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Personal Chef Industry

I have been perusing the forum quite a bit to learn as much as I can and I have been talking with my family about the PC business. I plan to attend a seminar next year, after our finance situation lightens up, and start working on a part time basis to make sure the PC business is right for me.

Through the discussions I was asked, so what are the downsides? I had to strain to come up with some, but I want to ask for an honest opinion from the folks who have been doing this for a long time, what pitfalls have you encountered, any downsides, ie do you still cook for your family or is it all take out? Anything you would be willing to share?

Thanks!

There are all kinds of things you could list as both pros and cons of this business. But the major considerations are:

Biggest Pro: You are your own boss!

Biggest Con: You are your own boss!

You have to love to cook (notice, I did not say LIKE to cook). You have to be able to work on your own. You have to be self motivating.

If you meet these minimum requirements then this is a great business because we can teach you everything else you need to know.

Jim

There are so many positives that outweigh the so-called "downsides" I hate to mention them.

But since you are obviously someone who wants to know the good, the bad and the ugly before committing to something - I'll name a few "downsides".

- Schlepping your Stuff (up 3 flights of stairs for some clients etc.)

- Slow times - This, for me, is the hardest part emotionally of the business. There are ups and downs, and clients do quit abruptly leaving you without a guaranteed paycheck. But you learn that slow times are a great time to re-organize, test recipes, clean your office and car, market for new clients, and heck - even relax a little!!

I can't really think of any other downsides that are worth mentioning. I know every personal chef will have different downsides than others... Like Jim said, being your own boss can be a downside - especially when you need a day off and the boss says no!! LOL!

Here's one more "pro":
You have to like making a huge impact in people's lives. Our services are more than just food. We provide a level of scrupulous personal service that contributes to our clients quality of life and wellbeing.
We actually get paid to shop, cook and nurture.

It's deeply satisfying for us as well.

If you love to cook, really enjoy people, and are passionate about organization this is the path for you.

If any one of those three aspects doesn't entice you, think twice.

Best wishes to you - we're looking forward to working with you!
Candy

Well, let's see... the "downsides"... hmmm...

OK,

A. No steady paycheck, you only "get paid" when you work.

B. It is really difficult to call in "sick"!

C. No paid holidays or vacation or sick leave.

D. No "overtime".

E. No "expense account".

Now, there are some REAL upsides: but you know that already

I think it's already been stated somewhat, but my "downside" may not be your "downside." Mine happens to be the physical aspect--legs, back and now a shoulder injury unrelated to the actual cooking and carrying part. You may be a marathon runner and this won't affect you at all.

I can't imagine doing anything else and even when I feel like I've been beat to a bloody pulp with an intense cookdate, the schlepping and being on my feet all day, I sometimes have to damn near giggle because I feel like I'm getting away with something!!

...Someone just paid me what I told them they have to pay me to do what I love to do!!!

Hahahahahaha!

The best part, however, is when one of your clients e-mails you a photo of their one-year-old with your food all over their face. Doesn't get any better!

For me in the beginning the hardest part was determining what to take with me, what was not needed, etc. Once I pared down I got over that anxiety of packing for each cook. Now I think the biggest downside is working alone. I had the opportunity to hire an assistant this summer as I had an operation and couldn't lift and schlep, it was great having company all day and in the car! I spent many years in retail and always thought I'd like to work alone sometimes! But none of this outweighs the pros for me! As others have stated: People pay me to provide a life changing service while I follow my passion: Cooking!

Hot client kitchens--remedy?---bring a fan and lots of cold drinks.

Dinner parties during the baseball post-season--always a crucial game but the money you get paid for the parties makes it worth it--almost .

You are doing what you want to do and getting paid for it. We have never been happier.

The slow times can be a little daunting but you only end up challenging yourself to get more business and push out the creative boundaries a little further----

Your business is just that, "yours" and it is incredibly gratifying.

We look forward to seeing you on the inside forums.

Christine & Dennis