Chefs Speak Out on Mental Health in the Restaurant Industry | WSJ

Chefs and restaurateurs talk about the harsh work culture and stigma of mental illness in their industry. Photo Illustration/Video: Natalia V. Osipova/The Wall Street Journal
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[@SummaGirl1347]

"Behaviors that are acceptable in the restaurant industry are not acceptable anywhere else." That pretty much sums it up.

[@iLLMagnifi]

I’ve worked until my feet bleed. Walked next door to cvs got bandages, wrapped them up and kept working. This was 6 years ago. I’m still feeling the effects of it today. The restaurant industry is modern day slavery. I pray for those that are unhappy. Please talk to someone. No cooperation is worth your health and life.

[@nativegerry335]

It's a good job with no support ( unions , HR, living wage , benefits etc)

[@nativegerry335]

Therefore it's a lost cause

[@BatGirl206]

Its so sad!!

[@DD-gl6jv]

I would never

[@PewPewFig]

Wanted to be a chef my whole life. It was my dream, and then I realized how the industry works. Wish it could be different

[@TheDiamondsions]

You can still be a chef, just have to find the right place. If it’s your dream you just have to work on the mental challenges that would slow you down in a kitchen and find yourself a nice environment to work.

[@Melly16yr10]

Exact same boat

[@Bingbong19757]

Honestly a lot of people have their own little business where they get full control and make good money

[@Bingbong19757]

You should look up the company “Brit brat crabs” she’s made millions, cooked for celebrities, and still does everything on her own time when she wants and how she wants. She just started in her own kitchen. If you can think of the perfect game plan you can have your dream of being a chef while still being in charge of your dream. She basically has like a luxury food truck but also does banquets

[@nativegerry335]

Try spending 8+ years in the kitchen then tell us your decision after what you have experienced

[@petenasty3]

Such a breath of fresh air to hear chefs being vulnerable, putting there ego aside and talking about this stuff. Wish I had these kind of people in my kitchen 😢

[@thecatwaveshello1748]

we also need to talk about how terribly bussers, servers and bartenders are treated. i used to bus/serve/bartend and over 6 years after leaving that world, i still have PTSD symptoms i deal with daily. my new job industry everyone is so kind, it still shocks me how supportive and kind everyone is.

[@FilmSureelist97]

I know how you feel. I am trying to get out of the restaurant industry after being in it for 8 years.. it’s hard to get out of..

[@thechesiregrin82]

Woah...I've been in the industry for nearly 20 years now. I sincerely found this video from the search result "how to get out of the restaurant industry".This video just hit me like a ton of bricks, thank you for this.

[@brightstarlit]

Same here, hopefully you got out or are doing something you love now. I myself don’t think I can take it much longer, it’s going to kill me.

[@FilmSureelist97]

I’m trying to get out of the restaurant industry. It is so toxic and not worth it.

[@SC-dl9ph]

I worked in a restaurant briefly, and because I had social anxiety, my coworkers harassed me and told me that I should commit suicide... I walked off the job, and never returned!

[@caileeolsson9997]

Artisan Media I appreciate your compassion. But don’t you think that approach would only contribute to this seemingly endless cycle that is so normalized?

[@thebspolice792]

@@caileeolsson9997 how would that contribute?

[@fearless_stellar2944]

It's really good u did that

[@fearless_stellar2944]

We're supposed to work at a job that we really want to

[@SwissMarksman]

@@caileeolsson9997 Wait, what ??

[@OfficerExpat]

I know I’m coming here a few years late, but I needed this video. The industry has in many ways ruined my life. At 21 years old, I choose to become a waiter over continuing my education. I’m now 34, and I’m more alone than I’ve ever been. I abandoned incredible friends for this line of work. I chose nights, weekends, and holidays over my very own family. I’ve missed birthdays, weddings, dance recitals, family vacations, and I can say this with 100% honesty... I feel I’m at a point in my life where the anxiety and depression caused in part by this line of work will never ever be fixable, even if I leave the industry permanently. I chose long nights with bad people over amazing friends from high school and college. I feel undateable because of what this line of work has done to my self worth. I pray daily for Jesus to keep me company, as I’m very alone and it’s been this way for a long time. I pray that anyone struggling in the restaurant industry, sees this and reaches out... I get the pain you’re going through.

[@tako9831]

I feel very sorry to hear that! I hope things gonna get better anytime soon. I myself am 21 now, considering to start my career there. I feel so inspired by the idea of being mostly on my own as I tend to be independently alone, in my own shell. However, to be frank, the idea that through this choice I'll have my family and close friends lost makes me already anxious.

[@csfreak50]

i'm with you brother, i'm with you

[@frankmundo4300]

The system works against you man I hope you can smell the roses metaphorically

[@randomcommenterphd893]

I really hope life turns around for you. When you see an opportunity, give yourself permission to start things anew. Fight just a little bit longer, but this time for something much more meaningful. I escaped the industry and I hope you do, too.

[@karynnelevendal298]

Kevin, gosh I see this in my home and I'm sorry that this is what you guys experience. I pray that you heal and remember your passion and share your beautiful food again

[@CynicalMartian]

Long shifts, little benefits, stressful and dangerous work environment, tedious work, asshole customers who abuse FOH staff. Whod've thunk that there would be a mental health crisis in service?

[@s1ke912]

That’s why many cooks turn to drugs/alcohol that’s the mental health service. It’s sad

[@brightstarlit]

@@s1ke912 I know I have and it’s not pretty. Luckily I’ll start therapy soon but I’m not sure how much longer I can coast along for a paycheck when my life and mental well being are being tested daily.

[@s1ke912]

@@brightstarlit we’re in the same boat man

[@mimmikyute]

When I first started washing dishes and starting to fall in love with cooking for a living a bartender that I worked with made two quotes that have stuck with me. "All cooks are either drug addicts, alcoholics, smokers, or all three" and when I stated that I was an optimistic person he just said "Don't worry- this industry will beat that out of you". It's felt sadly true and as someone who both loves cooking and struggles with mental health it's felt like a vile combination and working in a small town it's also felt insanely isolating. Most people just say that's how the business is and you just have to grow a thick skin but I've always been left with a lingering wondering of just WHY we should have to get used to abuse? I'm incredibly grateful this video exists and it has definitely helped me feel not so alone in the matter!

[@grahamcracker9552]

Were you in cape cod?

[@markjoe6423]

I’m not a drug addiction alcoholic or smoker and I’m still at it 🤷

[@robertjanvrin2692]

I can’t even count how many times I’ve come home after a 12-15 hour day and just completely broke down and lost it I love what I do but my work and my chef literally make me want to end it sometimes

[@seanmakura]

I really felt the " why we should have to get used to abuse" statement because that's what I was thinking a few days ago. I'm 20 years old and am first year culinary student. I'm going to drop this year though. I'm finishing the first year but not continuing as it's a 3 year course. I'm just happy I got to try out a career in something I love and I get to leave before it's breaks me down. This is going to remain a hobby for me, this industry is actually ridiculous. No human should have to go through this. They say they want people who are passionate for food just because they are willing to be a slave for longer and that's just how I feel.

[@0fficialdregs]

Dont let that business change, do your damnest to change it even if its the local restaurant you work for.

[@panagiotismatziounis4778]

F&B is a tough business to work in . All these people are telling the truth. It seems that how much you work and how much you give and sacrifice its never enough.

[@blackjon8]

this was so true because I'm going through it right now

[@Inhalin1514]

Truth

[@Vanlifejunkie213]

Happy happy still in the game

[@brightstarlit]

Absolutely. I’m going through this right now and even though I’ve been honest with my employer they do not care, gaslight me and have started to shun me after 9 years of dedicated work. It’s heartbreaking.No one listens! It’s unfair! It’s time people put aside the machismo attitude.

[@m.syazwanthaqif8659]

I feel you bro

[@truckerownerops]

That's why I stopped being a chef after 25 years in the industry I came to the realization that this industry is not worth the sacrifice or the work for the pay you get and the health risks you take.

[@ovyle]

I have worked 6+years in the kitchen, and I can tell you it's the single worst decision I have made. Firstly I had to go to job interviews, where I was rejected because I didn't have enough experience, and when I did get hired, most of the restaurants I worked at didn't even bother teaching me anything and got angry at me when I tried to learn/ask questions. The amount of abuse I have experienced in this industry is unmatched, and has been normalized by everyone.

[@petenasty3]

I relate so much to this

[@LivingDelightfulFreedom]

There is so much anxiety in the restaurant industry. I feel everyone in this video!

[@0fficialdregs]

agreed and its saddening how many people who are going to so much that try to hide it while working

[@gemma8611]

@@0fficialdregs so true. The more stressed out i am, the more i put on a happy, cheerful face to the customer

[@0fficialdregs]

@@gemma8611 don't sell yourself short and get as much time to relax your mind and relief of stress

[@hg-yg4xh]

I remember taking a chefs job who died of a heart attack in his twenties from drugs. Toughest position I've ever had.

[@knelle1114]

It's a terrible job to begin with. Most cooks make low wages and no benefits. I worked in that industry for ten years and it was awful. We had quite a few suicides and drug overdoses. I truly would recommend these people going to school or trade school and getting a real job with decent pay.

[@grant_fowler_]

as a young manager in the restaurant industry… i pray that none of my staff ever feels these negative emotions. i want my team to feel good and proud about where they work and feel like they have a positive and safe space

[@PhuongLe-mz8uh]

So you can keep your position and not on the employment roller-coaster, right? :))

[@NeighborhoodBasketCase]

I am a female aspiring chef starting out in the restaurant industry, and the stress of the job is what scares me the most. I have had mental health issues before starting in the kitchen and the stress gets to me, but I love this job and the environment and cant imagine being anywhere else. I wish taking care of yourself was more normalized

[@kotvinnamanar281]

"Can't imagine being anywhere else"... That's where my brain should be when I have to make my decision. Every comment here has been really really negative and no of the people feel like it was worth it, your comment is really something.

[@binarakulatunga7913]

Best advice is do something else’s , very unforgiving environment

[@ryanrizzajones]

I'm a chef and it's one of the most stressful jobs ever. Weekend shifts I have to have a drink or two or I feel like I'm gonna have a meltdown. 12-14 hour shifts, pressure and expectations, feeling guilty taking breaks that we need. Bad pay, going home at midnight and not getting to see anybody in your social life. It's not a job you should do for a long time, I'm going part time or finding a new job after Christmas..

[@lineCooking101]

I hope it worked out for you.

[@leefrancis5462]

Just get out....and do something else you won't regret it.Never be afraid of leaving.Good Luck..

[@fawnjones5720]

Amazing . I’m a chef from the UK and I’m currently working in New Zealand . I am really wanting to set up a pod cast or a platform for chefs to come to together and talk. no egos just people willing to change and help change the industry

[@dmiramontes22]

Please do it!

[@s1ke912]

I’d listen and even be a guest

[@binarakulatunga7913]

Super keen on it I’m working in nz aswell

[@Melly16yr10]

Great idea 😄

[@Jason-bs5ef]

I’m a young chef From London and I feel like this podcast will definetly be useful for me and for all the people which want to speak out

[@christopherramos5690]

There's a saying in the kitchen and it goes like this " you literally have to be crazy to work in a kitchen " and people say it with a laugh , just imagine how us cook feel when we hear that.

[@307cavalier5]

I admit that I am, I enjoyed being spun, drunk, and over the top. I still find a calm place on a busy night, best feeling in the world, it's a lot clearer with 6 yrs sobriety.

[@shikha5246]

I have been a hostess, waitress, and a cashier at restaurants…one thing I’ve noticed is that I think more negatively and I am very stressed when working in that industry- my hair was falling out quickly. I’m thankful to have my delivery apps right now so I can avoid ever going back to that industry. I almost want to throw away my restaurant shoes so I never go back in that field

[@evalynchuran8684]

I am seeing a psychiatrist due to complex post traumatic stress injury from extreme abuse in the workplace. We must stand together and support the awareness more.

[@TaraSinead]

I've worked in the hospitality industry for the past 7 years, previously as a waitress, restaurant manager and now as an events manager and understand first hand everything they are saying. There needs to be a huge shift in the Hospitality working environment and culture. It Is one of the toughest industries to work in.

[@MLG-rn3zy]

So true i've been studying hospitality for 3 years and through internships i could already tell this a tough/toxic industry. Now i know i'm not gonna pursue my career in that sector

[@Leratomogase]

I studied culinary arts for 4 years. I knew from my stage and other industry experiences, that I KNEW I wouldn't survive. If I had continued in the industry, and not started my own thing when I did, I'd more than likely be dead by now. what these people are saying is the absolute truth!

[@thekingof8]

I was a cook for 18 years and this industry chewed me up and spit me out. My depression and anxiety are so bad and I'll likely never recover.

[@OfficerExpat]

Amen brother. I’m here if you need to chat.

[@drew9584]

After 16 years, countless accolades, suicide attempts and losing everything that actually mattered. I am ready to leave the industry. From dishwasher to exec. Love you all. I hope you all find happiness.

[@megam277]

Im a chef myself people don't understand the pressures we are under I myself struggle with anxiety and depression

[@0fficialdregs]

The day I could work only mornings was the best day for me as a cook in the business. no more working long nights with people who honestly created more issues than solutions at past jobs. Please for those looking to become a chef, don't give up.

[@jamesrudland183]

I've been a chef in Australia for over 21 years. Drug and alcohol abuse, depression, stress and anxiety are rife in the industry. I have had to enter rehab to escape the drug abuse and mental health issues.

[@matthewskinner1637]

“When your life is in shambles, no one can know that” Truth my brother, when I get into work I left all my problems at the door, brought home issues of not closing to 12 at night back in at 10 and then not being able to switch off

[@TempleSpeedWay]

We are cut from the same cloth my brother. I had to change careers because I feared for my life. My niece was my only saving grace. I live so that she still has her one and only uncle. It shouldn't be this way in the f&b industry...

[@helco2856]

Basically a robot in a human shell. Seems like these food junkies forget you're human

[@SwissMarksman]

@@helco2856 True that brother

[@kylehotchkiss1491]

My advice is get out of the F&B, I just took a week off to get sober and mentally healthier again. I walked out of my last two dead end kitchen gigs because of stress, I started trade school 3 weeks ago because the thought of walking back into a kitchen is unfathiable. 15 years of working in a kitchen and i have nothing to show for. Come Monday i will be appyling at home depot for a part time job while attending school. Everyone has a breaking point in this industry, i was past that point for some time now , before i even reliased it.

[@moisesgomez2785]

Hope it is going well !

[@kylehotchkiss1491]

@@moisesgomez2785 went into a/c. Was starting to make good money. Then one of friends got a job at a country club as the exec. Asked me to be the sous. I said yes cause the money was right. I already put myself through hvac school and hold an epa cert. So I can go back to doing ac if this go around does not pan out. The more skills or trades you possess eventually pay for themselves. Patients and calm prevail.

[@stevangomez6525]

I should have never studied culinary ever, the stress is just unbearable

[@bernardosanchez5954]

I want to be an accountant and a chef as a back-up because my technical school I heard has a really good culinary program. Is it really that stressful, I know its hard working in the kitchen but is it actually borderline tough?

[@MLG-rn3zy]

@@bernardosanchez5954 If it's your true passion then go for it but man to be underpaid work on weekends, overtime, stress / cuss from your superiors are not worth it for your mental health

[@sterey3571]

same

[@abdullahthebutcher2275]

true that

[@stephiemark473]

I endured it & wasnt aware it was taking a serious toll on me & my family. Always absent home but committed to the job

[@vanal.7182]

My husband is an executive chef n I've heard his past of severe abuse of the higher chef when he started n see n hear all this ...and in 10 years he's taken 2 days off my father's death and my brother in laws death...I chose this road to walk w him and will nvr leave his side...chef wife

[@Natez31]

I started my journey to be a chef at the age of 17 at first it was all nice and good and a couple years later I started to notice that I got angry at small things I was sad at times and walked home crying thinking like : what am I doing, why am I working as a chef, is it worth it and stuff like that and at some point I did think about suicide. once i opened up to my chef friend because I stopped talking for a time and he wanted to know the reason so I told him that im feeling depressed and that its a lot to handle in the kitchen he just laughed at me and told me no you are not depressed lets go drink something and walked off. his reaction hit me really hard after 2 years I quit my job moved to another city and took 2 months off and started to feel better. Now I don't take my job seriously nowadays the more important thing for me is my mental health and

[@ms.gordon6533]

I respect Gordon Ramsay as a Chef but the way he speak to people is highly disrespectful and the sad thing many young chef look up to him and tend to emulate his behaviour , I've heard chefs saying that it's ok to be cuss at because it's part of the job and honestly that's not ok secondly if you dear complaint are talk back to the head chef it's like how dear you, this is a rough environment and showing any kind of weakness it's unacceptable and that is something I'm not ok with,we are human for God sake and to top it off its time consuming and pay at most restaurants is not a living wage some of us are just doing it for the love of food and the hint of dopamine that hits you when you create a magnificent dish

[@LA-pq1tq]

Some of his cussing is just for show though. If you look deeper into him he isn't bad

[@redrockkitchen9103]

So proud to have Chefs like you all reaching out and reaching us all!

[@Brando-wc8fz]

proud of dying because you can't go to the hospital?

[@veniceLB]

You feel this Soo much more when you finally own your own small restaurant. The pressure to be perfect, never be out of anything, to be timely when there's a big rush. The demand and ability to keep up is so much . I ended up in the hospital as a food truck owner for 2.5 weeks fighting for my life from pushing hard af for 6 years. But who is responsible? Yourself? Your peers around you? Or the customers who demand it from you?

[@emphoenixcat1110]

Maybe a little bit of everyone is to blame. Because people think perfection is attainable and that there's no room for emotions when there's so much to do, but literally not dealing with emotions and constantly pushing them down can cause physical illness.

[@jeffreymorales5648]

I find myself dealing with the same thing being afraid to fail I never thought I would feel this way thank you for the kind words

[@beatrixvidaleynes811]

My ultimate dream is to be a chef and I now have my simple small food business but I've never worked in a real kitchen because I know I could not survive in that environment. It's too stressful in there but very low pay. I don't do drugs, I don't smoke, and I'm a very emotional person. I hope things will change for the better in the restaurant industry soon. It doesn't have to be that toxic, you know.

[@marks1198]

18 years in the industry and almost everything you incredible people talked about has happened to me to. It sucks that we have have to put up with such negative things in an industry that on the other side of the door only make people happy. #hurtmetoo

[@koalabear1931]

I’ve worked as a waitress for 3 yrs and 4 yrs as a kitchen helper ( but my job was a lot more than my sous chefs) i was never promoted. now i am working as a commis at a French resto. Its so stressful how you are doing you’re best and still its not enough. You always get yelled at made feel like you’re stupid. Same thing goes to service you cant be sad, you always have to be happy in front of the guest. I hope i can work with these chefs in the future.

[@joeydehart3429]

The abusive atmosphere in many if not most kitchens largely contributes to the mental health issues food industry workers have. If people stop accepting it as normal and ok it will get better. Also a lot of kitchen vets take on this persona of yea it sucks but I went through it and I am still here so you must go through it too. NO, stop the cycle of abuse and treat people with compassion.

[@jdoyle7768]

I feel this somewhat a lot. I work at a popular restaurant chain now but then I get stressed out because the ppl that work there sometimes don't take there jobs seriously which it's easy to have that rub off feel. It hurts

[@leefrancis5462]

There's a saying that you all should keep in mind....".If you do not take time off for your well being,your ILLNESS will force you to take time off"

[@thenaturaltherapist8101]

Kudos to them for sharing their stories! We need to see more bravery like this. Life is full of ups and downs - if we are honest we’ve all experienced the lows. It’s what we do with those lows that makes the difference. So proud of them for using their stories to inspire others. I also share some of my journeys on my channel. It’s not always easy - but definitely worth it! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@gionfredsriss7170]

Amazing people with amazing stories! much love to these Heroes!!

[@xvantiano]

Wow, thanks for sharing. It's so relatable, I actually still fell confused now abt the decision I'll make, i feel not really comfortable working on hospitality industry. And now I have a fix decision that I'm gonna moving on from this industry. Cs mental health, passion, and healthy working environment is the most important thing. 😀

[@UnauthorizedCreations]

This is so true. It's tough trying to make it in the hospitality industry. I had to sit there and take it when I screwed up and people yelled at me because if I started cracking or show any signs of weakness, they all think I'm just some spoiled whiny white guy who grew up in a privileged family and can't hack it when that's not true.

[@thekingof8]

The same people who speak out are the ones that are causing it. When they're in front of the cameras, it's all "Respect Mental Health" and "Woe is me," and then it's back to the kitchen screaming at the cooks who work twice as much while making a fifth of the money. And if you show any vulnerability and weaknesses, you're out the door. I realize I may get ripped to shreds for what I have said, but I'm speaking from experience. Like any other celebrity or Business Manager, they're just doing this for show. Sorry, I'm not falling for it again. Put up or shut up.

[@fionnghualakelly5942]

Totally with you! So true

[@TheOtherChef]

I recall when I attended the LA Chef conference in Santa Monica in 2019, I had the privilege to be in a breakout session with many chefs locally in the Los Angeles area talking about mental health and it was very invigorating for me as a young chef and small business owner to be able to talk to them and express my feelings on this issue. I feel that using a mental health day in the food service industry I do believe it's necessary sometimes however, I feel that some will abuse this policy for other reasons. I really think that this is a very concerning topic not just for chefs but for individuals and businesses who have an macho and toxic environment. It needs to be addressed there. To be very honest, this is why I worry about going back into the industry especially during this pandemic that I hope that is settling down. Because to be honest I love this industry, I love serving others, I have a huge passion for culinary arts and hospitality, but I don't want the toxic environment that is usually associated with this. Not to mention all the other mental stressors that are associated with this such as low pay, horrible management, not cooperative employees, disgruntle employees, and most importantly disrespectful customers.

[@pyroAdapt]

The okky time ive ever had a work related mental break down was doing restaurant work and ive been doing restaurants jobs for over 10 years. It breaks you down mentally.

[@aprettylittlemonster]

It’s only gotten worse since the pandemic. My significant other is a banquet chef at a luxury hotel and suites. We met a couple months into the pandemic. I had no idea how bad the working conditions were across the board, or about the hidden substance abuse, mental illnesses, and suicide rates in the restaurant industry until he told me about it. We both suffer from our own separate mental diagnoses, but I feel happy providing him a stable, supportive home life, and that my family is so loving and supportive towards him, too. We are both service-oriented people, personally and professionally, and we both enjoy actively doing things to make each other feel happy, safe, and loved. I see him standing up for himself and his cooks more and more, demanding better treatment towards employees and higher pay. I’m so proud of him for feeling empowered and being part of the change. The value of a healthy work-life balance, a strong support system, and better pay and working conditions cannot be understated, and we as a society still have a very long way to go.

[@PhuongLe-mz8uh]

Pandemic is actually good for the industry. People have a chance to look back and great people can move out of the industry to get a better life. People who I worked with now in real estate, banking, plumbing,... and so do I on my way out.

[@andreacassetta3039]

Every single co-worker I have ever worked with in the industry was a victim of child abuse. This is not a co-incidence. We all feel we don’t deserve any better. So sad

[@Nikki-qi4ki]

This really helped me feel hopeful. I’ve been so tired of the service industry but I’m in school and it’s really the only job that I make good money and works with my schedule. It’s just exhausting. People can be so mean too I’ve never cried more than when I got my first serving job. So ready to be done I can’t handle much more.

[@CelesteWhoknows]

Same.

[@Odothuigon]

Now look at mental health in the healthcare industry, especially among doctors and nurses.

[@HakobM]

Actually, I somehow understood this after 6 months in the industry. I stayed there for some 9 more years, and by God's grace, I am out years now, working at home with my family next to me. Actually, many can tell what these guys are telling. When you are broken or damaged, go to Jesus, your Maker. He will fix it. Don't just leave it as is.

[@jrudymorganclark2072]

I worked at a restaurant as a dishwasher but never as a chef, ill rather get tired physical than mentally, after that i finally quit.

[@comneno100]

Everyone is talking about the chefs but nobody is talking about being a dishwasher and working 10 to 12 hours a day everyday or being a waitress

[@vksomji]

Happy Mental Health Day 2022. I am a Patient of Mental Disorders from Past 10 yrs, So I can Understand how it Feels like when a Person is affected by Over Stress, Over Pressure and also at times being Treated Indifferent for some ODD reason in Hospitality, Service Industry, Food Industry.

[@okimahitt7413]

Shutting down without notice, working 10+ hour shifts with no breaks, yet getting attitude from bosses if you need a day off, dangerous conditions and no healthcare, stealing tips and overtime, sexual harassment, violence in general. But pleeeeeze keep asking why this industry has had over a million people leave and never look back

[@prairied0g]

Thank you all for this. Thank you!

[@mayaracarvalho4861]

This is so heartbreaking 😥 Iam sadly leaving this industry as my passion doesn’t sustain anything in my life

[@simonclark29041978]

Hey I took abuse as a chef I was working 16 hours a day 6 days a week 7 when it was Christmas and New year I collapsed at work I gave up the industry 20 years on I'm still suffering mental health .

[@Frank_Diaz.]

sending you love brother.

[@fearless_stellar2944]

Everything is going to be ok

[@MLG-rn3zy]

I think it's the best decision of your life. I hope you found a better place to work !

[@edwardmonroe272]

these chefs seem to be very empathetic.. I understand the feelings of putting the restaurant first. Power to you people out there watching this and trying to fix yourself. Thank you for what you do, also check out the 7 hermetic principles. It has helped me tremendously.

[@miriamramsey2412]

This is wonderful ❤ thanks for doing this!

[@Shelsight]

“It’s a challenge that has no victories. It’s a challenge that will have fewe defeats…”. That’s a great line. You’ll never know the lives you’ve saved doing this. And if you reduce the number you lose by one, you’ll have been successful. Thank you all.

[@MrAlcmj]

Right from the beginning. I’ve seen a trend with peers that the people who find themselves in these hospitality industries more than likely all share some form of trauma.

[@shah5757]

I worked in a restaurant for 1 night as a waiter and never went back. Owner became abusive towards me when the customers started coming in ie do this, do that, are you being paid to stand around doing nothing etc. Restaurants r the worst place you could work in the hospitality industry. You get treated like scum by everyone.

[@matthewsuen1587]

Thank you for voicing out!

[@LoIumadbro]

My brother is in remission and I didn’t even know he had cancer. As a line cook, I wanted to be a chef so badly. I cut all my friends out, stopped keeping up with family, missed birthdays, weddings, family gatherings and funerals. Work has always made me feel guilty for missing work. When my brother asked me why I never came to visit him I said “work has been busy” he replied “work wouldn’t let you see your dying brother?” I’ll never forget those words.

[@donniezawadski2047]

Thank you for sharing this

[@ki11aqueen5]

food industry workers are so thankless and so looked over. Usually made fun of, abused, can't open up because you'll be seen as weak. Why are jobs like this in America? Why are life sustaining jobs like this? i work to live, not live to work.

[@hermanmoore3301]

Spent 40 plus years in industry............you need to have a full [Physical] social life otherwise it will mess with you. Socialize with people that are not in the industry, that was my secret. Leave the job in the work place, do not take it home with you. Treat it as a great Hobby if not get out.

[@rostharan]

Exactly! I've been telling that to my staff! That's the only way to nurture potential IMO.

[@Ronaldo114]

how do you maintain a social life when majority of your time is spent in the kitchen? I'm reading people are working 12+ hrs pretty much the whole week. Any time off they're probably tired and just want sleep.

[@gregpubg6145]

since the hotel i worked at became a quarantine centre for newly arrived flight passengers, dealing with various food allergies, likes and dislikes while preparing for 400+ pax 3 meals a day is really daunting. especially when you're about to go home and suddenly another 20-30 people arrive and hungry. time to go back to the kitchen bois... everyone was so stressed to the point of hoping the plane to crash so no more passengers goin in.

[@ericpolinsky]

This couldn't be more true. As a Exec Chef you really are pressed at all times. The industry has changed alot over the past 2 years, covid gave many people a way out or there dead like my career Sous Chef. RIP. I daily wish for a way out and have spent the past 4 plus years doing full time school for IT and supporting a family of 6. That leaves your soul empty. 💔

[@martinaleclerc3354]

I don't give myself an inch. Most recently, worked with a broken thumb this past week. Relieved to find this video.

[@PUABored12]

Doesn't surprise me. I work in the grocery business in Cincinnati and the pressures the supervisory staff go through does take a toll.

[@raynash4117]

Thanks for this video!

[@nikolayhristov7064]

I have only been a chef for an year, but I had a lot of trauma growing up I have depression had father figure only to degrade and hit me til i was 12 and i moved to the UK , only have my mother a s a family and not that I wasn't suicidal before ,its just becoming a chef has started pushing me more and more towards it,I do not know how much longer I can take

[@SecretUser2000]

I totally believe you. In fact, I had similar trouble in the retail industry.

[@Scorpion-wv1hs]

Always respect the workers in the restaurant if you're a customer If you want to complain do it in a nice way then the help will be more effective and efficient.

[@ramirdj6767]

Finaly people are speaking loud about real problems which capitalism dont take into the account. Dont judge, applaud the people speaking loud about this and for example in #metoo and other movemevemts

[@FINALB]

A lot of people has to play the macho role, trying to ignore diseases and disorders in a daily basis, like the guy said in the video I do agree, but it is not exclusive for Capitalist countries, also it happens for Socialist countries and Communist countries. It is recognizable as a human crisis by various world wide entities.

[@ramirdj6767]

I totally agree with you.

[@vagabondwastrel2361]

enough with hate movements like pound me too. They outed people in a way that would have been better if they went to the police.

[@bibletwink666]

@@vagabondwastrel2361 Those people sexually assaulted them.

[@vagabondwastrel2361]

On a different note. Did you know the WSJ stole money from cancer kids?

[@edg2729]

Been a line cook a long time a lil over 10 yrs and let me tell you the depression is real

[@KrisKazlauskaite]

Oh wow! thank you deeply for this video 🥲🙏🏻

[@fangselite1627]

Most talented chefs are often treated as commi despite having the skills and leadership of a sous Chef yet are quite humble and rough

[@johnfirst3986]

I got ptsd workig in the kitchen for 2yrs, I quit in 2017. it's 2020 now and my situation is getting worst day by day no job for the past 3yrs taking meds

[@evancirino2319]

Ya’ll need to do a follow up on this because it is still so relevant

[@jj-py9kf]

How can they NOT see that Anthony Bourdain was depressed?!! Seriously, all you gotta do is look into his eyes to see that he was tormented inside. I was sad, but not surprised when I found out he took his life.

[@jayaweerasamantha5688]

Thank you about talking this

[@sssssanu]

I live by myself and KZbin has kept me alive

[@Vanlifejunkie213]

I quit my job today and I feel amazing

[@hudsoto1232]

I had to give up My 38 year management career because I was just broken. Anxiety ate me alive. I wouldn’t say I feel amazing but I know I need to find something better for myself

[@Vanlifejunkie213]

Do you want makes you happy

[@Vanlifejunkie213]

Happy as Fock at a bar cooking and happy

[@nizzleprizzle9783]

My managers found my weaknesses and made me better as a person.

[@MsSomosomo]

The point is to listen their testimony N try to understand better the reality at d workplace...it's not meant to scare u from getting into it folks....☮️💓

[@ricky2446]

I can say I agree with everyone on this , I been cooking for a long time too so I hear it all

[@saracatone967]

very true this video

[@jacobmthembu3679]

Thank you chef for spking your mind out... It not a easy life and not easy to have a family coz of the hours you put there.. Thank you .

[@malsprower]

No wonder why restaurants can't find workers

[@YesDaddyTDPop]

Yep, and that’s why they’re always hiring

[@sterey3571]

the turnover is so high

[@o.m.g7277]

This is really shocking for me, i did not know this also happened in the food industry.. Here in Mexico we are recently having this issue shared... Look about all the work abuse at "Pujol Restaurant" and his owner Enrique Olvera.

[@gordonmacdonald1656]

Much love for those who suffer I'm here to talk