Work crossroads

Other
#1

So, I’m almost a year and a half sober from cocaine and alcohol. I have been working in kitchens for 20 years.
As most people know, the service industry is ripe with alcohol and drug use.
As of right now, I don’t have any problem being around booze or drugs (pot, or other softer drugs like shrooms). I try to distance myself but if it’s by me I don’t feel tempted. I usually just dont interact with said person if possible.

So here’s my problem. I have been a head chef or Executive chef for about 7 years. I’ve been looking for a new job and it seems that there’s tons of breweries and or distilleries hiring Chefs for great salaries. And that type of people and crowd is right up my alley.
I’m worried that if I take the job, I might get too tempted or annoyed after like 6 or 8 months of being around a place that is based off of alcohol on a constant basis.
Anyone here sober from alcohol and work at a place like this?
Do I even bother or is it too dangerous?
I don’t have cravings ever and I don’t really think about me being a sober person anymore unless something reminds me of the fact that I don’t drink. I’m afraid I’ll take a job and then have to leave because of this.

Thanks in advanced.

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#2

tldr: I know pot isn’t really a drug, but I choose not to use it because i don’t want to use anything that can alter my body or mind.

#3

Maybe it's time to find a new alley? That's a tough gig to do and not participate in after hours "stuff".

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#4

Believe me, I’ve tried.
I make pretty good money right now, and I’m at the point in my career where I’m on the higher end of the pay scale for my position. It’s hard to walk away from that where I would be making half of what I do now. Sad as it sounds, not many places thinking managing a restaurant translates well into other labor.
I’ve been looking for months for a job that would hire me with no direct experience. But unfortunately everyone I know in my life besides my girlfriend is in the industry and I can’t get a “friend” of a friend job. :upside_down_face:

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#5

You probably have a lot of purchasing experience buying for your establishment. Have you thought about looking into a buyer or purchasing agent job. If something like that interest you I could see that experience coupled with your management experience being something that could land you that type of job with growth into a purchasing management role.

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#6

Best bartenders I ever knew were sober, they also made the most money.

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#7

Yeah man, I can dig it. Once that industry gets it's claws into you, it is really hard to get out, from the bottom to the top and and everything in between.

#8

That is a tough call. If you are worried about it that could be a sign that it is a bad idea. Sometimes it takes a lot of patience and a lot of searching to find the right job, especially if you are looking for a career change. The last time I changed jobs it took me a couple of years to find the right thing, but it paid off and I eventually found what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

#9

Congratulations on the year and 6 months. I’m not familiar with your industry. All I know is that, wherever you go there you are. My sobriety and AA program has given me a new life and freedom that is beyond description. I feel I can go anywhere I want a free man, as it says in the big book. Also, I’m way better at my job sober and have advanced. Do what you want and work a solid AA program.
Trust God
Clean house
Help others

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#10

That’s a good way to look at it. Thanks

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#11

I'm right there with you. I got out of the hospitality business last year. I can't go back. For me it's not about being around it. It's just the stress and my desire for mental health and a balanced life. Check out this sober group of hospitality professionals.....and best of luck brother. https://www.bensfriendshope.com/

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#12

I’m kinda new at this recovery stuff and have limited computer skills. Can anyone tell me how to find online meetings and how to connect to the meeting on my IPhone

#13

I’m a chef too. I’m sober too. I’ve worked and drank in all kinds of places. Most of my career was hotel/casino/resort. Exec chef, of some really cool places.

Now I work in senior living. Monday to Friday 7-3. I make less money for sure. I’m happier though. It hurt my ego more than my pocket. I felt like I was put out to pasture. Like I lost my street cred. And occasionally I test the waters and think about getting a more exciting job.

Sobriety gave me so much I wouldn’t risk it for an extra thousand a month.

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#14

Travis, congrats on your year and a half and congrats on achieving your career goals! I've been in kitchens for over twenty years too, exec for the last several so I have a pretty good idea where you're coming from.

I think Matt has a good point. If you're confident in yourself and your sobriety, you won't be tempted to drink or use no matter where you are. It took me a few years to get to that point but now even if someone straight up sets a drink in front of me, I have no temptation or desire to pick it up. Sounds like you might be there too but trust your gut. If you think there's even a chance it's going to be a problem, it will be a problem.

I don't know what the kitchen and restaurant culture up there is like but I've actually found a decent amount of encouragement from my coworkers over the years. They all know that it's a hard industry to work in and that most of them drink too much so I think they get it. I hope you've had similar experiences.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck and stay sober.

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#15

I understand your thoughts. Being in hospitality can be tough, but if you aren’t feeling tempted and feel you have the tools and use them you can still be successful. I have friends in the industry as well as myself who have been and continue to be successful without drinking. Let’s face it it is usually the establishment that can rot people. If you find a good place and foster good energy it can be a great place. Just my 2 cents.

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#17

I work in this industry also. Even on the Corp side I hang with my work friends often and EVERYONE drinks, especially our chef. It’s like a weird popular high school club. And I have terrible self control when it comes to drinking. Once I have one it’s all downhill. I’ve gone on and off drinking and not (freaks I’m only day two sober right now) I think a lot of it for me is changing my mind and views about why I keep caving. Wishing you the best of luck!

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