The working conditions in this profession are pretty extreme. The hours are long, and the working culture is not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. In addition to long hours, there is also little time for social life. Extended hours are also accompanied by a drinking culture. These factors make the career of a chef very unhealthy and challenging.
The lack of social life is one of the reasons chefs suffer from mental health problems. They often finish work late at night and will spend their free time drinking. They also might go out on the weekends and even on their days off. These habits are detrimental to their health, and Grohol said that he had noticed a significant rise in the number of chefs with substance abuse problems.
The Drinking culture of chefs is evolving. A growing number of chefs are realizing the negative impact that excessive drinking has on their lives and careers. Many are even turning to new practices that reduce their exposure to alcohol. These practices include implementing employee assistance funds, sponsoring suitable health activities, and offering flexible scheduling.
In Seattle, restaurants are recovering from the devastating 2020 pandemic, but many are still struggling to recover from the disaster. In a recent piece for the Seattle Times, writer Jackie Varriano explores the role that alcohol plays in dining establishments. Alcohol is often served with food and can elevate a meal to the next level. A carefully curated wine list or well-crafted cocktail can earn a restaurant prestige. But the drinks are also served by servers, who are often under stress and are vulnerable to alcohol abuse.
Despite these problems, the drinking culture of chefs is not limited to the kitchen. In the UK, more than half of chefs admit to drinking on the job. A recent study cited 54 Head Chefs who revealed that alcohol is a coping mechanism for those in high-pressure environments. In many cases, drinking is also an accepted way to unwind after a long day.
The food service industry has some of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the world, but this also leads to high-stress levels. Some chefs take this stress to an extreme by becoming angry and demanding, while others enjoy the relaxed, calm environment they can create. Stress and tension in the kitchen can cause mental health problems, and some chefs have also been known to become depressed as a result of their high workload.
Chefs often work long hours, and many end their day with a drink. Weekends are a popular time for chefs to go out and celebrate, but that's not the only time they're drinking. Some chefs even go out to party on days off.