I participated in this cultural exchange program in the US called “Work and Travel”. It runs for three to four months and you can do it while you have the summer break (or spring break if you live in other country than the Philippines). From the words themselves “Work and Travel”, you basically get to work for a company in the US that’s usually in hospitality or retail business. The aim of the program is for the participants to live and experience life in the US. So it’s not just all about working. You can travel and see different states depending on the time you have. For me, I was assigned in Maryland and worked in a country club as a bar back. It was a very good opportunity because I was assigned to a great company. They treated us fairly and they also arranged a trip for us foreigners after our contract ended with them.

I can say that this program helped me in a lot of ways.

For one, my English-speaking ability improved. I noticed that when I was interviewed by different companies after graduating college. I gained self-confidence because you must do everything by yourself.

It gives you a sense of independence especially if you’re a Filipino because most of us are still dependent with our parents up until you earn your degree in college.

You also learn to budget and save money. You separate your needs from your wants and I think it’s very important since you’re getting into adulthood.

You get to compare your culture from theirs. It enriched me as a person because you can see how different two countries can be.

And lastly, you get to travel. Each state is unique and it’s like they have their own culture. Even the surroundings are different and you’ll feel like you’re in a whole different country.

So try and live out your life outside your comfort zone because remember that change is just one step outside of it. The world is big and it would be nice to explore what with all the different cultural experience you can have. The possibilities are just infinite. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be one for the books!

Let’s be honest. Working in the kitchen is not a very luxurious job.

You get your hands dirty, you work tremendous amount of hours, you get cuts and burns, not to mention you get paid low especially if you’re just starting. It is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. It is not for everyone because you need to sacrifice lots of things like time with your family and your body. But you know what? It’s a very rewarding experience.

Along the way you’ll learn lots of cooking techniques you’ve never imagined, you get to see many unfamiliar ingredients, meet some new friends from different walks of life.

So if you want to be challenged, continue this path.

I’ve made this article to share my experience and how I was able to cope up with the hardships of kitchen life.

Here are the things I learned:

1. Take Care of Yourself

The nature of the job is already physically hard so why add more? It’s very important to REST as you can when you get the chance because you use so much energy carrying pots, standing for 8–16 hours, and moving so much. Which brings us to #2.

2. Work Smart, Not Hard

That’s what my previous chef told me. I remember slicing some meats for the cold section just enough for dinner service so it ended up that my partner didn’t have any for the next day. Make sure you ANTICIPATE. Why prep the same thing twice when you can do it at once? That is applicable to some stuff. Others you really have to prep everyday fresh. But also watch the economy of your movement. Every second counts inside the kitchen. Stop backtracking so much that you spend 10 minutes instead of 5 because you’re all over the place.

3. Always Respond “Yes Chef”

You learn one thing from your culinary school only to find out that not all people apply the same method in the professional kitchen. Don’t argue with the chef and instead make it a LEARNING EXPERIENCE. I was very tempted to say something back to the chef because I was taught something differently in school but then again there’s a million way to do stuff. Just treat it as added knowledge. Chefs are people to and each are unique. If one chef told you to do it this way, don’t compare it to the other chef that told you to do the other. That’s the last thing you want: to be compared with other people.

4. Teamwork

Remember that the kitchen is not a one-man team. You have others that will help you when you need it. Try to help your fellow cook to but make sure that your prep is done. Otherwise, you both are going to suffer. Before I helped my fellow cook with frying beet chips which takes a big amount of your time then I wasn’t able to cut some tomatoes for my own station. Also don’t get ahead of others. And I’m talking about service time. Why start a salad ahead when it is going with a very big steak. COMMUNICATION is big in this industry. Don’t be shy to shout or else they might not hear you.

5. Go Out

You’re young. Have a life outside the kitchen. It’s very important to treat yourself and EXPLORE. Think of it as a reward for your hard work. It might sound contradicting to #1 but it isn’t. You can think of it as active rest because you also need a sense of belonging there in the world. Every week I dedicate one day for rest and one day for my fun day. Just figure it out which days are effective for you. It will make you realize that you’re not a robot who’s just showing up at work and then do the same routine everyday.

And so those are the things I’ve learned inside the kitchen. Just find something the keeps you motivated in the kitchen. Throughout the years you’ll be able to tell yourself that you did good, you survived, and you learned not just cooking but life lessons.