Hi, Hannah from Minnesota

[Hannah]

:) Glad to be a part of the community.

I cook for my husband and step son every night and although it is not my full time job I find myself looking forward to it every night. I am really exploring the possibility of a culinary career but am a little afraid to leave my current career to try something new.

My love for cooking started at 2yrs old when my Mom and I would watch Julia Child everyday. I would run around the house saying "bon appetit". As a child I would cook for my family and print out menus. I enjoyed the good feelings it brings to feed people you love.

I have always struggled with deciding what career I want and kinda landed in my current career for need of money. I have been successful in this career but hate it and feel so unfulfilled. I am exploring being a chef but am a little afraid of starting all over again at 31 yrs old.

Well that a little about me. Look forward to getting to know you all.

[kcma]

hi :) nice meeting you,

it really depends on your personality, not ability to cook. kitchens are hot, intense, and VERY abusive :p

if you don't have that intensive personality, best leave it a hobby so you can really enjoy it :) and not have it ruined by pursuing a career after it.

[Fred]

Welcome aboard, Hannah. We have too few women on the forum and it's good to have another join us.

[Octaveman]

Changing careers is a tough choice. I've contemplated the same but like you, money was the deciding factor. I don't think your age is an issue. Desire is more important. But financial considerations still need to be made specially in these times. One option is to do it a few nights per week. If things aren't to your liking, you are still in a position to keep your day job plus you will have your questions answered. Another option is to find a restaurant to let you work or trail a few days to see if it's something you'd like to pursue. Use a few vacation days at your job and try it out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. :)

Welcome to the forums.

[Hard H2O]

Welcome from one new member from MN to another.

[minutemanchef]

welcome, glad to have ya on board as well, still learning my way around the site myself. As far as if the culianry path is the right one for you...well only you can make the final choice. i personally find it extremely fullfiling...love for food can come from anywher...colors, tastes, smells, experiences, songs, books, nature, its an extension of every form of art in mind. i've said this forever, "Food is the only art that appeals to EVERY sense you can see it, smell it, taste it touch it and even hear it" think about the smile you get hearing bacon crackle as it frys up, or a sizzling platter of fajita fixings. where as most art might have color texture and maybe an old musty odor, food plays with your senses and teases your palate, you can take flavors and infuse them into things that were never supposed to taste that way, like making a carrot taste like a braised veal shank. It's a medium that brings smiles to all and good memories that mioght forever be associated with a single ingredient. Food is also on the cutting edge of technology and can practically be a science fair. with the pros come a few cons...kitchen cooking and professionally coooking and pursuing a career in the culinary field are 2 different things entirely. First you need to understand we work when others play...namely...the holidays are our bread and butter...especailly mother's day( something to think about as a parent or at least how much time you put toward this venture) this industry is an extremely competitive one and while you work as a team each dish has to be better than the last(thats my motto anyway). These were some things that have influenced my descisions anyway just thought i'd share.:D At the end of the day i think everyone should do what makes them happy.... best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

[Boondocker]

Welcome from one new member from MN to another.

I will double that :)

[VHo]

well, at least you get to enjoy cooking for your family.

working for pay check vs love is always a tough. good luck on that one.

this place has enhanced my quality of life immeasurably.

enjoy.

[Hannah]

Thanks all for your advice and welcomes!!

[ksskss]

Starting over at 31. You're still a kid! You'll get to starting over later on in life too. Don't be a slave to your own knowledge. I find people who change careers are more dimensional rather than flat human beings - and they bring a new perspective into another field. Sometimes the question is whether you can safely 'jump'. sometimes you have no choice and just have to leap into the abyss. I go back to or speak to people who used to work with me and feel a bit of sadness that they have spent their whole life in one field.

"Four walls do not a prison make."

Welcome to FF!, from a fellow home cook and mad scientist.

---
Ken