Chefs in training in Paris, France (2005). (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
The
competition in the food industry is very tough. If you have exceptional cooking
skills, training, and education, you can become a chef. Instead of applying for
a chef or cook position at a local hotel and restaurant, you should consider
becoming self-employed.
With
an independent career, you will need to work hard and you should have the right
attitude. It is an added advantage if you were able to finish a degree at a
respectable culinary school. You need to have the passion, love, and interest
for food. Aside from this, you should be willing to commit yourself in your
profession. Keep in mind that becoming a chef and making money from it takes
time. Part of being a successful chef is about experimentation and discovery. Chefs
must be willing to learn new things and try something new.
To
make money as a chef, you can become a freelance caterer. Many people these
days prefer to hire caterers instead of preparing their own foods. As a
freelance caterer, you can cook for private parties, wedding receptions,
showers, business meetings, corporate events, and many others.
When
it comes to promoting your business, it is very easy. Word of mouth is the
fastest way to create a buzz about your catering business. If you can cook great
tasting foods, you will be highly recommended by your clients. Even guests to
the events you've catered to can also hire you.
To
succeed as a chef and make money from it, you should know how to address
dietary concerns like vegetarianism or those with diabetes. Be sure to keep in
touch with clients that are well-to-do. These people are too busy to cook on
their own.
The
money that you can make as chef will usually depend on the establishment where
you work. If you think that you can’t make it as a self-employed chef, you can
try landing a job at local restaurant, hotel, or any other food related
establishment. You can earn more money as a head chef or cook at a five-star
hotel or restaurant.
If
you decide to become an employed cook, you must be prepared to start with
entry-level positions. You will have to slowly work your way up by showing your
skills as a great cook. This will take time, and as you go up the ladder of
success, your salary will also increase.
As
mentioned earlier, earning money as a chef can be hard. You will need to prove
your skills and knowledge to customers. It would be impossible to make money
overnight but once your target market finds out what you’re capable of, you
will surely succeed.
Start
early and enroll at a culinary school. Very few chefs succeed without proper
education and training. You should invest time, effort, and money to become a
chef. Find the path that works for you. It is a personal decision to become
self-employed or become part of an establishment. Now that you know some of the
options, you can take your pick!
Author
Bio- Focus
Management are a food
recruitment agency, which has supplied this post. They have a very strong
presence with retailers and food-service organizations in delivering highly
skilled candidates for recruitment.