This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Sixteen years ago, I was entering a professional kitchen for the first time. Dazzled, happy as a clam and absolutely clueless of what I was in for. Working in a kitchen and staying behind the scenes as customers ate my food seemed like living the dream. Even the drudging reality of everyday work enticed me as a necessary discipline — the means through which I could become a better chef.
But sixteen years is a very long time.
Last year I realised I didn’t want to be a chef any more: the long hours, the weekends and holidays away from loved ones, the physical demands of the job — all that finally got to me. Instead, moving on I want to become a professional writer, honing intellectual skills the restaurant business doesn’t need, and earning a living out of my words instead of my burned hands. Maybe you’re going through the same right now, or maybe you’re just curious about how you could transition careers, just in case your hobby gets a little too serious. Anyway, here’s what I’ve learned so far.
1) Seek guidance
I’m all in for therapy, no matter what. Therapy saved me in a very dark moment, and I believe especially us men tend to disregard our mental health way too often. But what if I told you there’s a professional figure specialised in professional guidance?
This is usually a more hands-on style of counselling, limited to a few, extremely career-oriented sessions. As in many things in life, there’s a lot of self–discovery involved, and if you are already familiar with therapy, that should give you a head start.
Beyond just figuring out what you actually want to do next, a good professional will help you create a solid pathway to follow over the upcoming months, with clear milestones based on market research and your personal traits.
2) Talk to your friends
As obvious as it sounds, talking to your friends can be of great help when trying to change careers. Not only can they support you emotionally and even give out your name if opportunities arise — they can give you perspective.
Here’s what happened to me: a close friend, knowing I want to step out of the kitchen and become a full-time writer, suggested I could focus more on restaurant consulting as I transition. That way, I can have a less demanding work routine, allowing me to devote even more energy to this new path. Plus, I get to practice my social media skills as I attract clients.
3) Know you will work for little (or no) money
I know, it’s sad. You’re way in your thirties, maybe even forties. You have responsibilities, you have comfort, and maybe even a family to provide for.
But let me just tell you a little secret: this is not my first career change.
Before becoming a chef, I worked as a Portuguese teacher, with a specific focus on people’s writing skills. I proofread graduation works, high school essays, even an engineering doctorate thesis fell on my lap.
And the moment I realised I wanted to be a cook, I knew I would have to work a lot for a little.
I knocked at the door of the best restaurants in town and asked for an internship. I still remember being excited over working 36 hours a week for half a minimum wage. At least I was in! I had taken the first step in the career I wanted so badly!
Now it is no different. I know I’ll have to accept jobs that pay very little, just so I can get in. Yes, that means reorganizing my expenses. Yes, that means taking one or two bites out of my savings account. Yes, that also means I’ll most likely juggle both careers at one time. But like our very own Alessandro Coltro told me recently, “If you’re pursuing something you truly enjoy, all the effort will be worth it and rewarding”. I don’t think I could’ve said it better.
