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AIBU?

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Original poster

son becoming a chef

203 replies

marmaladejam1 · 07/03/2026 03:58

Am IBU to dissuade my year 10 son from becoming a chef. Main thing is they seem to die young, lots of drugs, terrible hours etc, also he has just tested in the top 3% of the state in Science, and I wonder if it would be a waste of his talents. Plus he is at selective high school and does very well, though does no homework.
Which is why I wonder ( as he just voluntarily made mini pavlovas) if that is where his heart lies. The pavlova were perfect. Crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. Swirled perfectly into large biscuit size. I'm off to eat another one but I do worry. The industry seems to be filled with drug use.

OP posts:
MammaWeasel · 07/03/2026 04:31

My son became a chef straight from college. Worked in a Michelin star restaurant. Cut a long story short, it broke him. Lost his relationship, his home and ultimately his dream job. No drug use that we know of, but split shifts, long hours and cheffy tempers all took their toll on his young mind and body.

He recovered, slowly, and is now doing well in a totally different career. He now cooks and bakes for fun.

I would encourage your son to keep his options open, and gain some experience in a professional kitchen.

Lurkingandlearning · 07/03/2026 04:23

Has he had any experience working in a professional kitchen? If not getting some might put him off if he is thinking along those lines because he enjoys cooking. Chefs do cook (of course) but it seems to me more like a really fast moving and pressured factory line than creating a meal at your own pace at home. And although menus might change seasonally, he would be cooking the same food every night over and over again.

83048274j · 07/03/2026 04:07

Being a chef is a perfectly good career. Your son doesn't have to be drawn into a drug culture (which exists elsewhere). Do you trust your son? I'd be happy if my child was a chef, assuming that's what made them happy.