Foodies already have a highly lucrative skill at their disposal, one which can be translated into money-making opportunities. Learn how to become a private chef, and become self employed. The work at home jobs in this field may not always be in the professional’s own home, but they’re no less lucrative for this geographic deficiency.
Become a Private Chef
First, be aware of one fact: there isn’t a huge, huge demand for private chefs. Generally, only the wealthy can afford to hire a private chef to tend to all their eating needs. However, there is a big demand for prepared foods and meals. Branch out a little in cooking services, offering to do meal catering as well, and this career becomes that much more lucrative.
Becoming a private chef, however, isn’t as easy as going into the kitchen and cooking. Private chefs will need to have the credentials to back themselves up; sadly, just cooking great food won’t always do the trick. It’s a good idea to take a few courses on food preparation and pastry-making, perhaps even study the full culinary arts if that’s at all possible. When schooling won’t work, get some real-world experience by working for restaurants, catering companies, etc.
Become Self Employed
Already got the cred to be a private chef, and want to take the act on the road with a freelance job or two? For almost all careers, there are a few basic things one will need to learn how to do to become self employed. Those who aspire to earn as chefs might want to provide even more to the standard formula.
- A recipe book. Chefs who want to show off their skills should create a portfolio of sorts, featuring pictures and a basic ingredient list for signature recipes (for example, herb-encrusted salmon served on a bed of wild rice, seasoned with saffron and lemon zest).
- Jobs. It’s impossible to make money as a private chef without first obtaining a few jobs, or at the very least one regular job. Network and advertise locally to make this happen. Again, catering can be a good way to help make this happen.
- Rates. All self employed professionals should establish, at least in their own minds, some sort of value to their work. Private chefs may choose to charge hourly, per day, per event, etc. When freelancing, it’s possible to establish one’s own rates. However, it’s important to stay competitive, so take a look at what the competition’s doing before setting any prices in stone.
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