Pros & Cons of Being a Pastry Chef | An Honest Look into the Pastry Chef Career | By Andreja

[@alphalien]

Ok. As an Executive Pastry Chef for the past 28 years, I do agree with a little bit of the cons. Money wise, if dedicated and fast and efficient and creative, then usually pays around 75-100k. You youngsters that studying this field, learn on different ways in diet restrictions. Gluten free, Vegan, Keto, Paleo... this will help you. Learn how to replace eggs with juice from a can of Garbanzo beans or chickpea. Make a tiramisu with aquafaba cream or coconut cream, use approved Keto diet sweetener such as monk fruits or swerve. Dont give up.

[@andreja_elena]

That's great advice. The pastry world is definitely evolving and keeping up with dietary restrictions is a definite advantage!

[@lovelife-tr5vq]

any recommendations on where we can learn this ?

[@cyriltheuret3368]

@@lovelife-tr5vq Serendipidy Catering here in Denver. Always looking for enthusiastic, eager to learn new apprentices.

[@jallowjerry9452]

​@@cyriltheuret3368Help me get a job

[@clearmind3022]

One of the things my mentor first taught me when I started in the culinary industry was that you had to figure out whether you loved it or you hated it. It is truly a labor of love. If you like cooking on the weekends or baking for the holidays or maybe even volunteering at a kitchen at your church or a shelter the culinary industry is probably not for you. It takes up 90% of your time, but if you love it it's not a job it's a passion. If you don't absolutely love it you will eventually end up hating it and becoming miserable and bitter. The culinary industry is the most demanding field. It is more demanding and intense than a doctor or construction worker or first responder in the realization that it is a continuous grind. It can either ground you into dust or sharpen you into a surgical tool of precision and perfection.

[@andreja_elena]

This is spot on! Thanks for sharing!

[@AsIReconstructPod]

after hearing about the cons I feel like the right kind of attitude you have and your drive for this job can dramatically change your experience based off the examples she gave

[@andreja_elena]

That's a great point! I have friends in the industry who really gave themselves to the job and prioritized it over everything else. As long as you have the physical stamina to go along with that, you can go far. If you're more inclined to have work/life balance and have some health issues, it may not be the best choice but you can still find ways to have a career as a Pastry Chef, but perhaps not in the traditional sense.

[@jeneenc7624]

I'm a pastry student still in college... these advices are good

[@andreja_elena]

Thank you for watching! Good luck with your studies 💕

[@curthayashida7985]

I think another pro would be that you are a better judge of what is good/bad food compared to non-chefs.

[@andreja_elena]

Yes absolutely! Being surrounded by good quality food and knowledgeable chefs to learn from is a definite perk!

[@squish6692]

I'm about to start my OJT next week and I'm really excited about it so I'm just here watching all kinds of videos about being a pastry chef. The cons are really understandable but for me it doesn't overshadow the pros it can give. Really great video!

[@andreja_elena]

All the best!!!

[@xaedenmedina3371]

Hi! I’m only in high school, but I’ve already decided I’ll try and be a pastry chef just like you! I’m going to be taking culinary classes next semester. Do you have any tips on what I should do?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Xaeden, that's exciting! My advice would be to bake as much as you can at home as practice. Try a variety of pastry recipes and techniques, that way once you are in school learning about them, you already have an idea of what certain pastries and techniques are. Also, when you are practicing at home, try to keep your workspace tidy and clean as you go, this is just as important of a skill as the baking itself, you want to start training yourself to be organized and 'work clean'. I hope that helps and good luck with your culinary classes!

[@deijahvoo7997]

This may be late but good luck!!

[@officialtrashcan6216]

I was told by my instructors when I went to culinary/pastry school, “you take in what you put out”, meaning take every extracurricular event that your school hosts/caters. Mind you I took classes pre COVID, but I constantly was volunteering for banquets, plate ups, dinners, etc. I, as a first year pastry student, learned a lot of the techniques that were taught in my second year, meaning I got to practice more (which is always great for experience). Definitely learn as much as you can. Good luck 😁

[@anniemannie6]

This is my last year in school. Next year I'll be deciding which college I have to go to or which course I'll do. I like feeding other people like babies and like cooking but now I'm confused because I don't think being pastry chef have a good pay. I hope it's not true

[@kaylia5947]

@@anniemannie6 um so I’m in year 10 (or 9th grande if your American) and it’s my dream to be a pastry chef but if you are trying to do something for a lot of money as like a job, don’t become a pastry chef. Cause it’s a lot of hard work and dedication (like anything is) but if your not in love with food/baking your not going to want it as a full time career. To be in the culinary world you have got to love it as well as not just want a good pay out of it. But also I’m just a random stranger on the interest so do what you want this is just my opinion

[@vanessarogel467]

Im young and I want to de a pastry chef thinking to go to culinary school, I wanted to see if it was a good idea to de a chef or not so thank you for this video.

[@andreja_elena]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@nickolasbelanger6215]

This video was very helpful. I answered a lot of questions for me, but also created more in the process. To tell you the truth, i finished college a little over a year ago. Graduated with a certification in specialization of culinary arts and an Associates of Applied Science in Baking and Pastries. It may have been a year and i know i am still young so i have time to choose where i want to be but i am full of concern (most anwsered in thsi video). One concern is: Is this a career you can make a steady living off of? This has been on my mind for a while now. First off, i love to make and make beautiful pastries (so much more than cooking savory meals) When i was in college, i started out in the culinary arts side.of.the program and was really struggling to find my passion for it. It wasn't till i enrolled in my Intro to baking class that i really found my passion. Fun fact, my last name means 'baker', so baking is in my blood; literally. Honestly, i got so caught up in the passion of making pastries that I never really thought much about the pay for pastry cooks or cooks in general when i was in college but now that is severely on my mind. I know there are a vast qauntity of oppurtunities for individuals in this field, like owning your own catering business or opening a bakery or patisserie or specializing in certain types of desserts. However, providing for myself, and possibly my family, is a big concern for me. I've also done research on this and every where i look, people say they need to work two jobs just to make ends meat. I'm not concerned with long hours too much considering i used to work sixteen hours during one of my first jobs but i am a family person and im not too leen on working two jobs. Another concern is: what are the long-term advantages to this career? Honestly, i want to own my own business. Right now im working full time as a prep cook but i am trying to get a plan started right now. I'm trying to start small with simple things and then steadily grow but not completely sure about how to do it. Honestly, i want to give back to the people who kept pushing me to pursue my passion and have supported me all these years.

[@lilms.deafpastrychef7249]

One thing I learned as a pastry chef and hospitality industry. I have gotten in a car accident a couple months after graduating which made me stop working for a few year n add covid in the mix. It's extremely hard to get back into the industry. Because your resume comes into a screeching hault

[@crishnaholmes7730]

How are you doing now

[@littlechubby9611]

Covid-19 destroyed everything

[@Alex-op5yj]

I'm currently 13 and I dream of being a professional pastry chef. I haven't really experience baking yet but I think it's really fun to bake because when I was younger I always watch baking videos and it's just so satisfying for me, it's really true that being a pastry chef is not boring as I saw in the video. Got a little disappointed though when you said they don't have the best salary cause I thought it'll be high. But who cares as long as I'm enjoying my job I'll have no regrets :) Anyways, thank you for making this video :3

[@andreja_elena]

I wish you all the best with accomplishing your dream!!!

[@crishnaholmes7730]

How are you doing

[@lilianavillanueva925]

I work in the Cheese department at a store(which would not be named) and all my cons are 1000% the same. Now I'm currently about to start my Bakery&Pastry Art program soon so I think ima be good

[@andreja_elena]

I wish you all the best!

[@rebeccalyons8770]

Hi, I was wondering if you could do a video on what a day in the life of a pastry chef is like. From first entering the kitchen to leaving it in the evening. Thanks!

[@andreja_elena]

I am working on this for the next video! Look out for it in the next week or so! I have a 4 month old baby, so i'm struggling with getting a video out each week, but i have a list of requests that i will eventually work my way through :)

[@arrayyanbell]

IM TAKING MY INTERNSHIP AS PASTRY INTERN NEXT MONTH THANKS FOR THE ADVICE :)

[@andreja_elena]

That's awesome! Good luck!

[@_FManasviMahapadi]

You said that you studied in Le Cordon Bleu, Paris. My question is that can you do a part time job while studying in a pastry school? I'd be grateful to you for answering my questions!❤

[@_FManasviMahapadi]

I'm 16 and willing to become a pastry chef even after knowing it's cons! (Thanks to you❤) I wished to know the best courses in this stream.

[@andreja_elena]

Yes, you absolutely can, especially if you are just focusing on pastry. I actually go over this question in my next video. I am sorry it's taking so long to edit! My baby girl is keeping me very busy these days, but I hope to have that video out soon! Stay tuned!

[@musicdefinesyouMDY]

Totally agree with you, best regards from Argentina Buenos Aires

[@andreja_elena]

Thank you! 💕

[@kococolaa]

My teacher give us a activity where we have to take video that is all about our dreams or what do we want at the future,i'm torned between pastry or surgeon.It's very hard to pick one since i really love and enjoy baking and my family really loves my baking too especially my cousins.i tried baking different things and i perfect lots of them on my first time!!,but i'm still confused to what i'm going to take in the future ..thanks this video helps♡︎♡︎

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Rhian, I'm happy to hear that my video helped you. It's so hard to decide between our passions and practicality. My advice is not to put too much pressure on yourself. You can always change your path if things are not going the way you like. I think we have this idea that we can only be one thing in life, but it seems like a very restrictive way of thinking. I personally could not imagine doing one thing my entire life, but that's not to say that if you love what you are doing then you could be happy doing that one thing.

[@yuvikakapoor1364]

Hi ! I'm in high school and I really want to become a pastry chef. Can you please elaborate the process from the beginning ? It would be a great help.

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Yuvika, thanks for your question! You can apply to culinary school after completing high school or pursue higher education and then apply after like I did. That is totally up to you. I intend to start making videos again soon (I have a 6 month old baby and it's been more challenging than I thought to find time to keep making videos at the moment). But I have a list going and I will be doing a video on what it's like to apply to culinary school, a day on the life of a student and my recommendations for preparing yourself before you even start culinary school. Thanks for your patience!

[@yuvikakapoor1364]

Hi Andreja. Thank you for replying it cleared some of my doubts. Ps. Congratulations for your baby!

[@andreja_elena]

@@yuvikakapoor1364 Glad to hear it and thank you! 🥰

[@larrywasserman294]

I wish I knew that in my 20s you were so right I don’t do it anymore 54 now I look back I regret what can I do but I got to work in famous places that was great Ritz Carlton Miami and other famous places wow and for ladies it’s very hard I grew up with two sisters and their friends men sorry to say that they don’t look at women as anything in the kitchen they said between each other but it’s not right l used to hear it but I never said anything I miss it Hotel business thank you so much JP from MIAMI

[@mohamedsalah8752]

I have a lot of experience in this field 6 years & l worked pastry chief at restaurant Paul & I hope work in Canada

[@cyriltheuret3368]

Why Canada Salah?

[@aaliyahle4432]

Hi!! I’m currently 18 I’ve been looking around for what kind of career I wanted to do in my life and Baking always come across my mind but I am unsure of it at the same time. Watching your videos answer most of I wanted to know. But is it possible to pursue Baking career and also have free time to spend holidays and days off with friends and families? I’m at a point where I am unsure of what I really want to do. Any advice for me?

[@zokool629]

Follow your dreams🎉🎉🎉

[@Blank_blank_bucket]

Hi im a freshman in high-school I it been my dream to be a pastry chef since a kid this some helpful edvice hopefully I get to accomplish my dream thank you!!

[@andreja_elena]

All the best to you!

[@justincase2992]

Hi! I’m thinking about becoming a pastry chef. Where did you work before? Was it a high class restaurant? Or like a home bakery? Because I want to own my own bakery one day and I know I’ll have to save up until then. I don’t really want to give up all of my holidays for a restaurant

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Justin, thanks for your question! I worked at a restaurant that was high-end that was reopened with new branding as more of an approachable/family style place. Unfortunately the rebranding wasn't very successful. Then I worked at a much smaller restaurant that was considered more of a 'boutique' restaurant in a fancy part of downtown Toronto. I also worked in a high-end pastry boutique and a catering and event company where they had some large corporate clients. Unfortunately giving up holidays is generally something that comes with the career of a pastry chef who is working in restaurants (any level) and bakeries. If that is something that you are not willing to do, I would suggest considering working for a dessert catering company where you have day time hours and generally have weekends off, as well as the holidays off. Just keep in mind that you may have to work longer days leading up to certain busy holidays like Christmas. I hope this helps you! Feel free to ask more questions!

[@yoimiyasbsf4030]

hi! i was wondering if you could tell me more about the different career paths you can take as a pastry chef? i'm interested in becoming a pastry chef in the future !

[@andreja_elena]

Hi! So many who become a Pastry Chef will either work in a restaurant, hotel or for a catering company. Some will start their own businesses which could be in catering or specialty cakes/pastries. If you like teaching, there are different types of teaching positions like in a private shop hosting workshops or for a culinary school (but more experience would be required for this type of position). You could also start a food blog or something in the social media realm. There are jobs like recipe developers or product developers for food brands as well. I hope this gives you an idea of what is possible. It really depends on what you put into the entire experience and what type of career you are looking for!

[@FrancesTheFreeOne]

Is there any special tools you recommend for making French pastries at home?

[@andreja_elena]

There are some specific things you need depending on which recipe you want to make. For example, the traditional gateau st. honore cake is made using a 'st. honore' piping tip for the whipped cream on top (technically you don't need this tip but if you want to achieve the traditional look, then you need it). If you want to make madeleines, then you need a madeleine tray. So it really depends recipe to recipe. Hope that helps!

[@e329]

Hii! I was wondering, what kind of career options are there once you get your pastry and baking degree besides working in a kitchen at the restaurant?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Kiana, thank you for your question! I'm filming another video that will address this question, look out for it soon!

[@mvlvk_elk8546]

hi , im 14 and i love baking and doing pastry stuuff im a beginner and i want to ask u what steps and advice would give me to progress in this area❤🥰

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Malak, I have videos planned to go through the process. I hope to go back to filming in the next month or 2 (i am currently taking care of my 6 month old baby). But just to give you a quick answer here, while you have the time since you are young, practice practice practice!!! Experiment and try new recipes. Watch baking competitions, read books, the more you know the better!

[@mvlvk_elk8546]

@@andreja_elena awww thank you so much i will 💕💕💕

[@sandrabraga7269]

Love this! Thank you :)

[@andreja_elena]

Thank you for watching!

[@MyScalpingStrategy]

Well Explained....Many chefs are going through the same phase....Feeling a Hell life!!

[@andreja_elena]

Thank you! Yes it's not as glamorous as people think!

[@kaikim767]

Thank you for this video! I have a passion for baking but have never been in the industry. My dream is start a food blog and critique cupcakes and perhaps start a baking business lol in your professional opinion, would going to school beneficial to reach these goals? Or could I learn what I need to for free online?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Kai, thanks for you question! I am going to address this in my next video, look out for it!

[@jennamichie7245]

What job within the culinary industry could I take if I don’t want a competitive stressful job but I love baking? Is there no other option

[@vivekbhatara8283]

An Excellent and very well presented video.. Andreja.. Keep it up.. 👍👍

[@andreja_elena]

Thank you so much for the kind words!!!

[@shakedbiton]

Hi, thank you very much for sharing your experiences and information it really does helps a lot:) I really want to go to London and study at Le Cordon Bleu, and it means that I would have to live alone in a different country and all that. So can you please share your experience from France when you were studying there, and how you were able to work or rent an apartment or just your experiences from there. if it’s okay of course:) Thank you!

[@andreja_elena]

Hi! Thank you for watching and glad that i could help! So I worked for 7 months or so to save money for rent and living expenses while I would be in France. I was fortunate to have my parents help me with my tuition. I found a room for rent in a family's apartment in Paris. I intentionally wanted to live in a home with people because prior to that I lived on my own in Strasbourg and knew that it would be much easier to figure things out in a new city with the help of people around me (not to mention it can be quite lonely living on your own in a different country!). It is also cheaper to rent out a room in someone's home versus your own apartment, so it's something to consider! Alternatively you can find a roommate. But this seems a little more tricky since you have to start school first to meet people and see who you would want to be roommates with. So it's not something you can really plan out beforehand. I did not work while I was in school, but looking back it would have been possible. A lot of students work for Le Cordon Bleu as assistants to the Chef during the demonstrations which seems like a great experience and a way to earn some money. After my 2 month internship was over, the way it works is that if you decide to stay for another 4 months (to complete a 6 month internship), the company must pay you. So I was paid for all of my 6 months of work which allowed me to extend my stay. I hope that answers your questions, let me know if you have any more!

[@shakedbiton]

By Andreja Thanks! :)

[@kkeungi5955]

I was working in the industry until I got injured, now I'm recovering from surgery and worried about my job prospects for the future. I don't think I can physically tolerate it anymore.

[@juiceybox7598]

Is it hard to get a job? Is there a lot of people willing to hire? For example disney or Hershey would they hire someone who just came out of college

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Naomi, I can only speak from my experience and I have never worked for large companies like the ones you mentioned. But generally speaking there are entry level positions that you could begin after college with no experience, or there are internships or apprenticeships that are either paid (little) or unpaid, but this experience will then get you into an entry level job. It is rare to get a high position with little experience but it does happen depending on say where you went to school and the caliber of experience you have, even if it isn't a lot. The best way to know for sure whether the company you wish to work for would hire is to contact their HR department and see what the options are and if there is room for growth in the company. I would say there is less demand for Pastry Chefs compared to Cooks but it all depends which country you live in. In France there are a lot more bakeries and pastry shops so there are more Pastry Chefs compared to other countries. I hope this is helpful!

[@juiceybox7598]

@@andreja_elena this was very helpful thank you so much

[@tmc1373]

Would you be able to start your own business right after pastry school (to avoid some of those cons)?

[@brianaaaaaa]

most likely yeah (just my opinion, not a professional. currently in college to become a pastry chef) but if you have the money, time, a good space/area to open up a bakery then i say yeah. that’s kinda what i want to do, i don’t really want to work for anyone i rather just open up my own bakery.

[@tmc1373]

@@brianaaaaaa Yeah, exactly!! I hope you succeed in your goals and open up your own bakery.

[@brianaaaaaa]

@@tmc1373 thank you 🙏🏽 you as well!

[@simransekhri370]

Hello! I am a self taught baker from India, and I am learning on the way with my own microbakery. I do envision my business to expand to a brick and mortar small bakery establishment once I have sufficient savings, due to some of the cons you explained. I would like to have some time off, but also be involved with the food, just not actively working 12-14 hrs. As per your experience, do pastry chefs turned entrepreneurs share some of the cons you explained?

[@andreja_elena]

I think you can definitely achieve more balance once you have a trained staff working for you! It's not easy getting to that stage but it can be done for sure. At that point you will be living the life of an entrepreneur and then it will be less of what comes with the role of a Pastry Chef.

[@valesnts]

I totally feel you! But I'm not yet an entrepreneur. However the pressure to make a business and yet not working 12-14 hours is crazy

[@ziggyflame6988]

Hey Andreja, I’ve been working for a bakery at a grocery store and I’ve gotten experience on everything except cake decorating, but I do know how to write on cakes though but that’s it when it comes to cakes. I’m considering going to school to be a pastry chef to get more knowledge and training on how to bake things from scratch and as well as for cake decorating. Do you thing whatever experience I’ve gotten from work will help me for when I go to school?

[@andreja_elena]

Yes absolutely! Any experience working in a kitchen or in this case grocery store will help you. Experience in terms of skills is just one part of the puzzle. Knowing how to work efficiently with deadlines is a huge part of a pastry chef's job too! Good luck in pastry school!

[@anuroopasahoo8025]

Thank you so much for making this video 😄

[@andreja_elena]

You're very welcome! More videos to come for pastry chef career advice in the next couple of months - I am currently taking care of my 6 month old baby, but I hope to be back to filming soon.

[@biitukk]

I was wondering if it’s okay to pursue a pastry career with no experience in baking. Don’t they teach you how to when you go to culinary school?

[@andreja_elena]

Yes absolutely! You do not need any experience before going to culinary school. Most schools teach from the basics and assume you are learning everything for the very first time right from the beginning. However, my advice would be that if you are planning to attend culinary school, start experimenting at home and try as many recipes as you can to begin getting comfortable in the kitchen. This way it won't be a total surprise when you make something for the first time in culinary school.

[@biitukk]

@@andreja_elena ALRIGHT TYYSM!!☺️

[@reward2745]

this video was really helpful. I'm in junior high and i want to be both a pastry chef (for my passion) and a dentist (to pursue my family's history of being in the medical field). do you think its possible to achieve both goals?

[@andreja_elena]

I do think it's possible! I think too many people fall into the trap that you can only be one thing in this life. Life is too short! I've had a few careers for being a young age and I wouldn't have it any other way. That being said, I've never been one to imagine myself in just one career (I have too many interests!), so if you feel the same way, then go for it!

[@reward2745]

@@andreja_elena thank you for the responce!

[@scoutbickford2636]

Hi! Similar position here--throughout my whole life, I've wanted to be an animator, I've been baking and loving it, and relatively recently, I've picked up a simar interest in biology. Another pastry chef gave me the advice that science and pastry can go together--I might work in an experimental kitchen trying to find a recipe for something like gluten-free bread, and you might find a candy that doesn't damage teeth, and so on!

[@waddy9528]

Thank you for making this video. I’ve learned a lot. I’m considering whether should I choose this as my career.

[@andreja_elena]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@mitalibisht5588]

Hey andreja! I want to be a pastry chef. I have a confusion that i should attend the classes here in india or in abroad?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Mitali! I think you should first ask yourself where you see yourself in the years after finishing school. If you are looking to open up a shop in India, would you rather make traditional sweets or offer something new that you learned to make in another country. Personally, I made the decision to learn abroad in France because I really wanted to learn about French Pastry, that's something that I couldn't really do here in Canada. Then going back to Canada with a foreign diploma with skills that you may not be able to learn in Canada, it was a huge advantage in the job market. So it really depends on the experience you want to have and what you want to do with that experience afterwards. I hope this helps with your decision!

[@mitalibisht5588]

@@andreja_elena thanks andreja for your help! It cleared my mind❤

[@kgb0306]

i was just curious , what type of hours did you work? as in for your shifts, did you work 1pm-10pm? and did you ever get weekends/ nights off?

[@andreja_elena]

Thanks for your question! I'm going to be making another video addressing this question soon, so just turn on the notification for my channel so you know when it comes out :)

[@luciastaylor4940]

about how much did you make an hour when you started, and what was the most you made per hour (for budgeting purposes)

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Lucias, I am currently working on a Q&A pastry career video so I will address your question there. Look out for my next video!

[@mohamedsaud8126]

I'm 23 and I'm a travel agent. And I want to pursue a career as pastry chef. Is it too late..? If not where do i start and suggest me courses or even a degree.

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Mohamed, i'm going to answer your question in my next video which will be out in the next couple days!

[@cyriltheuret3368]

Tranquille. Si tu travaille dure. Pas de problème.

[@nataliesmith267]

Not at all man! You're never honestly to old to try something new especially if you're passionate about it! Even if you're in your forties or fifties you can learn new skills! Good luck out there bro!

[@CTRexistential]

Hey, so im still relatively young, but what are the qualifications to get into a culinary school or a pastry program?

[@andreja_elena]

I answered that question in this video! 👍🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2PFl3d5qrCrobM

[@mariareginarosaria8927]

Thank you so much! I enjoyed the video! The last Pro was my favorite!

[@andreja_elena]

Thank you ❤️

[@merylmontgomery9932]

I wish I could go to school in Paris, but I could never afford it. 😭 As for free time or stress I feel like it might depend on what place/setting you're working in.

[@cyriltheuret3368]

I never went to a school in Paris and I’m French. Many other CFA( Centre de Formation d’Apprentissage) can train you as long as you have a Patron. The Patron of the establishment gets money from the French government for training apprentices.

[@jodecruz593]

I'm contemplating about being an accountant or be a pastry chef. Being a chef is my childhood dream back on middle school. But being an accountant is my highschool dream. I'm on the last year of highschool and I'm about to enter senior high school. I still don't know what to choose though. Or should I just be an accountant first then be a pastry chef and build my own café later on?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Jode, My advice would be just that - become an accountant, give yourself a time frame that you would be comfortable working as an accountant to save up money. When you're ready create a business plan for your cafe and figure out how you will achieve that (getting trained as a pastry chef etc). You can go to school for just a year to become a Pastry Chef, but if you wanted to later in life become an accountant, it would take a lot more time and effort. Better to do that first while you have momentum still being in school. Hope that helps!

[@bushrasoudagar9185]

Wanted some advice from you’ll .. I’m a lupus patient.. and from my childhood it was my dream to become a pastry chef .. I knew it would be a lot of physical stress but didn’t know it would be that long .. after this video I’m rethinking everything 😕.. I need some advice

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Bushra! Before getting into the industry I also knew it would be hard work but I didn't understand just how physically demanding it would be! That being said, I found working in a restaurant to be the most demanding of all. My advice would be to aim for a position at a dessert catering company. In my experience the hours were much better (more time to recover and have a life). This does depend on the business though. Some places have small staffs and really overwork their employees, others are much more reasonable. My advice would be that if this is your lifelong dream, then you have to give it a shot. If it doesn't work out in the end, at least you can say you tried it and you won't live wondering "what if". But you have to prepare yourself with that possibility that it may not be your "forever career". There is also a possibility that you may not enjoy it as much as you thought you would, or that you want to instead get a job in the pastry industry but not as a pastry chef. May I ask how old you are?

[@bushrasoudagar9185]

@@andreja_elena I will ! I will surely follow your advice ..I’m 16 .. thank you so much for your advice! Really means a lot ! ❤️

[@chriskench1883]

Starting a new job as a pastry chef looking forward to it but my anxiety making me doubt if I be good/quick enough to do it

[@andreja_elena]

I can totally relate. I always had a lot of anxiety especially when beginning a new job. Trust your skills, take deep breaths and try to stay calm! All the best to you!

[@ykar88]

Thank you so much for your video. It is very helpful . I just wonder that if you would recommend pastry chef route to someone who is 32 :) I moved to another country 2 years ago. But I can not work as a dentist here without having couple of years of preparation for registration exams. And surely it is going to be quite a stressful period both mentalwise and moneywise. To be honest my previous profession was not my dream job. I always enjoyed baking, it is like my stress ball :) I already have some muscle problems since dentistry was quite similar to pastry chef profession regarding to repetitive actions, bad posture etc. I just ask myself if it would be a wise decision to go for pastry route at this age.

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Yesim! Thank you so much for watching and your positive feedback. That is a difficult predicament. It sounds like Dentistry is not your passion, so with regards to that I would definitely say that changing professions would be wise - you only get one life, might as well do something you enjoy or at least try to find that thing you enjoy that could become your career. It really depends on the person because my experiences were unique to me and my lifestyle. I don't think your age should matter too much in this case, but more so your lifestyle or the lifestyle you aspire to have. If you don't think the physical demands will too much of a problem for you and you are passionate about pastry, then it could be the right move. Compared to dentistry the financial rewards will be considerably less, but if you value enjoying how you spend your time more than that won't matter. Prior to becoming a pastry chef I also used baking for stress relief and I still do today. There were great days at work when I would feel that same way that I would in my kitchen at home where it was therapeutic to bake, but in my experience, there were more days where I felt stress and pressure from the role. I'm not sure how helpful my response will be to you, but please let me know if you have any more questions!

[@sofiamejiacortez3666]

Omg Im deciding to to do baking and pastry chef managment but after these cons I’m not sure 😭😭😭😭 omg

[@AngelPerez-nh3du]

Hi I am planning to study in baking and make it as my profession. Do you think having scoliosis will become a hindrance towards my dream? Hoping for you thoughts regards to this.

[@thuylinhtran1876]

If I am not wrong that I had learned in Le Cordon Bleu. Can you make a video sharing about that? Thank you so much. I love your video. It help me a lot!

[@andreja_elena]

Hi! Yes I am actually working on editing a video all about my experience at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris :) stay tuned!

[@nazanbayrak7197]

hi thanks for video. im doing pastry course in London . so i really like to do a cake, dessert pastry and i want to be a pastry chef. but my age is 58 . Do you think am i late to became a pastry chef. and also which one of the best pastry course in london please 🌸🌸🌸

[@elijahstark3663]

I already know what school I'm going to but what made you pick the specific pastry school you went to

[@andreja_elena]

The fact that it was based in Paris was a huge part of that, but also the history and reputation of the school

[@larrywasserman294]

Second comment I didn’t watch the whole video but it was funny what you mentioned what I was talking about yes it doesn’t pay some places and if you’re lucky yes I was one of the lucky ones I know it’s true and I’ve met some people that quit and went back to school that’s what I should’ve done but I had a good time it’s kind of fun Hardwork but fun but yes it is hard thank you again so much JP from Miami

[@andreja_elena]

Thanks for sharing! I agree.. hard work, but fun. I have some great memories!

[@roniiebams7965]

Hey I'll also love to be a pastry chef but I'm not sure if a pastry chef can make certain dishes I like.... please I'm asking if a pastry chef can make other foods apart from flour foods?

[@andreja_elena]

Do you mean gluten free items that do not contain flour?

[@roniiebams7965]

@@andreja_elena yes exactly.... gluten free foods like meats,rice,eggs and all..... thank you for replying 🌹

[@andreja_elena]

@@roniiebams7965 Pastry chefs focus just on pastries, confections, desserts, chocolate, bread and sugar work. If you want to learn savory cooking then you would become a Chef. At some culinary schools you can specialize in one or the other, or you can study both at the same time.

[@roniiebams7965]

@@andreja_elena I can study pastry chef and savory cooking at the same time?

[@andreja_elena]

At the culinary school I attended, you could do either a Pastry Diploma, a Savoury Cooking Diploma or do a combined diploma where you learn both! But I'm not sure if all culinary schools have this option. (Very sorry for the late reply btw!!!)

[@annaliseh3838]

For people who have been let’s say planning on this career path, would you per say recommend this for them? Just from your experience.

[@andreja_elena]

If you have always dreamed to have a career as a Pastry Chef then you should follow your dream! There are pros and cons to every career, but if the pros outweigh the cons then it will be worth it. My hopes in making this video is to share the pros and cons that I didn't really know of before heading down this path. I do recommend gaining some experience in the industry to see what it's like beforehand such as working in a bakery, restaurant or pastry boutique etc. Even if it is as a cashier or server, you will learn so much and get a better feel for it. Personally, I am very passionate about the profession - I love making pastry - which is why I followed my dream and don't regret doing so. In my case, my priorities in life and lifestyle changed and being a Pastry Chef (in the traditional sense) no longer suited my life.

[@martinastankovik924]

Hii🙂I am food technologist, but lately i am thinking about taking online course or something for making pastry. I am from non-EU country so i can't just go somewhere and take classes. Do you have advise or suggestion for this situation?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Martina! I'm not sure i fully understand your question..are you currently living in Europe? Feel free to follow me on Instagram and send me a DM (@by.andreja) . We can chat there if that helps!

[@oliwczaxx5959]

Thank you for the video! Would you mind telling us where did you take your internship in France? ❣️

[@andreja_elena]

You're welcome! I interned at Nicolas Bernardé in a small town just outside of Paris.

[@ricabroncano6133]

Thank you for this video❤️,I really love it,I want to be a pastry chef just like you ,I'm going to take a culinary classes next year ,but I'm too afraid to pursue it Can I ask or do you have any tips for me to pursue my dream?

[@blackcat9547]

I'm a future pastry student but I never cooked pastry before can I still consider studying? I want to learn to cook pastry

[@andreja_elena]

Yes absolutely..most culinary schools start right from the basics and assume you have zero experience 👍

[@kreativekudi8547]

.this is just my case..i am 14 about to be 15 next month years old and for the last 12 years i was going for fashion designing..thata was because i used to draw dresses with my friend since childhood..after researching abt fashion coleges i realised that my interest in that stream was not there anymore...i loved baking and cooking..and when i told my parents theytold me thee same thing..thatu wanted too doo something else for so long and now ur mind has changed...they are telling wait some time to clear ur mind and determining what i wanna do/.... plus culinary schools in india are not very advanced ..and the culinary schools outisde india are hella expensive especially for us...so it is very confusing and a lot of researching is requirred....can u please explain all about culinary schools

[@elymoshi3969]

Very helpful video 😭 ... im going to college soon and kinda wanted to pursue being a pastry chef but the thing is im like not that experince with cooking... like i only baked a little in school and it was all group activty ... do you think i can make it work??? I'm like a super beginner to the cooking world ... you have any tips?

[@andreja_elena]

The good thing to know is that you don't need any prior experience before going to culinary school - they teach everyone as if you are all starting from the beginning with no experience! I speak a little bit about this in my next video coming out next week, but I will be making one giving tips for those prior to going to culinary school to help you prepare :)

[@elymoshi3969]

Can i ask how much your salary is when you are just starting as a pastry chef to now?

[@andreja_elena]

When i started out, i wasn't making much more than minimum wage and after a couple years I was making $20/hr (this is back in 2015/2016 for reference), the most i made was teaching which was around $35/hr.

[@wrishabhganguly]

Hi, I'm from India and 26.. Also a Hotel Management graduate.. i used to work as a pastry cook and always knew it was my calling.. just before that start of 2020 i gave up that job for a better paying WFH job. Now I feel I'm very unhappy and wanna start my career again I'd have to start all over because of some more reasons. I got an offer but The pay is not gonna be good and obviously everything being a chef means.. I feel rusty and fear if I'm really for that life. I don't know if should start all over or just stick to a better paying job. I obviously need money.. Can you help me ? What should I do ?

[@nguyentuanloc1657]

do what you want and make money, Pastry is not only one. First of all, Hello, How are you now?

[@ijasahmd]

Hi, can you tell the scops and opportunities in this field?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Ijas, I will be making another video soon discussing this! Are you intererested in becoming a Pastry Chef?

[@ijasahmd]

@@andreja_elena Yes, i'm really interested to become a pastry chef, i always Wanted to be a chef, but my family wouldn't allow it, i'm completed my commerce graduation, but i'm not interested in accounts, so i'm trying..., i hope i will be, is it possible to take after pastry courses for me, and i'm moving to spain so any possibilities there?

[@andreja_elena]

I also completed my degree in Commerce but it wasn't for me, that's when I decided to pursue a career as a Pastry Chef. Unfortunately I am not familiar with the schools in Spain and what they have to offer, however I'm sure you can find out through some research.

[@ijasahmd]

@@andreja_elena Thank you so much for the reply, so we have the same taste. 😄

[@salonishah6636]

Hey I am very much interested in baking and becoming a pastry chef but I am not sure if I'll be great at it or understand the science behind it. Could you tell from your experience if science behind it was something you found difficult and how long were you a student?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Saloni, I studied for 8 months at culinary school and then completed a 6 month internship. To be honest, we did not learn too much about the science behind baking so I wouldn't worry about that! There are some basic interactions of ingredients that create certain results. The Chefs would explain this as they went through the recipe but it was never very complicated or difficult to understand.

[@salonishah6636]

@@andreja_elena thankyou :-) Also sorry to bother but could you tell me if I should go for a degree or diploma course and any good colleges in your eyes.

[@philippedesvaux4963]

I have added your clip to my website also

[@andreja_elena]

Thank you! What is your website? I saw your long comment, but for some reason it doesn't appear below the video. Thanks for your insight!

[@Ayush_chawlalala]

Hey , how many days off in a week you used to have ?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi! I had Sunday's off when I was an intern. Then when working in restaurants I had Sunday and Monday off, and when catering Saturday and Sunday's off. But there were times around the holidays or big projects where I worked straight for about 10 days before having a day off. Or I would come in to work on a Saturday or Sunday and have a random day off during the week.

[@Ayush_chawlalala]

@@andreja_elena great information, thanks for the reply.

[@andreja_elena]

@@Ayush_chawlalala No problem!

[@Annie-jr1rd]

I'm 4'11 how hunched over am I gonna be?

[@AnnaLizaSONCOG]

I wanna ask how many years/months did you go to Le Cordon Bleu? I am leaning on becoming a Pastry Chef as well, I admire baking very much.

[@andreja_elena]

I was in school for 8 months and then completed a 6 month internship. Typically you do a 2 month internship but depending on the bakery, you can extend it to do a maximum of 6 months.

[@eltonjoy4267]

She's just like a pastry 😋

[@rabiabinteabdullah]

Thank you and hi, I am you're new sub!

[@andreja_elena]

You're very welcome! Thank you :) Welcome!

[@ivaniasugih353]

I'm very confused which major should i choose in university that i want to get in there are Chinese Culinary, Western Culinary, or Baking and technology. I like cooking and bakinh at the same time. But lately i've been into baking more. Can u give me some advice which one the best for future path? Do a chef learn about pastry and baking or they just into culinary world?

[@andreja_elena]

It really depends on what you see yourself doing in the future and in what part of the world. I know it's a hard decision because not everyone can predict what they will or want to be doing in 5 years time. You definitely learn about pastry and baking if you work in an environment that gives you exposure to it. But I would say leaning it in school is important if you want to really specialize in baking. I baked a lot and learned a lot on my own prior to going to culinary school but I learned so much more and refined my skills at school and during my internship. I hope this helps you make a decision in your situation!

[@ivaniasugih353]

@@andreja_elena thank you for the reply😊

[@erickespinosa2884]

How much do you get paid?

[@elpibekakucho]

Hi Andreja 👋 Just wanted to ask how long did you study in Culinary School for ? and Was the internship set up by the school or was it a personal decision?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi! I studied for 8 months and completed a 6 month internship. The internship was arranged by LCB, it was for 2 months, I was able to stay on for an additional 4 months, but that may not be the case in every situation. Now you are able to chose the diploma with an internship pathway right when you register. Hope this helps!

[@brady8814]

What preferred culinary school would you prefer??

[@andreja_elena]

I talk about my experience going to Le Cordon Bleu Paris in my next video, coming out next week! Hope this will give some insight!

[@brady8814]

@@andreja_elena thank you!!

[@dayanaruiz6680]

Hi, do you recommend this career for someone that is deaf and have limited right hand movement?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Dayana, I think that it would be possible, although challenging. It would really depend on finding a workplace that could provide appropriate accommodations/modifications in terms of having staff trained to know sign language, etc. if you are looking to work in a restaurant/bakery. This may not apply if you started your own cake or pastry business. I ended up leaving my job as a Pastry Chef because I developed severe joint pain in my wrists, thumbs and fingers from repetitive strain and I previously had no issues with this so that is something to consider as well. I hope this helps answer your question!

[@euniceleonardo3082]

I'm just 14yrs but I'm watching this lol.. I want to choose pastry because i think i will enjoy it cause i love baking.. But when I watch this video I'm hesitant to become pastry chef.. But I still go for it.. When I finish studying this can I just open a business because I think I can't work in a restaurant cause I'm afraid of making mistake🤪can I? And what course do i need to get to be a pastry chef?? Do I get a hogh salary (being practical)?? Oh, is the tuition fee is expensive?? I REALLY WANT TO KNOW THE ANSWER.. 🙏🙏 (sorry if my grammar is wrong)

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Eunice, I would recommend watching my Pastry Chef Q and A video - I address some of the things you mentioned! The tuition can be high if you go to a well known school such as Le Cordon Bleu. You don't need any special courses to apply to culinary school. They teach everyone as if you don't have any prior baking experience. If you are hardworking and have good business sense, then you could earn a higher salary, but in general, Pastry Chefs do not earn a high salary. Good luck to you!

[@rahilshaikh6995]

It's possible after 12th for this course...and what is age limit

[@andreja_elena]

Hey I'm not sure I understand your question! Can you clarify?

[@rahilshaikh6995]

I mean colficastion and maximum age limit this programme

[@benm776]

Is there a pastry chef job in canada or all in one (chef De cuisine ) Is there a high demand for this job in your country (i am entry level pastry chef ) Will pastry chef job be automated in the future ?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Ben, I would say there is demand for Pastry Chef's in Canada, although it may be slightly reduced due to the pandemic at the moment. I think there is a definite possibility that certain types of tasks may become automated in the future, however I am a little skeptical that it would be 100% automated since there are many variables in baking and pastry making that in my opinion require a person to be able to oversee, however I could be wrong! I do also see elements of the job as an art form so I also believe that the job of a Pastry Chef will still exist. For example, there are mass produced baked goods (sold in grocery stores), but there are still Pastry Chefs in restaurants creating unique desserts - so I think they can co-exist as they already do in a way.

[@prathameshaitode7004]

Thank u so much😊

[@andreja_elena]

You're welcome!

[@emilypalmer5317]

Hi Andreja, hopefully you can reply. How do I work my way up in the pastry chef business?

[@andreja_elena]

Hi Nat. Like most industries, it takes time. Lots of experience and also networking. I personally also found that having a great culinary education can open many doors.

[@teletta9610]

cons = 10 minutes - pros = 4 minutes damn, I think I may have to think more about this.

[@andreja_elena]

I think there's maybe always more to talk about when something is negative versus saying "this is great because of this.. end of story", so don't let the time sway you. But that being said, this was my experience and in the end I did move away from the profession because the negatives started to outweigh the positives for me personally. It may not be the case for everyone! But i hope this helps people make an informed decision :)

[@teletta9610]

@@andreja_elena In my case, I would work as a pastry chef in Italy, so yes, things would probably be much different. Thanks for answering :D

[@tigerguitar6076]

I see Pretty Lady.You have to face a lot of circumstances to make people happy with delicious and beautiful things

[@Shivacreatives]

Bakery & pastery chef it is a good feature in ladies madam?

[@andreja_elena]

I'm not sure I understand your question! Can you rephrase it?

[@madeshwarmadesh1450]

For pastry chef which posting is gud in the restaurant and is gud good career for boys???????

[@andreja_elena]

I don't think I could say that this profession is good for only women or only men... it's great for those that are very passionate about pastry, but even more importantly, are very disciplined and committed to their work.

[@lightboxstudioevents4811]

I'm a pastry chef, i want to work in canada 🇨🇦

[@mitchellmiller3176]

Unless something is said toward you or about you then there's no need to feel targeted by any joke anybody says. Simple as that

[@patrickbush9526]

I just came here to dream and eat

[@nishthajain3353]

Hey, I must appreciate your efforts, the video was very informative. But I wanna ask you do you know any eggless university which provides diploma courses. I'm a vegetarian person but really wanna learn the professional skills of baking and confectionery. I would admire it if you will help me or suggest something.

[@andreja_elena]

Thank you for watching! I am not aware of any fully vegan/vegetarian culinary schools although they may exist! I have been vegan for a few years now and if I was considering going to culinary school now, that would also be a concern for me. I would suggest searching online. I do know that most schools offer courses to learn vegan cooking/baking. Good luck!

[@adrianadi2779]

is 40 years old to old to start as a pastry chef?

[@tanmayiarora5525]

Hello, I wanted to know about the opportunities and demand for pastry chef in Canada. Please help me with the same.

[@andreja_elena]

Hey Tanmayi, there is a demand for Pastry Chefs in Canada, however it may be slightly lower now due to the pandemic

[@mayaracarvalho4861]

agreed 100%

[@lauracanino1424]

Hallo! May I know what do you do now? Since you are not a pastry chef any more.

[@Shivacreatives]

Excellent video madam

[@andreja_elena]

Thank you so much!