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Catherine

 

“It is a much happier lifestyle, but I still get to cook.”

“I joined CJUK in 2017 and what started as a stopgap may actually become a longer term choice.

I started my career training at the Angel Inn at Hetton in Skipton, which was amazing. But since then I have moved around looking for the right ‘fit’, both in terms of food and environment, but I haven’t found it. Instead I found myself stagnating and just not learning anything new and as a Chef I love to be constantly learning.

At my last place I was worked into the ground after the Head Chef quit. I was working 60+ hours a week with little support. When it started to negatively impact on my health and my home life with my partner and our dogs, I knew something had to change.

My previous experience of agency chefs (from a perm chef perspective) had been fairly poor as many had little or no experience, or a lot of experience and refused to take my direction. But I think things are starting to change; people are starting to change their perception and the majority are pretty decent.

Catherine out walking her dogs

I turned to CJUK because I had worked with one of their Chefs, Chris Jones, in one of my perm roles. He just seemed ridiculously happy all the time. He was chilled out, happy to help and knew what he was doing. Agency work seemed like a good opportunity to try out a few different places, see if I could learn some new things and find what I have been looking for.

So I am now four months in and on my third job so far, and it’s great. I have set shifts and it’s close to home. I can actually have a home life routine; walk the dogs, have breakfast, go to the gym more, spend time with my partner. It is a much happier lifestyle, but I still get to cook. I’m also really enjoying the freedom, and going to different places and learning from different people.

So, what started at a stopgap to see if I could find ‘something that fit’ has potentially become the ‘right fit’ for me.

I was also able to take Christmas off in 2017 for the first time in 8 years and cooked for my family. That was really nice.”

 

Would you like to find the ‘right fit’ for you by joining the CJUK Brigade? Get in touch today…

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1 week ago

CJUK
Interested in trying out the relief chef lifestyle but worried about finding regular work?Don’t worry, that’s where CJUK comes in.Let’s start with a chat 📲📲 01254 355 666📧 info@cjuk.co.uk ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

CJUK
Being a relief chef can be a unique adventure depending on your personal circumstances and goals 😀 🛣️It can open doors to new experiences, flavours, and connections as well as giving you the freedom to have more control over your lifestyle and schedule. Does that appeal to you? ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

CJUK
What are your goals for your career?Accepting regular relief chef placements can be a fantastic stepping stone to the next stage of your professional journey.For example, if you’re dreaming of:🦐 Opening your own restaurant🍽️ Becoming a private chefThen, working as a relief chef for a while can accelerate your professional growth by exposing you to lots of new environments, people, and opportunities to develop.Interested to learn more? Check out our website 🧑‍🍳 www.chefsjobsuk.com ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

CJUK
Staying in one job for too long can sometimes leave you in a creative rut. So, when you become a relief chef it allows you to mix things up, embrace new challenges, and get out of your comfort zone.Does that sound like something you’re up for? Speak to us 👇📲 01254 355 666📧 info@cjuk.co.uk ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

CJUK
Would you say you have a good work-life balance as a chef?Our chefs often find they have a better balance by working in a series of temporary roles.It allows them to set their own schedule and block out extended breaks to travel, spend time with loved ones, or recharge their batteries 🔋 ... See MoreSee Less
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