Chef agencies recruit chefs or act as middlemen between them and the employers. In fact, some companies have long-lasting contracts with these agencies. Others source for them when the need arises to help them find and hire workers. The main reason why people call them is to secure a job. However, there are other reasons you may use a chef agency, and we’ll explain them below.
When do you need a chef agency?
As mentioned earlier, job searching episodes are what lead fresh jobseekers to use chef agencies. Other times when you should use a chef agency include;
When you want/enjoy flexibility
Chefs work long hours; hence most crave flexibility. You want the flexibility to choose where you want to work, on which days, and the number of hours you prefer to work. This is where chef agencies come in, as they allow this flexibility which is significant in achieving a work-life balance. You can spend ample time with loved ones and friends at home or at events that you would initially cancel or postpone while working as a permanent chef. How you work is totally dependent on you and what suits you best.
When you want hourly pay
Most permanent chef jobs have you working past your salaried hours, which are not included in the total pay. It is best to use a chef agency when in such a position and you don’t get any reward for it. The flexibility of agency jobs have you working certain hours, which are all paid based on the agreed rate. Working overtime means more money for you as every hour counts.
When you want to widen your skills
While you broaden your skills, you gain more experience working in different environments. There are basic skills that all chefs acquire from culinary school. However, every kitchen has varying demands and requirements, so working in various settings helps develop several new skills. Also, the people you meet help widen your creativity, and the experience helps build an excellent CV that employers will appreciate.
When you want to experience diverse kitchen settings
This point closely ties to the one above. Diverse working environments have a range of benefits for chefs, and you can only experience this when not in a permanent chef job. Working in a single kitchen for years can be mind-numbing, causing you to relax and lose the zeal to create. Using a chef agency allows you to get jobs in varying organizations and sectors, so you experience new things now and then. This expands your network, skills, and creative mind and is also exciting.
When you want to avoid kitchen politics
Being in the same kitchen for a long time binds you to kitchen politics caused by other staff. Most times, it’s distracting and draining, creating a dull environment and decreased motivation to operate; that’s why most senior chefs switch to relief work. In such a case, what you are meant to do, i.e., cook, takes a back seat, and although you are still presenting dishes, they are not the best. Choosing chef agency work frees you from all that and even helps you rediscover your passion for cooking.
Final words
Using a chef agency is one of the best decisions you can make as a chef. Working a permanent chef position is okay for a start. However, agency jobs are better when you grow in your career and begin longing for flexibility. Use a chef agency when you feel your hard work doesn’t match your salary as they pay hourly or when you want more experience and new skills. Chef agency jobs have several benefits, so use them whenever any of the need above arises.
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