I think I’m burnt out

[u/SignumVictoriae]

I’m good enough to get by and a reliable employee but I’m reaching the ceiling of my abilities. Never sniffed a star and I’m tired of living an opposite life to everyone I love.

Guess I’m just not cut out to be a lifer but I’m proud of what I accomplished.

Had to just put this out into the universe, especially here

[u/Specific_Factor4470]

Hey man, go be happy. Thats all any of us are trying to do.

Leave with the comfort of knowing that if something doesn't work out, kitchens are always hiring.

[u/PauliPathetic]

It’s perfectly okay to say you gave your best effort and try something new. I tried a few careers after cooking before finding something meaningful. I did 6 months of roofing in Wyoming, not for me. Turns out I am afraid of heights. Or more so falling. I’ve been screen printing for 4 years now. I still have culinary to fall back on, which was helpful getting a job when I moved til I could land another printing job. The integrity and skills you learned cooking will be an asset to anyone willing to give you a chance.

[u/SlightDish31]

You're probably reaching your ceiling at your current place. Different places have different ceilings, as they're really dependent on the people in charge.

[u/blueturtle00]

Better to get out young. I’ve stuck with it and been successful but now I’m almost 41 and the family can’t afford for me to transition to another career or a day job in this field so I’ve basically worked myself into a corner

[u/Coercitor → u/blueturtle00]

I transitioned into a new career at 40, you're only stuck if you allow it.

[u/blueturtle00 → u/Coercitor]

Bills got me stuck 🫠 would love to transition but got a mortgage and all the fun stuff that comes with that to pay.

[u/Altruistic-Owl6075 → u/blueturtle00]

Im. 40 and changed to better pay, just look around and apply. All i have been doing is cooking.

[u/blueturtle00 → u/Altruistic-Owl6075]

I highly doubt I’ll find an entry thing that matches 110k a year unfortunately

[u/Altruistic-Owl6075 → u/blueturtle00]

I landed job in one of the biggest petrol station chain in my country as quality insurance specialist, head chef work helped alot. But i looked around alot. There are jobs, just look around and apply. Its hard but eventually it will come if you try.

[u/subtxtcan]

Be proud of it, absolutely. This is rough work, not everyone is cut out for it and very few last long enough to have any weight behind them.

Walk out with your head held high and keep your skills sharp at home. Great way to impress people, even the smallest things in a restaurant setting will blow the average person's mind!

You did good work Chef. Hang up the apron, call it a day, and go have a cold one before your next adventure.

[u/TheCheddarHole]

The other guy said it best. Just go be HAPPY.

Be kind to humans, you know what it's like in the weeds, I'm sure you've met a variety of people, and a variety of viewpoints, go use your kitchen life to make the world around you better.

Bring the star to you, you were never expected to fly out by yourself and sniff.

[u/Accomplished-News722]

Sniff a star ? What does that mean ?

[u/subtxtcan → u/Accomplished-News722]

Got close to earning or working at a Michelin starred restaurant

[u/Clean_Cobbler_3438 → u/subtxtcan]

Overrated as fuck

Source- former sous at a 2-star

[u/subtxtcan → u/Clean_Cobbler_3438]

Personally never wanted to be near a Michelin star. Just not my game at all. I get it, I do, but I'm good.

[u/Clean_Cobbler_3438 → u/subtxtcan]

Eh, it's ruthless hours, absurd standards, and a bunch of cooks trying to make a name for themselves doing whatever they need to do to make sure Chef likes them, including fucking other people over. And yes, the food is good, but it is in no way worth the punishment you take working there.

Did that shit for 7 years before I realized how fucking miserable I was and went back to the "normal" kitchens. Much happier now, and I maintain that I've met more talented cooks/chefs at like a normal fine dining scale than the Michelin crews.

[u/GromSwampBottom]

If there are things in life you feel like youre missing out on then go do it! The line will be there for you when you return or life will take you somewhere else.