Six Surprising Benefits Of Working As A Relief Chef
Have you ever considered taking a job as a relief chef?
You may naturally have concerns about stability and lifestyle, but there is a way to enjoy the many surprising benefits of the relief chef life without the potential downsides.
At CJUK, we specialise in finding temporary placements for chefs in fantastic kitchens across the UK. A nd our chefs absolutely love the way this works for them.
In our latest blog, we’re sharing with you six surprising benefits of working as a relief chef in the UK.
EXPAND YOUR SKILLS
As a relief chef, you quickly broaden your culinary horizons and get to delve into different cuisines and working environments.
This is a fast-track way to up your game and master new skills as a chef.
From traditional comfort foods in country pubs to fine dining in upscale hotels, you’ll have the chance to learn a whole new world of techniques, styles, recipes, and skills.
GET PAID FOR ALL THE HOURS YOU WORK
We look after our chefs and make sure you’re paid properly for every hour you work.
We know this can be challenging in other kitchens. Often, management expects you to work above and beyond their scheduled hours and salary. So, we ensure all of our employers pay you for the work you put in.
Plus, you’ll also be able to request your own holidays through your CJUK account manager.
Knowing these measures are in place creates a happier working environment for you, and makes you feel valued and respected.
BUILD YOUR REPUTATION
You might not have thought about it this way, but taking regular relief chef jobs is a fantastic networking opportunity. It allows you to build on your industry contacts and reputation more rapidly than you would by staying in one kitchen long-term.
If you show up reliably and consistently and bring your best into the kitchen at each placement, the people around you will notice – from your fellow chefs to managers, owners, and customers.
Good news can travel fast when you’re making so many new connections. So, you’ll quickly be in-demand in the best kitchens in the UK.
EXPERIENCE FLEXIBILITY AND BALANCE
Did you know that hitting the road and working as a relief chef can give you a better work-life balance?
As you know, working in kitchens can be physically and mentally demanding. However, when you’re a relief chef you can work intensively for short periods then block out extended breaks between placements. You could use these breaks to explore new places and recharge your batteries.
This has a positive impact on your personal wellbeing. Plus, it offers flexibility in your schedule to travel, spend time with loved ones, and take much-needed time for yourself.
ADD VARIETY TO YOUR WORK
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.
In turn, this will improve your time management and problem-solving abilities, push you professionally, and make you a sharper, more innovative chef.
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
What are your goals as a chef?
Accepting regular relief chef placements can be a fantastic stepping stone to the next stage of your career.
Say you’re dreaming of opening your own restaurant or becoming a private chef. Working as a relief chef now can accelerate your professional growth by exposing you to lots of new environments, people, and opportunities to develop.
IS RELIEF CHEF LIFE FOR ME?
Being a relief chef isn’t for everyone. However, it can be a unique adventure depending on your personal circumstances and goals.
It can open doors to new experiences, flavours, and connections. Plus, it also gives you the freedom to have more control over your lifestyle and schedule.
If you’re considering it, you might find it useful to weigh up the pros and cons and see whether it’s the right move for you at this point in your career.
However, if you have concerns you wouldn’t be able to find regular work, don’t worry – that’s where CJUK comes in.
FIND RELIEF CHEF JOBS WITH THE BEST UK RELIEF CHEF AGENCY
CJUK is a specialist relief chef agency based in Lancashire.
We work closely with our community of relief chefs to keep them in regular, fulfilling work in fantastic kitchens.
We only work with chefs who are reliable and talented. What’s more, we vet every employer thoroughly to make sure you only work with people who value, respect, and support you.
As a CJUK chef, you’ll have your own account manager contact in our office. They keep in regular contact to find you work and make sure you’re happy in every placement.
Working as a relief chef has so many incredible benefits for you personally and professionally. That’s why we’ve come up with a way to make it stable and fulfilling for you.
You’re part of our team and feel supported through every role. We understand you, your needs, and your ambitions and work hard to find placements you’ll love.
Are you interested in trying out the relief chef lifestyle with the support and structure offered to you by CJUK?
Stacie and Adam are waiting to speak to you and find your next exciting role.
Contact them here.
