Intro: Back Then

Women started out as stay-at-home moms. They’d take care of the kids, clean the house, and cook dinner for their husbands. That was the norm back then, until now in the 20th century. Women are now taking life by the horns and making it their own. Their own life, destiny, and journey. Women all over the world have fought for years and years to have the same opportunity to work just as men do. That’s just it, it’s not that women can’t get the job cause they’re not qualified, but it’s simply because they feel as if women can’t do a man’s job.

Who said certain skills were qualified as a “man’s job”. Who said anything was anyone’s specific job. Man or women, degree or no degree, you should still have the same opportunity as the next.

My Learned Lesson

I started college at the age of 17, a few weeks after I graduated high school. Being away from home so young, 5.5 hours away from home was different, it was cool. My university in Louisville, Sullivan University, was everything I could dream of. All of my instructors were nice, great teachers, and made learning fun. Most of my lab “hands-on” teachers were male and my female teachers mainly taught “in-class”. As I got in the restaurant industry at 19, I had realized that most men at that time had the more hardcore jobs (fry, grill, sautee). All the women had cashier, server, and expo; the easy less labor-intense jobs. As I started learning more positions and my window of opportunity started to open up, it had then hit me. “My male bosses think that I can’t handle the pressure of the kitchen”. They didn’t tell to my face, “no you can’t do it”, but the way they answered me when I confronted them was a tell-tale sign. I knew what I was capable of and so did they. More qualified potential then than those I worked with and I was still turned down. They gave me a few grill shifts here and there on the slower days, but that wasn’t good enough for me. I felt like that was a slap in the face. I wanted to show them I could definitely handle that position, but they limited me because they knew it would be conflict of interest to those that they “promised” positions to. From that point forward I didn’t let any position/person stop me from getting to the top. I took my skills and talent somewhere where I would be valued.

Intro: The Tips

Women working in different fields, is a discussion that can be talked about and debated on for hours and hours at a time. I’m here to discuss women working in the male-dominated “culinary industry”. I’ll also be giving tips to women, for women on how they can prosper in not only just any male-dominated field/industry but in any position given.

Don’t Be Closed Off

You see women are seen as cooks, not restaurant cooks, but stay-at-home moms or even a pastry chef. They put women in this category because they think we’re soft, don’t want to get hurt, can’t take the heat, or simply don’t want to get dirty. Don’t let anyone confine you to something you’re not. You know yourself better than anyone else, and you know what you can handle. You can be a female and still kick a** on the grill, sauté, expo, etc. You are more than just an at-home cook and a pastry chef. Not knocking any of my pastry or at-home cooks but if you know that deep down you can handle the heat and give it 110% don’t be afraid to step up to the plate and stand out.

Learn to Say No

Another stereotype that women get stuck with is that they are supposed to say “Yes” to every command and order given. It’s all seen as too common in any field. The men take care of the harder tasks while the women go and take care of the “assistant” tasks. For example, you are at work and you and your team are about to get ready for a big catering event. The rest of the team breaks off and gets ready but someone stops you and says, “don’t worry about helping with the big event” you can go grab us some refreshments or go set up the table.” You know that you want part of the event but everyone insists you stay behind and do the easy work. Speak up for yourself and say no. If you know you are qualified to work on any project or event don’t let anyone stop you. Don’t let anyone keep you from reaching your full potential. You are just as qualified as the next and you deserve the same opportunity to shine.

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Doubt & Words of Encouragement

Everyone is unique in every way shape and form. You know what’s makes you different and stand out from the rest. Don’t let the fire that fuels you each day be put out by someone who wants to see you down. Continue to strive for greatness because no one is going to want it more than you. Being a female in the kitchen, men try hard every day to make our jobs as women harder but it’s up to you to motivate yourself. Show them that regardless of what comments they make you can take it and still persevere. Your passion shows your dedication, it fuels your fire. Face every situation and obstacle like your life depends on it.

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Conclusion

At the end of the day, whether you’re a female in corporate America or a female in the culinary industry, you are in control of your career path. Don’t let stereotypes or even your own personal thoughts keep you from moving forward. Don’t let being a woman define your skills, abilities, and opportunities. Regardless of gender, you can take on any task put in front of you. Cook with passion like you are the head chef! Work hard like you are the CEO! Stand out and be different like you are the black sheep! Why? Because who said otherwise?!