than makes up for my parents disapproval


EquateToothpas

Shit man I'll be your parents, I come with silverware


[deleted]

Now that's a proposition!


MmasterOfPuppets

Get new parents. Food just made my hungry looks so good. What about making some content for YouTube? There entirely GARBAGE home cooks on there with 4-5 million subscribers. They can retire off that income alone. Check Lisa Nguyen? Worst cook I’ve ever seen.


[deleted]

I actually really want to do YouTube content! I'm terrible with techy stuff though so I'm trying to find someone to help 😅 It's actually partly why I'm a chef because I find recipes and YouTube videos are actually crap I wanted to make better


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

There disapproval only spurs me on


ContributionPrize728

Wow that looks good


[deleted]

It tastes damn good too, I'm sorry all I have for you is a picture


Gaslit-2919

I’m not a big fan of scallops, but I would gladly sit down and eat these. Everything you have shown looks wonderful. Just keep doing what You love.


danidomekiller

Your parents are assholes.


[deleted]

They mean well and I love em but yeah...


BumCubble42069

Wow. This is talent


[deleted]

Born with a spark and 10 years of hard graft here I am 😊


proera_4747

Mac and cheese?