This was the question that my wife of five years asked me when I told her I was dropping all my college classes to pursue a new career. Keep in mind that in that five years I wanted to be a chef, fireman, computer network technician, web designer, forensic scientist, and chef. Notice that chef is on the list twice, both at the beginning and the end. Speaking of the beginning, let's start there.
When my wife and I met I was still serving the in Navy and I hated my profession. Not so much being in the Navy, just being a mechanic in the Navy. That was my rate (job) but I was actually an "admin bitch" in charge of the preventative maintenance program in my shop. The only think I can tell you about being a mechanic is that relief valves on highly compressed air systems are LOUD and if you want to loosen a nut, turn it to the left.
When discussing my plan for post military life I always thought it would be great to be a chef. I always enjoyed cooking, watching cooking shows, eating food, yanno. I knew that working in an actual kitchen is nothing like the shows you see on television. It is hard work, of which I am no stranger to. I did some research on how much an average starting cook is paid and I scrapped the whole idea there. I always thought that it was my job to find a job that paid well so I could support my family. I had other interests in live that could translate into very well paying jobs.
When my wife and I left the Navy we decided to move back to the east coast (I was stationed in San Diego) to be closer to both of our families. I started taking classes at one of the local community colleges in hopes of becoming a computer scientist. I enjoyed the classes and did well in them but it turns out I could not see myself working on computers for the rest of my life. In an attempt to get something going gi decided to pursue a generic math/science major in hopes that one of the classes would ignite my interest. Three weeks into my next semester taking General Chemistry, Calculus, etc I was again rethinking my career plans.
I had always heard that the CA (culinary arts) program at the school was very highly regarded in the community by both the local chefs and students. I would see the students wearing their uniforms and carrying the knives and utensials to and from classes. Part of me was jealous that they were pursuing what they wanted rather then settling for a job that pays well (relatively speaking). So begins the journey......
