Do I Want to Teach Anyone How to Cook and Bake Professionally?

For many years, my career centered around teaching and training. I found it to be a fulfilling and enjoyable task, so much so that I continued to pass on my knowledge and skills to those interested even after my retirement. However, as someone who has been there, I can attest to the fact that not everyone is cut out for the professional culinary world, and teaching someone your trade doesn't necessarily have to be your chosen career path.

Achieving Mastery in Culinary Arts

Over my years in the culinary industry, I honed my skills in various areas, including barbecue, smoking, and more. There's a certain level of mastery required to teach these skills effectively, and it isn't something that everyone can achieve overnight. For instance, I have repeatedly found that instructing someone on how to barbecue or smoke can be a challenging task, as these skills are more than just following a set of steps—they require an understanding of the nuances and subtleties of the process.

The Demands of Professional Cooking and Baking

Even with the diligent training and dedication, there can still be complications. I recall a particular incident where Burger King terminated my position and reassigned the duties to an individual with absolutely no prior experience. The company’s decision to reduce costs by hiring a less skilled person was short-sighted and inefficient. Soon after, this new employee reached out to me, asking for guidance on how to perform the duties. I, however, responded with a hearty laugh and hung up the phone, not wanting to spend my time teaching someone who wasn't truly committed to the craft.

Why Not Teach Professionally?

Teaching cooking and baking in a professional setting is a demanding and rewarding set of skills, but it's not for everyone. It requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, patience, and a genuine passion for sharing knowledge. Teaches these skills successfully can make a real difference, but it also demands a significant commitment of time and effort. For those considering a career in this field, it’s important to recognize the challenges and determine if the rewards outweigh the demands.

Industries Beyond the Kitchen

There are numerous professions outside the culinary field that benefit from excellent teaching skills. For example, in the hospitality industry, a cook or baker needs to effectively train staff on various tasks, such as menu execution, customer service, and inventory management. In addition, businesses across various sectors can benefit from employees who can mentor and guide new colleagues.

Conclusion

While I have enjoyed teaching and sharing my knowledge throughout my career, I ultimately decided that it wasn't something I wanted to do as a full-time job. The professional culinary world is highly specialized and demanding. If you are passionate about cooking and baking, there are numerous ways to share your skills without making it a profession. Whether you are a bartender, a barista, or any other role in the service industry, effective teaching and mentoring can be an integral part of your job, bringing satisfaction and impact to those you train.

Keywords

teaching cooking teaching baking professional culinary skills