Had my first ever line cook shift last night. I feel like I finally found my purpose.
I’ve (28F) always dreamt of being a chef, since I was probably 7 or 8 years old and first began cooking. Somehow, life kept unfolding and I went the traditional route of college, career, etc. I’ve loved the various things I’ve tried out, but I’ve struggled to find a real sense of efficacy, belonging, capability and purpose in each job over the years. Out of nowhere, in a casual conversation a few months ago with a chef at a restaurant I enjoy, I was offered a one night stage just to check out the industry. It woke something up in me that I had tried to ignore in favor of a more “normal” life.
After that, they referred me to some local restaurants where I might be able to do a longer term stage. I’m now 2.5 months into a stage at one of those restaurants, where the chefs have taken a chance on me and let me show up, fuck up, learn and grow in so many ways. A couple weeks ago, they offered me a one night a week paid position, and when that day first day finally came last night, I felt like I had finally found my purpose. The adrenaline, the chaos, the feeling like I might need to give up and tell Chef “I can’t do this, I can’t handle it,” to riding that feeling out and making it through the 7-9pm rush with joy and excitement and flow… I can’t describe how I feel.
I love this and feel like I’m living for the next shift, the next rush. I’m so grateful to have found a place full of kind, patient, talented people willing to take a chance on someone with no professional experience. And after 28 years, it’s like I finally know why I’m here. Anyway, I’m grateful to be part of this profession now, because even at the bottom of the ladder, I can finally see a place for me in the world, a place for my passion for food and the drive to be better every shift. Thanks for listening, chefs.