From photographer to chef

Question

I am 32 years old, and since leaving school I have worked as a photographer. But now I would like a new challenge. I have always had a passion for cooking and have thought about becoming a chef for many years.

I would like to know whether at this age I am too old to switch careers. If not, what is the best way to enter the profession? Would I have to do a course, or would trying to get a part-time kitchen assistant position in a restaurant be a better way of breaking in?

I am hardworking, dedicated, very thick-skinned and being a photographer, have bags of creativity - some of the qualities I think you need to be a top chef.

What the expert says

Lesley Reynolds, managing director, Portfolio International

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The answer to this question is: can you really afford to take a serious drop in your salary? And at 32, you also need to consider the social aspects. Every Saturday night, bank holiday, Christmas and basically any time your friends and family are celebrating, you would be expected to work. If the social aspect is a problem, you could always look at going into the contract catering sector. This will enable you to do a Monday to Friday job. Contract catering has really changed over the years. The quality of food is excellent, and companies offer great training programmes. You will also be working in an environment with people who are much younger than you, and it will be very likely that your boss will be younger than you. If you can accept all these things, you will have made an exciting career choice. There has never been a better time to be a chef, and there are so many options open to you, such as the choice of restaurant and the type of food. I personally would not recommend going to college at your age, but going straight into a kitchen and learning on the job. You can progress quicker, and for any academic points you will need, look to your local college for possible day release. This can be arranged with your employer.