I got let go today.

[u/Beeaybri]

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?

[u/magicsqueezle]

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.

[u/Beeaybri → u/magicsqueezle]

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.

[u/magicsqueezle → u/Beeaybri]

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.

[u/RedneckDame → u/magicsqueezle]

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.