Chefs can expect fast-paced shifts, with late nights, early mornings, and busy hours. It’s typical for them to work 50-60 hours per week, and as of 2023, there were 6.33% of chefs worked 60 hours or more – well above Australia’s legally prescribed 38-hour work week. Despite these demanding hours, if you have a passion for the job, you wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
If this resonates with you, you understand the dedication and excitement that come with being a chef. However, no matter how passionate you are, overextending yourself could jeopardise your health, relationships, or your career. This is why achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for chefs.
Let’s explore some effective strategies to help you achieve that balance.
Understand your limits — and your worth
Some level of intensity is inherent in the life of a chef. Consistently delivering dishes during a busy dinner rush is almost always going to be chaotic and demanding. For bakers, early mornings starting at 4 a.m. are the norm, while those on dinner shifts might not finish until well past midnight. This intensity can be exhilarating, whether you thrive on the kitchen’s fast pace or the peaceful hours in your bakery while the world sleeps. Nonetheless, you’re mindful of balancing your commitments and strive not to stretch yourself too thin.
Stand up for your well-being
Standing up for yourself in the kitchen can be challenging at times, but it’s essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
If you aren’t comfortable or you’re experiencing burnout in your job, it’s important to speak up about your needs. Expressing yourself respectfully should garner respect from your superiors, who should value your well-being for the long-term. If they don’t, it might be a sign that the current workplace isn’t the best fit for you.
Ultimately, knowing when and how to say “no” can significantly shape your career path. It’s also crucial to advocate for a reasonable schedule, such as having two days off per week, consistent and manageable shifts, and the option to split shifts with other workers. While working during holidays and busy periods is often part of being a chef, constantly being asked to do so may not be sustainable.
Check in with your priorities
It’s important to periodically reassess your priorities and ask yourself if your current job is truly helping you achieve your goals. At different stages of your career, there might be moments where you feel compelled to accept any available job. However, sticking with a job that’s not aligned with your skills or life aspirations can negatively impact your work-life balance.
The restaurant industry is currently facing chef shortages, which contributes to the workload chefs experience. On the flip side, this shortage also means there are likely other job opportunities available if you’re considering a career change or seeking a new workplace. Considering your personal boundaries and growth potential when evaluating job opportunities can help you stay connected to your priorities and establish a healthy work-life balance.
Preparation can help you get ahead of potential stressors
Preparing thoroughly for your shift can significantly streamline your work. This includes tasks like setting up mise-en-place and ensuring you have the appropriate knives for each task.
Effective preparation and time management can transform your kitchen experience. While these actions may seem small, they can have a substantial impact on your overall work satisfaction.
Communication can keep your kitchen relationships healthy
In a kitchen environment, teamwork is crucial. It’s essential to invest effort into effective communication practices to minimise confusion, prevent mistakes, and ensure everyone’s safety.
Having open channels of communication also facilitate efficient task delegation and foster strong personal connections among colleagues. This sense of connection can enhance your overall job satisfaction and sense of purpose.
Perspective can empower you to own your career
Working in a kitchen is widely recognised as a challenging environment — it’s hot, loud, and bustling with countless tasks to manage. Research indicates that stress in such environments can impair decision-making abilities, leading to a cycle where stress levels escalate.
To manage stress effectively, it’s beneficial to maintain perspective. Rather than getting caught up in others’ mistakes or personal issues, focus on what you can control. Sometimes, stepping away briefly for fresh air can provide clarity and help prioritise what truly matters, reducing unnecessary stress.
Commit to a balanced lifestyle
Achieving work-life balance isn’t solely about changes in the workplace. It also involves making adjustments outside of work to establish a more fulfilling routine.
Given the stress inherent in restaurant work, there may be temptation to engage in immediate gratification behaviours like excessive socialising, unhealthy eating habits, or irregular sleep patterns. While these may offer short-term relief, they can negatively impact your long-term mental and physical wellbeing.
Dedicate time for self-care and prioritise your health holistically. Incorporate physical activities like walking, exercising, or going to the gym into your routine. Allocate time for mental wellbeing through practices like meditation or journaling. Also, make time for meaningful relationships and enriching hobbies such as reading or listening to podcasts.
Setting specific times for these activities ensures they become regular habits rather than neglected priorities. For instance, scheduling morning workouts at 7 a.m. ensures they consistently fit into your daily routine.