I'm a head chef and have been for 6 years now! Been trying to deal with my depression and anxiety witch is due from the massive amount of stress, pressure and lack of work life balance! Choosing alcohol to help deal but drinking a bit to much every day!
Just wanted some advice on how to deal with it and when and how is the best way to try and step back? Or quit.
My heart isnt in the trade anymore and wanting to give it up but I cant financially
congratulations on being a chef first and foremost, very hard and disciplined career. well done on achieving that status, it truly is an awesome achievement,
stop the drinking.. best advice I can offer you, find your way to the top of your game than have a celebratory ale.. I know your position as a chef can feel inconsequential, but it’s not..
Keep cooking the best plate for the plate carriers.
I know a lot of people are in a similar boat to you. Maybe not a chef but struggling with work, stress and depression. I have also used alcohol to cope in the past. It can be hard to break the cycle with stress and being unhappy with work.
Can I ask if you are seeing a psychologist? If not I'd consider it. I have been struggling with work stress recently too and I have talked to my psychologist about it and it has been really helpful
Have you considered going to an employment agency? I also am getting new start from Centrelink. Maybe ask centrelinke (or see if you can book on my gov or go in person) and ask to see a social worker to talk to someone about employment. Can maybe let them know you are wanting to leave your job for mental health reasons. NOT telling you to leave your job. Just maybe talk to them about it and about your options
i myself am a chef and have been for 11 years working in fine dining restaurants, i also suffer from depression and i all to well know the stress and pressure the kitchen creates, everything you wrote in your post i am batteling with atm and when i came across your post felt like i was not alone in this situation would be good to hear if you have found anything to help you make a decision. i feel like everytime when i have this battle in my mind about leaving the industry i find it highly stressful and eventually end back in the kitchen, because its soemthingim good at and its all i have known.
I’ve been a chef for 34 years have a complete burn out 20 years ago. Executive chef of two establishments and consulting in Fiji. Had to quit my job and have counciling for 3 years. With heavy antidepressants which I’m still on 20 years later. I’m still cheffing but can only manage smaller rolls in smaller venues. And even that is starting to get difficult. I’m happy with all aspects of my life except work. It’s so chaotic I’m anxious every second which in turn has made me very depressed. I can’t quit I need the pay. I feel hopelessly trapped. I told my wife I wish I got cancer or had a bad accident just so I’d get a break from it. Something will snap soon 😥
