r/KitchenConfidential • u/Beeaybri 10+ Years • Jul 01 '25
Discussion I got let go today.
First time in my 15 year career of being a chef.
I was working at a college running their dining hall, with a ton of creative freedom. In nearly 3 years I trained the entire staff from bare basics knowledge, to being able to execute things like pork roulades and etoufee's for 1500 kids, 3 times a day. I revamped the menu for each shift from the bottom up, and created an entire vegan focused menu for one station in the dining hall (im non vegan so it was a challenge). I did so many things, and with one decision the rug was pulled from my feet.
It was due ti budget cuts within the school for low enrollment trends. They had to make up for over 300k of the budget somewhere and I got axed. They made it very clear several times that this decision had nothing to do with performance or a lack of want for me to be there, but it was what was being asked of them financially. I was the chef manager, directly under my chef director. And I ran the floor. 20 employees. Those guys became my family. My dining general manager that let me go was crying while even trying to give me my papers.
I'm distraught. I worked so damn hard. Im sad for myself, but I'm so sad for my team. Its hard being let go, but its even harder having to watch my staff cry after they got the news and I was cleaning out my office.
Its a really hard day. Im trying not to take it personally, or feel less than, or that I didn't do enough. Its just hard.
This is just really really hard. :(
anyone been in this boat?
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u/Total-Armadillo-6555 Jul 01 '25
File for unemployment ASAP and let your old boss know you're doing it. You file, they contact your ex-employer to make sure your story matches that you weren't fired for cause. If you and your boss are on the same page it makes your approval quicker. Tho longer you delay signing up for unemployment the more money you'll miss out on.
It ain't much but definitely gives you some breathing room.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
And i would love some breathing room, thats for sure. I'm going to sign up tomorrow. Luckily I know they would all be on the same page.
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Jul 01 '25
You're never on the same page until the paperwork goes through. I was let go by for similar reasons and the boss was on board with unemployment. Even gave me a weeks pay as severance. When I got the dispute notice in the mail, I called him. Apparently his minority investor disputed it, because he never pays unemployment without a fight. So I still had to fight it anyway, even presenting evidence from the guy who fired me for my side.
Be careful. It's the bean counters that run the world and they are ruthless assholes.
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u/Same_Recipe2729 Jul 01 '25 edited Jul 07 '25
I enjoy learning about marine life.
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u/backlikeclap Jul 01 '25
Here in Washington the MINIMUM is $342, and the max is $1079.
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u/thewizardking420 Jul 01 '25
Washington is the complete opposite of Florida in every way I can think of
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u/backlikeclap Jul 01 '25
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u/PrivilegeCheckmate Jul 01 '25
Washington is nearly the complete opposite of Florida in almost every way I can think of.
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u/pueraria-montana Jul 01 '25
isn’t the entire eastern half of the state just wall to wall skinheads?
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u/effreeti Jul 01 '25
Sounds like almost any catering company would love to have you as a high level employee ngl.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
One can hope, right? 🤞
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u/LakeMichiganMan Jul 01 '25
" I was looking for work when I found this job." Said my most reliable employee if something went wrong during her graveyard shift as night auditor at a corporate hotel. You may find another job even better. They may even ask you back after the budget issues work out in a few years. Get outdoors and take some time for yourself to reflect. Call friends and let it be known you are looking. Networking get one the best jobs.
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u/talyakey Jul 01 '25
Or another school. Think big - I used to know the head chef for ohio state. Or a private school, keeping students happy in the dining hall is a point of leverage.
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u/meh_good_enough Jul 01 '25
You sound like you know your shit, and they regretfully had to let you go only due to financial reasons. I know job losses like this seem personal in the moment, but don’t obsess on the question of “why me?”. They took your job, don’t let them take your confidence.
File that unemployment, apply for some jobs, and get back to it chef 💪🏻
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Im trying to keep my head held high and focus on what mattered the most, my impact on my staff and the students.
After all, the chicken ain't gonna paprikash itself, is it?
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u/secretly_love_this Jul 01 '25
You have a great attitude, man! I mainly lurk because the only "kitchen" I ever worked in was Blimpie about 30 years ago.
Good luck on your new job search, and DO NOT feel guilty for filing for unemployment. All the best, chef!! And I would love to taste your chicken paprikash!!
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u/Jae_Hyun Jul 01 '25
I dealt with a similar situation earlier this year, haven't been in the business for as long as you, but got laid off for the first time at any job I've ever had. I took a sous job at a place with a concept I was really excited about within the restaurant group I already worked at. The place was struggling, but the owner said "his heels were dug in." We were closed about 6 months later. They offered to find me something else within the group but I was so distraught that I never really followed up. Honestly, its been about 6 months since and I'm still not really over it.
One thing that really upset me about the situation is that I don't feel like I ever got to show off the best version of myself. I had some adjusting to do since a lot of things were different and I just didn't have enough time to be the chef I wanted to be there.
Honestly pretending to be fine probably made me feel worse about it in the long run, I was a lot more upset about it than I wanted to admit at the time.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Aw man. That's tough. I'm sure you went in with great ideas and the best of intentions. And its so hard to leave on those circumstances and say "it could have been so good" to yourself. But! Remember that for as good as it could have been, one day you're going to be at a place thst is 10x better for you and more stable.
And its okay to not be okay. Its okay to still be upset. That's hard. But dont let yourself get caught up in the what ifs. Because I know eventually you'll end up somewhere that you truly love.
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u/magicsqueezle Jul 01 '25
Oh boy does that suck!!! You will find a place and you will get to come in and create another wonderful environment.
I got laid off 2 months ago along (sous chef) with the executive chef and GM in our corporate cafe. We lost the account through nothing we did. It was all the same as your thing. Cutting the budget led to us three having to look for new jobs. Me after 11 years, the executive chef after 14 and the GM 25 years with the company.
I completely understand how gutted you are. Take care of yourself, polish up your resume and find your new people. Good luck buddy.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Goodness, thats rough. That is some serious tenure to lose. I can only imagine how deeply that hurt you all. I hope you found a new place?
And I hope you've been kind to yourself throughout this process.
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u/magicsqueezle Jul 01 '25
I have been looking for an equivalent position but I’m getting the “you’re over qualified “. I just want to work, albeit M-F, I’d be happy to just roll in, make food and not have to be in charge. My husband tells me to just enjoy it while I can. I really want to work which sounds crazy. Having to part ways with my customers was heartbreaking man. I had to process it like I was grieving a death.
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u/RedneckDame Jul 01 '25
Yes!I thrive on the work we do. Happy faces in the dining room just does it for me. I've gotten to the point that the experience for my guest is worth more than the nit pic.
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u/Maddie_hippychick Jul 01 '25
Never a chef, but a lifetime in corporate America. I’ve been laid off three times for things 100% outside of my control. It happens. It sucks balls. Take some time. Lick your wounds. Go to the gym. Whatever. Then start clawing your way back.
Rub some dirt in it and press on. You got this.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Rub some dirt in it, heard 🫡
It definitely sucks balls. But I know im not a quitter. And I know i'll be okay soon.
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u/ChefCharmaine Jul 01 '25
My position has been cut a few times for budgetary reasons, so I've learned not to take it personally, not to leave too many personal belongings at work, and to always network, build a portfolio of transferable skills, and document my accomplishments from the day that I walk in the door.
Coping with the loss of colleagues and the loss of direction is another story, but this is how I manage. I usually leave my tools in the trunk of my car, file for unemployment the following day, and then take the next week to not even think about looking for a job. I treat myself to all the things I rarely enjoy when I am working--staying up late to watch movies, sleeping in, grabbing breakfast at the diner and watching all the schmucks dashing off to work, day-drinking, reading, hiking, day-drinking, catching up with friends and family, stopping by the farmers' market and cooking up some comfort food, maybe a little more day-drinking...the point is to treat yourself well and put yourself into a positive mindset of feeling blessed and ready to move forward with your next adventure in the journey of life.
Hope this helps.
Hope tgid
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
These are all great ideas. And i did leave my tools in my trunk 😂
I really wanna take some time to process and just find some pieces of myself that I lost along the way.
Would you maybe be able to help me come up woth some transferable skills? Im really not so good at that.
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u/TheZad Jul 01 '25
Think about what makes you great and indispensable, and try to boil it down to the core characteristic or trait within you that makes it all possible.
For instance, you said that you trained your staff up from only basic knowledge to advanced dishes, executed three times a day, serving 1500 people. From that anecdote alone, I can deduce that you have the following transferable skills:
- Time management - 4500 meals a day, and the associated prep times, cook times, etc.
- Project management - planning out what gets cooked with what equipment in whatever order you have to in order to hit your 3 daily deadlines
- Critical thinking and advanced problem solving - anything ever gone sideways during service? Did you think on your feet and pivot to a different strategy to adapt? Did something turn sooner than you hoped, and did you have to think of a different recipe to use the remaining ingredients? Did it taste good, to boot?
- Communication - you trained your staff effectively to develop their skills, and they loved you for it. This is something that is more unique about you than you might realize. A lot of people can do the other things on this list exceptionally well and have accomplished great things, but they lack the patience, empathy, and understanding to teach others. So many people invest all their development points in agility (working quickly and effectively) or strength (able to work long hours and get things DONE), and completely or effectively neglect their intelligence (the ability to talk to someone on a different level as them, meet them there, and work with them to build a skilled and supportive team). It seems that not only can you walk the walk and talk the talk, but you also have enough emotional intelligence to be a leader in the best sense of the word.
You're that secret character that has all of their stats maxed out that you only unlock after beating the game on hard, OP.
You got this ✊️
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u/PM-me-ur-kittenz Jul 01 '25
I feel like college enrolment is trending downwards but boomers needing senior care are trending upward. Maybe when you recover from your shock and grief (which are VERY valid) you could try working in a retirement care home?
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u/Primary-Golf779 Chef Jul 01 '25
Start hitting up Sodexo and Compass for jobs. They control a ton of campus and corporate dining. Retirement communities as well and that sector is having huge growth with the boomers getting older. Keep looking ahead. This is an opportunity for growth
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u/besafenh Jul 02 '25
Those two? 😬
OP: “So I developed a whole vegan menu that was well received by our clientele, trained staff to execute increasingly complex innovative recipes and…”
The usual suspects: “✋. Sysco delivers the entire menu the day before 6 days a week. Everything is heat-and-eat, zero prep. Follow the plan-o-gram.
Sunday is a two meal service, a Brunch Buffet where client family members are welcome, and a cold buffet for dinner. Pasteurized liquid eggs for scrambled, seasoned frozen diced potatoes for home fries, turkey bacon, and sausage. Fruit salad is refrigerated, not frozen.
You are here to follow directions, stick with the menu devised by our dietitians, and to comply with corporate standards. Questions?”
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u/Odintorr Jul 01 '25
You know you lived and died for your crew when they have that reaction to your dismissal, good luck out the Jeff, its sucks right now, but with that experience, im sure you'll bounce back.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
I surely did live and die by my team. They were the best. Seeing them upset gutted me just as much as being let go did.
I hope i made a difference and taught them a few things along the way. And I hope they remember it to be good.
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u/DirtyToothpaste Jul 01 '25
My wife faced this back in March. Right after moving into a new house. Albeit a different industry, but she was let go even though she was one of the best employees they had in her time there. Ripped out the rug one day because they thought she was doing something that she was not. Took 3 months for her to find something else. But she is happier than she was at the other job
It might be a hard stretch until you find something else, but it could turn out for the better in the end. Sounds like any other kitchen would be very lucky to have you
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u/heavycreme80 Jul 01 '25
Dude, it always hits you like a ton of bricks. It can feel like the loss of a loved one in your brain.
I got let go(due to business/nothing to do with me) and it screwed me up so bad I across the country from New York City to Los Angeles lol. In hindsight, thankful, but I just should have chilled out and I would have been fine.
Get silly tonight, start applying tomorrow. You will be ok.
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u/Orangeshowergal Jul 01 '25
Academia is going to see many more cuts soon to come. Sorry you felt it
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Don't I know it?
Its getting crazy out there for the university sector. Part of me thinks maybe it was a blessing to be one of the first ones to get the chop.
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u/PoopsieDoodler Jul 01 '25
Thank you for all the good things you did d in that kitchen, for the hard work you put in, and especially for all the love. Thank you!
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u/Lancer2786 Jul 01 '25
I've never been to the chef level but I was let go during COVID as the assistant department manager of the bakery of a grocery store chain. However that was due to the store director being a twatwaffle and not liking the fact that I was bringing attention to long ignored issues. 🙄 You sound like you have some serious experience and a pretty awesome creative streak. I don't know about anyone else but a lack of creativity has been par for the course for several kitchens I've worked in over the years. You sound like a chef I would be proud to work for and learn from. If you're looking to stay in the same general field (large institution type cooking), aside from "the big three" companies, which I'm assuming you might have worked from one of them, have you ever thought about working as a chef at an assisted living facility? I've been a cook at one for 4 years and have never had so many vegan requests before. We have one floor specifically dedicated to short term individuals who come to our facility from the hospital to rehab and then go home. Some of the requests they come up with require some serious thinking outside of the box...my personal favorite was a resident who was adamant he wanted a Mac and cheese sandwich 🤣 I have no idea where he got the idea from but it was a hoot to make for him.
Keep your head up and keep pushing thru. Like everyone has been saying, apply for unemployment, make sure you get that letter and enjoy some time off. As my mom taught me when I was a kid, when life slams the door in your face, go around back and kick in a window 🤣😊 Sending virtual hugs and positive vibes your way.
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u/fingers Jul 01 '25
Sorry for the loss. Know that your staff has received your training and will use that for the rest of their careers.
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u/Medium-Account-8917 Jul 01 '25
I've been there too. I was the top performer on my team and was laid off because rogue investigators wanted more profits... Sadly my entire team was let go a few months afterwards. The one thing I learned is the old saying "in the game of life you can do no mistakes and still lose." keep your head up and move on. Exercise and focus on your mental health. You will get through this.
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u/beach2773 Jul 01 '25
Yes.happend to me. You will come out better on the other side although i know it doesnt feel that way today. Hang in there.
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u/LordGeneralWeiss Jul 01 '25
Keep your staff's details and make sure they keep yours. Strange things can happen even years down the line depending where you all end up.
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u/flyxdvd Jul 02 '25
mate of mine got me a job after being fired for similar reasons its nice to have connections so yeah good advice to keep contacts it works both ways to. maby op ends up somewhere and could help one of his old crew out.
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u/throwmeabonesss Jul 01 '25
Yep colleges have to be one of the toughest places to be right now for job stability
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u/Coffee13lack Jul 01 '25
It sucks, take it on the chin, you’re obviously very talented and you’ll find work.
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u/girmluhk Jul 01 '25
You got this brother, with those skills you are in huge demand just about anywhere. These things happen, while it can be hard to not take em personally, it will bug you for a bit. Try to enjoy the time off while you can and give yourself grace while you adjust. Everytime I've had something like this happen I end up bouncing back better and making even more money as it just turned into motivation after. You got this. :)
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Thank you so damn much. I really hope so. I wanna believe its a blessing in disguise for sure
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u/Mysterious_Row_ Jul 01 '25
You are on to your next wonderful journey and will find something way better. Congratulations on your new endeavor. It will be great! ❤️❤️❤️👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼
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u/JustFryingSomeGarlic Jul 01 '25
This is really fucking sad man. Damn these budget cuts. They don't know what they are doing.
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u/kobie173 Jul 01 '25
I’m really sorry to hear that. I guess it’s a consolation that you were let go for budgetary reasons rather than performance, but consolations don’t pay the rent.
You did what you could, and you’ll land on your feet. Sorry, chef.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Thank you chef. You're right. I feel good about how I performed. But sometimes shit just goes downhill financially and these things happen.
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u/blazing_ent Jul 01 '25
This industry is really ass sometimes.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
It sure is.
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u/blazing_ent Jul 02 '25
Sending you kitch love from a fellow bro who's been fucked too many times. I wish I could tell you it gets better.
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u/MissyShark Jul 01 '25
I’m so sorry. It’s heartwrenching to find your place then lose it through no fault of your own. I hope you land someplace you love very soon.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Super tough. Im feeling the loss of family deeply. But I know there's a whole team out there waiting for me somewhere
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u/Hefty_Comedian_2065 Jul 01 '25
24 years ago I was laid off from what I considered the best job I ever had because of reorganization on a regional level. Had nothing to do with my expertise or work ethic. 18 years. Then I got the real BEST job I ever had, best income (more than double), best people like family, best growth, best knowledge base. That other job was my step toward the best. God bless and look up!
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
This gives me a whole lot of hope. Thank you so much!! I hope this is the case for me too
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u/Argord Jul 01 '25
Plenty of College Campus Dining programs looking for good peiple, not sure whete you are or what you were making but happy to talk, pm me.
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u/Loveroffinerthings Jul 01 '25
I’ve been there, twice within a year. First was because the company I worked for decided they only wanted one manager, and the chef job could be done by just keeping up par lists. So no new menu items, or cook training, just the FOH manager keeping up par lists. It was a disaster, they closed during Covid, but really started to fail about 3 months after they removed the chef. They said it was because my salary was so high so I was the one they picked to cut….
Second was about a week before COVID shut the country down, our client (it was Aramark account) was in health insurance, they saw the writing on the wall, cut their staff in half, which then meant our account was expected to make cuts. They cut me, 1/2 the cooks, and 1 of the banquet people. 2 weeks later it was all shut down.
It sucks, I feel you, but that is a hell of a resume you built, you should be ok to find a new job, or, open your own thing. Private cheffing, meal prep, pop-up restaurants etc. It’s so freeing to do it for yourself.
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u/GoatBnB Jul 01 '25
Really sorry to hear of this.
You did good work and brought the crew up to be as good as they could be...one never knows, but they may be the thing that ends up saving you.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Im so proud of them and their growth. Truly. They have all been so receptive to learning and listening. I couldn't have done any of this without them. I just hope things dont fall too hard on them now when the school year starts back up.
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u/jac104 Jul 01 '25
Carry everything you just said with you to the next place. You know you have the chops. It’s their loss. In our industry, we should all know we’re replaceable no matter how good we are. This isn’t your fault in the slightest. Keep your head high. You’ll be a rock star wherever you land. I’m sorry this happened. Our industry sucks. This too shall pass
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
I have this too shall pass tattooed on me. So im trying to remember that. We always say if you died today , you would be replaced by morning. Sad but true!
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Jul 01 '25
[deleted]
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Wow. Thank you so much for this reply. It sounds like you truly get it. We met our numbers, we had the highest satisfaction/participation scores at over 85%, and we had great employee retention in my department. But sometimes no matter what, the axe comes down and it is what it is.
Your advice about putting myself out there on social media sites is smart. Granted I havent updated my linkedin in 10 years, but its worth a shot! Sometimes the industry is all about who you know. And boy, we all seem to know eachother in some capacity.
I got the blessing to come visit anytime I want to. And I probably will. (Just to keep my guys on their toes, haha)
Im going to look into some of the retreat things you mentioned. Those sound really cool.
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u/carortrain Jul 01 '25
Had a similar experience many years ago, was let go with a 4 day notice from a job I'd been at for 5 years, and had invested tons of my energy into.
Don't really have any great advice, other than, these moments are learning lessons as to how we need to handle and compose ourselves in this industry.
The industry does not care about us, employers might a little bit but they care much more about their business at the end of the day. It's always a smart idea to have something in the back of your mind ready as a backup plan, or have something you do on the side for yourself that could potentially lead to a bit of cash in times of need.
Other than that keep your head up. Most people in this industry are too jaded/impatient or naive to actually see and understand when they have a good chef running their business. Most employers will jump at any chance to improve their situation, regardless of how it affects those who work for them.
Most employers are too scared to let someone smart actually be in charge. At least that's my observation after a decade in this industry. Good chefs usually get taken advantage of. But it's at least funny to watch a place crumble after you left, it usually only takes about a week for them to realize the gravity of their mistake.
When they start texting you about recipes and how you did stuff, let them know that the work has been terminated, therefore you cannot provide assistance for free, and you won't be replying to them again in the future.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Youre right. At the end of the day no matter how good we are or how much we care, we are just a number. A metric. A dot on a screen. If they feel like they need to eliminate the dot, poof! You're gone. Its more professional at the corporate level, but in restaurants they just tell you not to come back. Its all the same, mostly.
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u/Misplacedmypenis Jul 01 '25
A couple times. Not in restaurant but in my new life as an office drone. Budget cuts suck. Its worse when you get cut but some idiot stays because “we did it by time here”. Just remember it isn’t you. It’s hard to in the first moments but just remind yourself every day that you work hard and bring value. You will find something new and it will all feel good again. Best of luck.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
When it comes to time and tenure, I was at the bottom of the totem pole. That did occur to me.
Thank you for your kind words friend.
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u/Boogedyinjax The Fixer Jul 01 '25
Consider that they actually did you a favor. The universe has greater plans for you and knew you would never leave on your own. You are gonna love long and prosperous and do much greater things in this life. I promise you!!!
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Thank you so much 😭✨️
That is so nice. Thank you thank you thank you
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u/kaberb Jul 01 '25
Sorry to hear of this. It’s a shame what has happened to our educational systems where they decided a decade or more ago to change their model to absorb as many international students as possible to pay unsubsidized tuition giving the colleges and universities more income than they could do with, only to get greedy and for that international market to get cut due to immigration and things changing by the government at the drop of a hat.
You sound like a talented chef and did a lot to change the culture of the work environment yet alone train people from the ground up to a fine working machine capable of serving delicious food.
Keep your head up and on to the next. Anyone would be lucky to have a chef like yourself.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
That is so true. I even said "I wonder what this means for our international students now. I bet enrollment goes down dramatically." And here we are. The kids are terrified.
I feel like I made a positive impact on my team and gave them skills to carry forward into their futures. Im proud of that. Thank you
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u/canolicat Jul 01 '25
If you’re interested in working college dining and in the SoCal area, message me. I can connect you with a good friend.
Best of luck. That school was very lucky to have you.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Thank you so much friend. Im rooted across the country from socal, but i hope uour buddy finds someone soon!
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u/Panedrop Jul 01 '25
Of all the reasons to lose your job that's the best, IMO. It wasn't your fault and, while it's a bummer, there's no reason to beat yourself up. You should have little difficulty finding a new job so give yourself time to deal with the sadness of the loss and then move on.
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u/WyattPurp23 Jul 01 '25
I’ve been there lots of times; what state do you live in?? Are you in the south?
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u/Additional_Bat_2396 Jul 01 '25
Dude that's great experience. Get yourself a better gig, it's in your wheelhouse. EMPUJE SPONGEBOB!
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u/chefsabrina Jul 01 '25
That sux chef! Have you ever entertained the idea of putting all of that diligent hard work into your own business idea? I'm also a chef of 15 years and have found this journey to be difficult, sometimes amazingly rewarding and others... Not. I made the jump, and now have a catering business and have found managing myself/small crew is much more rewarding than slaving away in someone else's kitchen to not get the respect/pay you deserve... Culinary world is a crazy one.
Once your heart heals a bit, definitely explore that option if your food is as outstanding as the post made it sound! Keep your head up!
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
I for a while had a pop up business where I would build an outdoor kitchen in a field and then cook fine dining food on site. Here in my state, those events were rare. It was received well, but it took so much out of me. I was a one man crew with a couple of my friends to serve. I lost access to that business page when my personal one got hacked and deleted. But maybe I could start over?
Im thinking about it.
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u/chefsabrina Jul 02 '25
Do it! That's such a unique experience! I'm a travel chef out of TX, so if you need help... 😁
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 02 '25
Chef! Let's link up sometime! That's awesome!
What travel do you do?
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u/chefsabrina Jul 02 '25
I've done various for culinary; national music artist tours, my own catering travel, etc.
Trying to settle and start a staffing company so I don't have to do all the work alone haha
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 02 '25
That is very cool. If you ever find anything up north here towards Ohio, shoot me a message!
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u/bobtherake Jul 01 '25
For what it’s worth, from a complete stranger on the internet: you will recover from this blow, you sound very talented and motivated. Don’t be discouraged! Keep going, and try to stay positive.
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u/vodka_tsunami Jul 01 '25
Bad for you, bad for the staff, bad for the kids... But this blow won't put you down. I hope it gets better soon, chef.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Thank you so much.
You know how we are. We're resilient. I can be a little sad and still know that I did make a difference for those kids.
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u/gekaman Jul 01 '25
Your staff seem to appreciate your mentorship and respect you as a person. Not too many folks cry when someone gets cut.
It is rare to have a good manager, remember that and don’t let this event change your approach. It looks like you’ll be able to find something perhaps even better.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
I made sure that I did it right this time around. I always met them where they were in the moment, even if it was hard and they were upset. I always wanted them to feel safe to come to me about anything. and safe to ask questions and think creatively.
They've been checking up on me all day. I had a really good bunch. They taught me a lot about what it looks like to lead effectively. And for that I am grateful.
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u/bostongarden Jul 01 '25
If it's any comfort, this has nothing to do with you. It's just the system. Move on and prosper
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u/Dry-Joke-2555 Jul 01 '25
I got let go as a baker at a small bakery around 2 months ago, and it suuuuuucks. Of the 4 people who worked there, I was the only one let go, and it wasn’t personal, but damn did it hurt :/ I loved that place and learned so much and it sucks that I’m not in that environment anymore. I’ve managed to score another job just to pay the bills (not in the kitchen), but I’m itching to bake again.
The best of luck to you for the future!
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
God that sucks. Im so sorry. But im happy you were able to secure something to pay the bills. Sometimes we all need that break in between jumping back in. Hopefully this is that for you!
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u/an_actual_lawyer Jul 01 '25
Im trying not to take it personally
Understand this:
The decision was made solely because you did such a good job of training everyone. They saw a position they could eliminate without a huge negative impact.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
I guess thats is the right perspective. My guys will all know how to fly on their own. Im proud of that.
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u/T-Dawg70 Jul 01 '25
Sorry you are going through this. Post-covid has not been good for food services. I wish you well in the future
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u/Thin-Disk4003 Jul 01 '25
That is so hard. I’m sorry. Wishing you well as you figure out what’s next. I hope this turns into a good adventure for you and you end up with a job you love even more. Take good care of yourself, k?
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Thank you so much for the well wishes. And i hope that you're right. Im going to be kind to myself in the mean time 🤘🏼
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u/kolarabi1 Jul 01 '25
Willing to move? I may have an opportunity in tuscaloosa Alabama.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Unfortunately I'm rooted with a home so I cant up and leave whenever I want 😭
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u/HEH4TEME Jul 01 '25
Was in a very similar situation during/post covid. Took a job in food sales and haven’t looked back once. Highly recommend.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
My cousin does food sales for US foods, and she really enjoys it. I always thought you sold your soul to them taking that gig. But this is nice to hear!
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u/HEH4TEME Jul 03 '25
There definitely was an adjustment. I also thought I’d work “less hard” which is not the case. But it’s rewarding finding good, loyal fun customers to work with.
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u/RevelArchitect Jul 01 '25
I was laid off at a company a few years ago for reasons that went beyond budgetary concerns. I was not the only one and I fully understood and supported the reasons despite the negative consequence for me.
It was rough. I was well-liked and my supervisor was really upset about it. Thankfully, I had a friend in upper management who let it slip that my group was getting axed like two weeks prior so I had plenty of time to accept it and I felt good about making that conversation a lot easier.
It fucking sucks though. Barely keep in touch with any of the friends I made there.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Yeah, my girl was really upset that they knew this was happening and let me look them in the face for a week and didnt give me any hints or heads up. The papers were drafted 5 days before I was told. Sigh.
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u/RevelArchitect Jul 02 '25
That really sucks, man. In my case it was super weird. I had known it was coming for two weeks, but the supervisors were told that day in their morning meetings.
I’d mentioned it to a few people that I’d be getting let go Friday after next and nobody believed me. That was at least amusing to play that up for a couple weeks.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 02 '25
Omg hahaha. If I would have had the chance to play that up I totally would have. And my team would NOT have believed me. I have to wonder how long my direct boss knew. The only thing I know was that he seemed really mad. Upset, actually. And he just stared at the ground the whole time.
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u/RevelArchitect Jul 02 '25
I know in my case management prefers to avoid having that pressure on supervisors all week. They don’t need to know till they need to do the deed. Knowing ahead would just give them a chance to slip up or something. Kind of like my friend in management did.
We were talking about the obvious layoffs coming up and he asked what agency I had come from and then went dead silent while we were gaming. I made sure to let him know pretty quickly that I was cool with it and wouldn’t let everybody know. Concerns were widespread enough that I was able to convince a few people to get their resumes in order, “just in case”. “Never hurts.” “May as well even apply and see if anything better is out there.”
Those people had to have realized retrospectively what I was doing.
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u/ThatYellowGuy94 Jul 01 '25
86 Chef.
You gave that team memories and knowledge they will carry and cherish for a life time. Sometimes that's better than continuing to be there. That being said, I'm sorry to hear you get cut loose like that. With that on a resume though, I'm sure you'll be able to land a fantastic gig. Keep your head up and your eyes out chef.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
My sous chef said they were going to frame my last pack of gum and put it on the wall 😂 they also gave me memories that i'll cherish forever.
Time to polish up my resume and toot my own horn I suppose!
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u/ThatYellowGuy94 Jul 01 '25
You toot away. Honestly, the idea to just axe quite possibly the most vibrant part of their students day, as opposed to everyone chipping in a bit of a pay cut is astounding. They'll realize what they've lost and tarnished, far too late. You have my condolences, respect, and support chef.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 02 '25
That is so very kind. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart.
It is astounding, but I think for them it was a matter of only affecting one person as opposed to the whole team. The waves will be felt once the school year starts. Im not looking forward to that for my team, at all. They dont deserve to feel it the way I know they will.
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u/ThatYellowGuy94 Jul 02 '25
Honestly, I think if your team is as prepared as you give them credit, they may stumble at first. However, I think they'll find their footing and anchor down. In 15 years, you had to have had sick days (especially given that timeframe overlaps covid era) and I'm sure they did well. I can see it going to hell if they try to skimp on the next chef, which is an option. But your team will be there to show them the ropes. Who knows, maybe your sous will step up along with another trusted teammate. Leaving an invested kitchen never feels good. My longest stint was four years, and I left for myself. My team stumbled for a bit, but they're on their feet and still fighting. I watched that establishment grow and was a good driving force behind it. Sometimes life just wants you to push forward on your journey. I'm sure you'll maintain contact with your chosen ones, but trust that they'll do as you've shown them., and the abilities they deveoloped before your very eyes. It's hard to not think of your team at a time like this, but you still need to help yourself.
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u/ThatYellowGuy94 Jul 02 '25
Honestly, I think if your team is as prepared as you give them credit, they may stumble at first. However, I think they'll find their footing and anchor down. In 15 years, you had to have had sick days (especially given that timeframe overlaps covid era) and I'm sure they did well. I can see it going to hell if they try to skimp on the next chef, which is an option. But your team will be there to show them the ropes. Who knows, maybe your sous will step up along with another trusted teammate. Leaving an invested kitchen never feels good. My longest stint was four years, and I left for myself. My team stumbled for a bit, but they're on their feet and still fighting. I watched that establishment grow and was a good driving force behind it. Sometimes life just wants you to push forward on your journey. I'm sure you'll maintain contact with your chosen ones, but trust that they'll do as you've shown them., and the abilities they deveoloped before your very eyes. It's hard to not think of your team at a time like this, but you still need to help yourself.
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u/MiseEnDoom Jul 01 '25
Me too. 9 years being chef for a corporation my position topped off and they pipped me then fired me
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Jul 02 '25
Chef!
Sorry to hear about the job but it. WASNT DUE TO YOUR ACTIONS.
you sound like an excellent human being and worker... Wow, what a great job you did at that place while doing good all around.
I wish you the best of best luck when you get your next role.
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u/Mothdotpdf Jul 02 '25
I literally just got let go a week ago from my position and I’ve been having a really difficult time with it, especially since it was a well paying position with a really demanding workload. Even my hats wore a lot of hats and it’s been hard making the job sound like a success to new employers. I hope you find you something worthy of your talents
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u/Nickinator811 Jul 02 '25
Aww sorry to hear that man
You'll find somethin better
Don't give up hope buddy
And get yourself back out there
There's always need for chefs
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u/NewOpposite8008 Jul 03 '25
The budget cuts are gonna hit hard and I’m sorry, it sucks to lose a job you love.
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u/Striking-Bit-3784 Jul 04 '25
Unfortunately no. Hopefully they will consider you again for hire ,if things change for the better .
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u/tlollz52 Jul 01 '25
It's always hard, but I always think of something a buddy of mine told me.
He works in HVAC, and he was talking to his supervisor one day. My buddy said he was the best boss he had. the guy knew the in and outs of the business and the trade. He told him he's been fired from every job he's ever had. Sometimes, he deserved it, and sometimes it's because he didn't take shit from the wrong guy. Either way, he kept grinding, busting his ass, and gave 100% to every project he did. He said at the time it was the best job he had, and if he lost that job, his experience is invaluable, and he'll find himself another gig as soon as possible.
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u/PoppyCat417 Jul 01 '25
I’ve never worked in a kitchen / restaurant but I love this sub.
I have however been laid off from a job I loved out of the blue due to financial pressures.
I often tell people in this situation that for me, getting laid off like that was more emotionally devastating than when I went through cancer treatment. It messes with you.
So …. Be gentle with yourself. Trust that it really wasn’t your fault. And remember that your worth as a human is not your job.
I hope you find something great soon.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
"Remember that your worth as a human is not your job"
She's, that is a hard concept for us kitchen folk who live and die by the flame. But you're right and im trying to remember that.
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u/hubbyofhoarder Jul 01 '25
So sorry! Getting laid off is never fun.
FWIW, this is going to start happening in colleges and universities across the country, and there's not much to be done about it. The academic community has known for decades that starting a few years ago and going forward there's a demographic cliff of smaller cohorts of college aged kids due to our declining birth rate.
For anyone considering getting out of the restaurant game and going corporate like college dining halls or retirement communities, retirement communities are the way to go, as that's definitely going to grow.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
This is actually a really good point. I hadn't thought of the retirement sector growing from the boomers. Academia is definitely on a downward spiral. But god am I glad to have gotten that experience.
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u/hubbyofhoarder Jul 01 '25
Sounds like you made it yours and that the place and its people are better for the work that you did.
I didn't mean to minimize your situation by mentioning the college demographic problem. My intention was to nudge you in a possibly more stable direction. Keep pluggin'!
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Nah you didnt minimize it at all! You just got me thinking. And at times like this, thats super important! Now if I could make an impact in other sectors the way that I did here, I would be thrilled!
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u/Lycan__ Jul 01 '25
I never worked on the professional side, but I imagine with that kind of experience you could get some serious hospitality industry gigs. My ex's dad used to work for Hilton before he left the game. Would travel all over the world.
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
I used to actually work for Fairmont hotels. The hotel life is not for the weak but I miss that time in my life for sure.
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u/TightDescription2648 Jul 01 '25
Find something under the table and have their budget pay your unemployment
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u/goldfool Jul 01 '25
Do they need food instructor's?
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u/Beeaybri 10+ Years Jul 01 '25
Nope, they don't offer that there. Most places around me dont need them as the instructors stay for over 20 years
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u/belshare Jul 01 '25
I'm sorry chef
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u/MemeShaman Jul 02 '25
This is heartbreaking. I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. I hope that you’re doing okay. You sound like an incredibly hardworking, caring person.
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u/Frequent-Voice5100 Jul 01 '25
Seriously, a self proclaimed chef whining about it
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u/MaryBitchards Jul 01 '25
Aw, shit. That sucks so much. You know it wasn't you and you'll get a good recommendation from this place. You can hold your head high and hopefully get something else really soon.