"Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all" - Harriet van Horne

“I can't cook. I use a smoke alarm as a timer.” - Carol Siskind, American Comedienne.

Do you aspire to be the next Gordon Ramsey or Jamie Oliver?

Does ‘Hells Kitchen” actually appeal to you?

If you're looking for something to read, check out our Careers, Role Models, Profiles and Interviews Section where you will find many professions featured, learn about what it takes to succeed, and ask yourself, is this job for me?

It's about what you enjoy doing, work can be fulfilling if you choose the right sort of work. Should work just be about the money? Doesn't aptitude and affinity matter?

After all, how much time do we spend at work in our daily lives? Doesn't it seem wise to CHOOSE TO WORK at something you enjoy?

So think about it, WHAT do you enjoy doing, AND WHY?

For the FOURTH in this "IS THIS JOB FOR ME" Series: CAREER tripleTALK has an interview with TRACY CHOW, Owner of Pomme Cake and Coffee Shop!

Every time you go out to a restaurant and eat a nice meal; it goes without saying that someone made a huge effort to prepare your culinary delight! Yes, chefs are sometimes the unseen and unsung heroes behind many eating establishments. How to begin? You can either learn at an educational establishment (culinary school) or gain on the job training as an apprentice. Either way, hard work and dedication is the key factor to being successful!

There are many advantages to becoming a chef!

Recognition – Once you establish yourself then your name or your signature dish will bring customers flocking! Notice how some establishments are always booked up or have long lines of people waiting? Word of mouth is a powerful form of informal marketing! The customer is the life blood of many eateries so GOOD SERVICE is vital!

As there are literally thousands of food establishments, great reviews and recognition in the form of service awards and Michelin Stars can separate the great from the good.

Creativity! You are the cook! So you can decide how to present the dishes! You can be as creative as you like. Want to stick an upstanding celery stick in a waffle layered with smarties smeared in chocolate ice cream? Why not! No one else has done it before! You never know, it might even get you a Michelin Star for creativity!

Business Opportunity! Restaurants are all run as businesses and as a chef you don’t have to simply remain behind the cooker! Multi-task! You can learn all aspects of the trade from marketing to finances to supply chain management; to run a successful restaurant; you have to balance all aspects of the operation.

Travel! Good food crosses borders! Globally, people like to eat and the majority are open minded and willing to try a diverse range of dishes! If you specialize in a certain cuisine then you can take these skills all around the world! Italian food in Osaka, Malaysian food in Toronto, Chinese and Indian food….well everywhere…..As a chef, you will be able to see the world and spread your love of food to others!

Self Esteem and Confidence! Some people are not academically inclined. This means they can channel their energy in other ways. Cooking is one way for people to express themselves! A good example is Jamie Oliver’s ‘15’ concept to help disadvantaged teens get their lives on track. (To be covered in another blog).

But like any job, it is not all sunshine and rainbows! Long hours, high pressure conditions and cranky customers are only the start. Who do you think prepares all the food at restaurants at seasonal events such as Christmas and Chinese New Year? Yes, chefs! Yes, expect to pull work shifts when everyone else is stuffing their faces with the food…..you most likely prepared!

Of course, a potential chef’s love of food and passion for cooking tends to supersede all the disadvantages.

No job is perfect but if you are committed and more importantly passionate then you can learn, overcome all pitfalls and rise to the top of your profession!

Love to cook? Turn your passion into a career!

  CAREER tripleTALK: SWEET TALK! Interview with TRACY CHOW, Pastry Chef & Founder of POMME Cake & Coffee Shop

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