At age 33, I started a whole new career to become a chef.
It was one of the most exciting yet difficult things I've had to do.
• I didn't know anyone
• The job required different skill sets
It was 3 years of massive growth.
👇 Here are 5 key lessons about starting something new:
———
# 1: Throw Out Your Ego
After culinary school, I worked at my dream 3-Michelin ⭐️ restaurant - Eleven Madison Park.
My friends' most-asked question revealed a lot about expectations versus reality.
• Friends: "Are you a sous chef now?"
• Me: "Uhh, no. That takes at least 5 yrs+. I'm a commis––THE bottom of the bottom rank!"
Also, no one cares who you were in your previous life. 🤷🏻♀️
———
# 2: Age Doesn't Mean Sh*t!
🙀 I was at least 10 yrs older than my fellow cooks.
Some were 18, not even legal to drink.
Many were super talented.
Instead of sulking about your age and how late you're in the game, learn from them.
+ Don't expect special treatment b/c of your age.
———
# 3: Use the Late Start to Your Advantage
🪄 My secret weapon was utilizing my 11-yr experience on Wall St.
I had:
• an Excel system to prepare my mise en place
• more grit b/c I've worked in demanding roles before
• a very clear and audacious goal. Cooking wasn't just any "job" to me
You may be a 'newbie,' but everything you've done up to this point counts. Use them to your advantage to differentiate yourself!
———
# 4: Tough Moments are Part of the Course
🔪 Once, a careless cook's knife dropped on my foot and cut through my thick waterproof shoes.
I couldn't walk but told my chef I will stay to finish the work.
Nasty cuts & burns happen, yet chefs still march on.
Suck up the challenges – you'll come out stronger.
———
# 5: Don't Complain. There's a Reason for Each Step
😖 I was grumpy when I was told to do less glamorous work:
• Chef: "Work in pastry for a month" → grumpy
• Chef: "Work the dinner shift indefinitely" → grumpy
• Chef: "Work in the casual side of the restaurant" → grumpy
I later realized these tasks were necessary steps to propel me further, faster.
———
✅ The Result:
After just 11 months as a newbie cook in my second restaurant:
• I was handpicked to cook for the 2018 Winter Olympics VIP gala in Korea with my executive chef
• I earned a promotion to the 4th highest cook in the rank (usually takes 2 yrs)
• + many more highlights! 👍
Apply these 5 lessons to thrive in any new endeavors, especially as a late starter!
———
TL;DR - 5 key messages to remember when starting something new
(esp. as a late starter):
• Throw out your ego
• Age doesn't mean sh*t!
• Use the late start to your advantage
• Tough moments are part of the course
• Don't complain. There's a reason for each step
———
👩🏻🍳 In my next post, I'll share how Chef’s tweezers, peas, and asparagus taught me that repetition is the mother of all skills!
👋 Follow for posts on designing a life you love waking up to!
www. helenleemoon. com
sous chef otg mangerment
2moI highly recommend