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?
282
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.