WeAreChefs

Burn out

How can burn out be handled. I have worked for the same company over 8 years. And my job is not the normal "CHEF" job. I run a kitchen that helps and feeds the hungry. Its a really rewarding job. But is the same sh#@ almost every day. I have a very small staff for a very large job. we feed over 1100 meals a day with 3 total kitchen staff including me. We use untrained resident and community volunteers. Again dont get me wrong, This is my way of helping people. I have supervisors who dont understand what I do besides feed people. I guess my question is how can I keep my job fresh, fun and execiting. I try to find new ways to cook the same food differently, but i still get compliants. Yes complaints. ITs hard to think that people are getting food for FREE and they complain, but they are at the lowest point in there life and food is really the only thing they can't control.

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Comment by Kevin L Nacke Jr on June 12, 2009 at 8:18am: Thank you every one they are some good suggestions.

Comment by Edgar Jacobs on June 11, 2009 at 9:47pm: One thing that I learned to do when I feel burnt out is to try and approach my work from another angle. I am always trying to learn more about other aspects of being a Chef. Take time to practice things that you normally don't do every day and it relieves the monotony and helps you develop new skills as a Chef. Challenge yourself in small ways every day to do one or two things better, faster and stronger than yesterday. Then, if one day you decide that you absolutley need a change, you will have developed yourself in new ways to help you make the transition easier.

Comment by Ingrid M Alexander on June 10, 2009 at 9:27pm: I certainly know about burn out before I decided to transition over into the culinary field. I felt like a social worker at my job addressing three major policy areas and clients in that area and it was exausting the way you described it. All I can say is try to remove yourself from the kitchen when you get home. Don't think about work and don't answer office phone nor e-mails. I remember being so burned out it took me 6 months to recover and regain my strenght so don't get to that point, take time for you too. Go get a message, mani-pedi, just something where someone is serving you.

Comment by Edgar Jacobs on June 9, 2009 at 4:41pm: Give the fruits of your labors the creator. Realize that the pain & suffering of life is felt by all and rise above it. Nothing is permanent and this to shall pass.