It is no secret that owning a restaurant and working in the kitchen are two of the most exhausting jobs. So, how do you keep that passion for your craft and culinary dreams alive year after year? Statistics as recent as 2015 show that over half of Americans are disengaged at work. Is there a secret to staying in love with your job?
There may not be a magic pill that makes work life loveable, but there are many things any professional can do to stay passionate for the long haul.
- Look for the positive – Having a good attitude about your daily duties can go a long way in keeping work enjoyable. Every job has good and bad parts; choose to focus on the good.
- Keep things fresh and new – Look for opportunities to branch out of your typical work. These new adventures will help you feel like your job is still exciting.
- Constantly re-evaluate your life – There may come a point where your job is no longer necessary or desirable. Don’t be afraid to face this fact and find a new direction.
- Play to your strengths – Setting yourself up for success can make a job seem worthwhile. Focus on things you already know you are good at.
- Learn something new – Sometimes just experiencing newness and the joy that comes from learning are enough to keep your passion alive.
- Break up the routine – While organization and structure can help a business run more efficiently, they can also be boring. Re-examine your daily grind and see if there is any room for trying things a different way now and then.
- Take a rest – There’s no shame in taking an adult time-out. Whether it’s a day off or a month-long sabbatical, making time for rest and yourself can do wonders for the soul.
Chances are you grabbed that chef coat because you had a passion for cooking. All those long, hot days and disgruntled customers can really take a toll on that excitement. Keep your passion for food alive as long as you’d like with these simple steps.