My "First Pastry Job" Blog

[jeniac42]

I'm hourly, and I do clock out for breaks. 10 hours is too much though!

[tan319]

No doubt.

If I was there for 8 or more, I would be taking a break.

In the last month, maybe twice I've said I'm taking a minute or two, to go outside and sit down for a minute, maybe take a couple of drags off a cigarette.

[chromedome]

I worked eight hours today at my day job, then six at my night job. I took ten minutes' break around 2PM (I'm supposed to take 30, but I just don't have the patience); then I had a nice 40 minutes or so on a crowded rush-hour bus going between jobs. At my night job we all sit down to eat after service, but (again) I don't have the patience to really linger over my food. I just want to clean up and get home. So I don't get a whole lot of "sit time" there, either.

Not that it's unavailable, for me. I'm just congenitally incapable of sitting down while I'm at work. At home, now, it's another story...

[ludja]

Ludja - since you have a special interest in the Austrian pastries, do you know of any good books?  I'm kind of deficient in that area, despite working at an Austrian bakery.  Also, do you know what Indianer is, exactly?  I mean, I have a recipe for it but I've never heard of it before.  What's it normally used for?

Hi jeniac42. I"m not a professional; I just like to bake and my mom is from Austria so I've been able to taste many Austrian/Hungarian pastries and cakes over there. My mom is a very good baker also so I grew up on nut tortes, strudels, etc. at home. I've been baking some Austrian desserts but have lots more to learn.

Here are a few good books with Austrian cuisine that either emphasize or have a good selection w.r.t desserts: (first three especially for desserts)

Kaffehaus by Rick Rodgers

The Cooking of Vienna's Empire by Joseph Wechsberg (Foods of the World Time Life Series)

George Lang's Cuisine of Hungary

also

Viennese Cooking by O&A Hess

Classic Austrian Cooking by Gretel Beer

I've only eaten "Indianerkrapfen" or "Indianer". "krapfen" roughly translates as 'doughnut' or 'cruller'. As I know it, it's a cream puff-related individual pastry cooked in molds to get a nice round shape. It is split in half, can either coat inside with apricot glaze or not; fill with whipped cream and glaze the top half with dark chocolate.

One of my cookbooks says the story behind this pastry is roughly as follows. An Austro-Hungarian impressario in the early 1800's had a entertainment show featuring an Indian (from India) magician. As a promo for the show and to boost sales he commisioned the creation of this dessert covered in chocolate to serve during intermission. (sure beats popcorn!) There was confusion at the time (remember Colombus') between Indianer (Am. Indians) and Indischen (Asian Indians) but it was named Indianer.

Does your bakery have the special molds to make these in? How do you fill them?

Also, I'd appreciate it if in speaking to any of your co workers or bosses if they could recommend other cookbooks for me to search out; English is better, but I can read German also.

I think I may have found the website to your bakery, so I checked out some of the menu and at least partially answered my earlier question. Looks like some great Austrian treats plus 'American' offerings--an extensive selection ings too. I can understand why you guys are so busy. It must be challenging to have such a large selection--but wonderful for the customers!

Thanks!

Edited May 29, 2004 by ludja (log)

[nightscotsman]

Yep, 7 hours no breaks. We are certainly allowed them and the people who smoke do take them, but I'd have a hard time standing up again after sitting down. I'd rather just keep moving. I think the longest I've worked without an actual sit down break was 13 hours at Charlie Trotter's. It didn't seem that bad at the time, but I wasn't doing it week after week.

[jeniac42]

Yeah, I'm not posting the link to the bakery web site just out of paranoia, but you're probably right. We do have a really extensive list of stuff.

Thanks for the information on the Indianer. We don't have molds; it's just piped out onto a tray, but it sounds like the same general idea.

And Neil, it sure is hard to stand up again, but I try to keep the breaks short enough that I don't get used to sitting. I think I need more padding in my shoes because by the end of the day my heels are killing me.

[JanKK]

I think I need more padding in my shoes because by the end of the day my heels are killing me.

Jen, try some of those gel heel pads in your shoes. I found they really helped (along with wearing really good shoes). They do take some getting used to and you may have to try a couple different kinds before you find the right one.

[mckayinutah]

Finally decided to chime in after reading about how many " career changers " we have here on egullet.

I have much respect for all of you who have left well paying jobs to become part of this crazy thing called foodservice. I don't think I could have done that.

I graduated from High school, went to culinary school for 2 years and have spent the last 12 years climbing the pastry ladder, so to speak. At 32 I feel over the hill in this industry, having not gotten to where I feel I should be at this age, and could not even imagine doing something else this late in life.

Baking and pastry is all I know. I eat, sleep, and drink it, and many times have thought about quitting, but it is like an addiction.

And just to add to the sore feet scenerio with no breaks, the longest I have worked is 29 hours straight.

Take care,

Jason

[mags]

Jason,

I just wanted to throw in a word of encouragement. In my early 30s I COMPLETELY switched careers. After having trained as an actor for about 20 years (and working professionally for about 15), I became a financial journalist. I had never written professionally, had never taken a class in finance or economics or anything related, knew nothing about the topic, and didn't care about it, either. But I needed to pay the rent, acting gigs were thin on the ground, and when (after lying through my teeth) I got a job at the copy desk of a major business magazine, I discovered -- to my total astonishment -- that journalism had a lot in common with show biz. So I made the switch.

If ultimately, you're happy in pastry, that's great. But if you want to make a change, it's absolutely possible. Many of the skills you've developed will transfer to another career, even if that's tough to see from where you're sitting.

[mckayinutah]

Jason,

I just wanted to throw in a word of encouragement.  In my early 30s I COMPLETELY switched careers.  After having trained as an actor for about 20 years (and working professionally for about 15), I became a financial journalist.  I had never written professionally, had never taken a class in finance or economics or anything related, knew nothing about the topic, and didn't care about it, either.  But I needed to pay the rent, acting gigs were thin on the ground, and when (after lying through my teeth) I got a job at the copy desk of a major business magazine, I discovered -- to my total astonishment -- that journalism had a lot in common with show biz.  So I made the switch.

If ultimately, you're happy in pastry, that's great.  But if you want to make a change, it's absolutely possible. Many of the skills you've developed will transfer to another career, even if that's tough to see from where you're sitting.

Mags,

Thank you for the kind words of encouragement. It means a lot to me.

To add on to my previous response, I guess I gave the impression that I was considering changing careers, which I am not. I guess it is best to explain a little more.

I came to Utah almost 4 years ago to work for a highly regarded resort and pastry chef. I was hoping to gain some more experience in the sugar and chocolate aspects of this field, but the situation didn't work out there and I left before learning a thing. I also was planning on using that " new found experience" to help land a job back East, where I am originally from and would like to go back to. I planned on doing this soon after the Olympics came and went. But I am still here.

I now work for a property that is not very rewarding but very easy. I make good money, work probably 35 -40 hours a week on salary, but I have not been challenged in quite some time, which I feel I need to continue to improve. The restaurant that was on property began out as upscale, went to more of a TGIFriday's atmosphere, and is now going back to more upscale sometime this summer. I am on my 3rd F&B director in the 3 years that I have been there. Alot of changes in a short period of time, which doesn't help the situation.

I would love to take advantage of being so close to Vegas to go to the World Pastry Forum this July, but my wife and I are in the process of adopting a child from the Ukraine ( hopefully this Fall ) and all the spare money goes to that. ( It is very expensive ) . It just makes me feel that I am falling behind sometimes in what I should be learning or knowing, by not being able to go to these functions. The adoption has also added more time onto when we can move back East, but it is for a very good reason, which I can accept.

So in a nutshell, I am more frustrated than anything else. It also doesn't help that I am probably the most impatient person in the world. I want what has to be done, done NOW, not in a day, or a week, or a year, but that is my problem.

Hopefully I will be able to start looking for a new position at about this time next year.

Thanks again,

Jason

[jeniac42]

Wow, the days at work are long.

Today was kind of an accomplishment for me: the first time I made something start to finish, 100%. I mixed, formed, and baked all the chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies. Hardly a triumph of baking, but it was still a milestone. Plus, I got to use the 140qt Hobart, with the automatic bowl lifter. That was cool.

I can't even remember what else I did. It's very busy right now, because we're participating in an outdoor festival and graduation season is upon us. I know my back hurts from jockeying sheet trays around all day. I'd probably be a better server now - I can sure carry stuff up on my shoulder.

Unfortunately my tendonitis is kicking in. My right wrist is swollen pretty badly, and the pain's starting back. It was very bad a few months ago, when I worked the grill station and had to use the very heavy saute pans there. My joints hyperextend (double-jointed) and so I'm going to have to start wearing my wrist brace again. That should be interesting, given how gloves probably won't fit over the thing.

I feel like I can't even think of anything interesting to say. I guess I should make notes through the week and post when I'm not brain-dead!

[jeniac42]

I am so frustrated today. My wrist started acting up badly, so I wore my brace, but it was too late I guess. I got shooting pains down my arm and it made me so slow at work, and finally got to the point where I was in tears from the pain. I try to never let 'em see me sweat, so this was a big deal.

Anyway, the PC asked if I was OK, I explained about my wrist and said that it would probably take me two or three times as long to get everything done tonight. He and the owner decided to send me home. So I left behind unfinished work that someone else now has to do. I don't want to be that person who creates a burden for someone else, especially not during such a busy week.

So now I have to try to rest the wrist and hope it's better tomorrow. I guess I can go in and volunteer to run dishes through or something if it's not. ARGH.

What do you guys (pros) do when you're hurting at work? What's the line? I mean, I guess if I went on working I'd have put myself out of comission for longer, but I'm still so disappointed in myself.

[tan319]

JENIAC!!!

the most important thing you do in this situation is not to irritate it.

That means not working, more then likely.

I understand where you're coming from, but this isn't your fault, so don't feel like you're letting people down.

It isn't like you're a no call no show because you did too much coke and drank too much vodka last night.

If you have tendonitis, you're going to have to be really careful or you're going to ruin your wrists.

See if they will let you fill in somewhere else where you won't be aggravating your injury.

It's great you're willing to even do dishes to help out.

Re: what we do when we're sick(?)

I rarely miss work for any reason but I will tell you one thing.

One day, last fall, I think, I went in to work and I knew I had the flu.

When the chef and the sous chef came in, they kicked me right out the door.

As flu will decimate your kitchen pronto, they were kind of like "thanks but, no thanks", to coming in.I don't think any of us would work with a chronic condition that affects your muscles, skeletal system, etc.

You need to see a specialist, if you haven't already.

All the best to you, I hope you feel better soon!

Edited June 4, 2004 by tan319 (log)

[chefpeon]

I know exactly what you're going through! Wrist, arm (and foot) pain have been part of my everyday life for the last 5 or 6 years now.

When I first started experiencing pain in my arms and wrists and the constant numbness (especially at night), I went to see the doc about it. He sent me to a specialist, who at that

time told me I had pretty bad carpal tunnel syndrome. He suggested I have a carpal tunnel

"release" surgery, which would alleviate the pain. I asked how long it would put me out of work and he told me it depended if I had one wrist done at a time or both at the same time. Either way, 4 to 6 weeks out of work was out of the question for me. And we all know, even if I had

just one wrist done at a time, I still wouldn't be able to work. No way you can PC with just one hand. Actually, I could use 4 hands, but guess I'll have to settle for two.

Well, that was about 6 years ago (maybe longer, I can't remember now). Over time, the initial annoying pain and numbness has become much worse, and almost to the point where I'm starting to feel handicapped from it. I cannot hold a saute pan with one hand anymore....I have to use two. Hoisting around heavy mixer bowls is enormously difficult, and squeezing a pastry bag is almost unbearable. This is very scary for me. My hands are my living, and now instead of gritting my teeth through that occasional twinge of pain, I'm grinding my teeth from the ceaselessness of it.

I haven't seen a doc about it, because I know the answer will be surgery, and I can't afford the surgery (I have medical insurance, but I can't afford to be away from work that long). Not only that, after surgery, your hands are much weaker and I sure don't need that hassle. I've tried

wrist brace therapy, but that proved ineffective as well as being annoying as hell when you're trying to work.

The main reason I never got the surgery 6 years ago was because I asked the doc this question:

"If I get the surgery, after I'm recovered, and I go back to work doing the same thing that caused the problem in the first place, will it happen again?" And the doc said, "Of course it would." I figured "why bother, then?" I'm not about to change careers.

So, really, what is there to do? Have surgery and quit being a PC or not have surgery and work until my arms fall off? Of course, I could have surgery and resume being a PC, but that would only be after I got out of jail for not being able to pay my bills while I was laid up. Ok, not jail.

Bankruptcy proceedings....which is as bad as jail as far as I'm concerned. Regardless, no choice

has a very good outcome.

Actually, I should be encouraging you! You'll get through it.....the pain will go away! Well, it

does temporarily, but it always comes back....with a vengeance too. I just went back to work

in a commercial establishment after a year off.....my hands and arms were feeling almost normal, but after JUST ONE DAY at being back on the job, I was back to pain, square one.

I sure wish I had a positive answer for you....but I don't. I don't know what to do. Like I said,

it's scary.

I also think you and I have something in common.......we both worked in Corporate World....you

in computers and me at the Phone Co. I typed on a keyboard 8 hours a day for ten years....and I'm sure you've done your fair share of typing on your computer. I think all that keyboarding

made us very susceptible to repetitive stress injuries that usually take longer to manifest themselves in people who don't keyboard for a living. It was like us choosing careers in pastry

was the "straw that broke the camel's back" as far as our wrists go.

I KNOW I'm going to have to see a doc soon.......at least maybe for some type of painkiller.

I'm not looking forward to the news he has for me, that's for sure!

Carpal Tunnel be damned!!!!!

[chefpeon]

Oh yeah......

and the IRONY?

Here I am after work......TYPING ON A KEYBOARD.

D'oh!!!!

[tan319]

Well...

annie, et al, I hate to say this but, you guys have to do something about this.

Jesus, I can't believe you didn't have surgery done.

One thing is for sure.

The painkiller route, heavy duty painkiller route, will screw you up even worse.

Getting a vicodin/oxycotin(sp) jones going on will screw you even worse.

One friend of my wife's is on the verge of losing her husband to various illness's brought on by painkiller addiction.

They just lost their house due to the fact that he can't work anymore.

Sorry to be bummy but this is the truth.

I'm sure the state can help out somewhat, actually, quite a lot, if you have to take time off due to medical problems.

You just have to take advantage of it.

Sorry to say all this crap, even sorrier that one of the most screwed up things about this country of ours (oppps, are we allowed to wax political?) that spends billions of dollars "liberating" people

can't take better care of it's own citizens facing situations like this.

Good luck, please look into taking care of this!

[mags]

Amen, Ted, on all fronts.

[JanKK]

Annie ....I went kicking and screaming to my carpal tunnel surgery, too .......but it's probably the best thing I ever did. That was 6 or 7 years ago and I'd had the problem for at least 10 years.

Today? No problems at all. Shit can certainly happen, but if you get a GOOD hand surgeon, chances of that are minimal. Basically, I was told that once you started to lose strength in your hands, it wouldn't come back and the only way to prevent it from getting worse was to have the surgery.

Will the problem recur if you do the same things? Maybe, maybe not. I still spend a great deal of my day (and night!) in front of a keyboard, and mine hasn't come back. I think if you're aware of the warning signs (as you will be since you've lived with the problem) and take some small precautions, it's much less likely to recur.

Don't know where y'all live, but I know a great surgeon in the western suburbs of Chicago if you want a recommendation.

Just my thoughts :)

--Jan

[jeniac42]

Yeah, I figure I will see a doctor about it as soon as I can come up with the money or get insurance. It scares me, because I like this profession and I don't want to have to give it up because of wrist problems. I mean, I'm 25 now, so in 20 years I imagine it will be pretty bad.

I do feel terrible about leaving and I'm afraid I won't be able to go in tomorrow, but it's such a busy week, I also feel like I have to. Especially since I've only worked there for a month! (There's really no external pressure to do this, by the way; the owner said to take my time and get my wrist better, so I think he might be amenable to my doing work that helps out but won't overtax the wrist.)

[tan319]

Jeniac,

it's honorable that you feel so responsible but the important thing is to take care of the injury.

Not to sound weird or too personal but, if you might want to look into a county hospital or a catholic ( or other affiliated ) type hospital.

A lot of times they will do work based on your income so you don't have to let it go.

Look into county/state medical services.

It takes a bit of time but maybe you can find something.

Of course, it goes w/o saying, forgive me if you've already explored those avenues.

Good luck!

[kitwilliams]

I, too, will have to advise in favor of surgery, for those of you who need it. I have a small business, mostly wholesale breakfast pastries and desserts. I was laminating fifty pounds of croissant dough a week. All by hand. Prior to my baking career, I spent years in front of a keyboard and had carpal tunnel tendencies. The rolling out of croissant dough was the straw that broke the camel's back. I was told six weeks recovery. It took me fully six months, probably due to another health issue of mine, so don't worry that it will take you as long to recover.

So now I am in the process of moving into a new kitchen which is large enough to house my awesome dough sheeter which I will finally be able to plug in tomorrow, now that the wiring has been completed. I've never used it before (a Rondo SMK-64) so any and all advice is greatly appreciated! Can't wait to crank that baby up!

The surgery works. I had mine three years ago. So far, so good. I have the same financial difficulties as many of you, but do whatever you can to have the procedure and then let's all band together (those of us in the US) and get some sort of national health in this country!

Oh, Ted has a good point. There are groups out there that WILL help uninsured persons who desperately need medical attention. And your situation is serious, jeniac, as it affects your livelihood. You too, chefpeon! My cousin, a baker and caterer in western Massachusetts, is currently serving on a board in the Berkshires. She is uninsured, has had several big medical issues which she couldn't afford, and is now working with a group of doctors who want to volunteer time for uninsured patients in order to do their bit to help rectify the bad medical/insurance situation in this country. It is good to know that there are people out there in our communities who do care. See what might be available in your neighborhood. Believe me when I say that I know how hard it is to ask for help, but know that there are understanding people who are willing to help. They know how desperate the situation is for many hard-working people. They want to help. If you can find them, let them.

Take care of yourselves, everyone!

[jeniac42]

Oh, I'm willing to ask for help. I'm just not sure where to try to find that kind of thing. I've done a few web searches and haven't gotten very far.

I ended up not working today. I was going to go in and work the dinner service and just try to be really careful, but they got someone else to fill in. This sucks for me, because I can't afford to lose the hours, but sometimes I guess it can't be helped. Since I've only been there for a short time, I am afraid of losing my job; not because they're mean, but if you run a small business you may not be able to afford keeping someone on who can't work 100%. Argh.

[Wendy DeBord]

Gosh I feel horrible for both of you. I can't imagine being in your shoes...........I wish there was something I could do or say to help...................

The only small stupid thing I can add is, I think there's pc work out there that isn't as hard with repetitive motions. Yes, I know how hard it is to find a good job, but if your body can't handle it you need to listen. The type of work I do doesn't involve alot of repetitive motions and I have enough freedom to change up my tasks if I'm fatigued. You don't have to give up your career, there are jobs out there that are less physically demanding. If you worked for a real jerk, you'd seek a better job.....

Also Jeniac, good employees are hard to find. Your an asset for that business. If you can, offer up to help again, in any area that you can phsyically do until your healed. Keep in close contact with them so they know you want to keep this job. Good comunication is important.

[tan319]

Oh, I'm willing to ask for help.  I'm just not sure where to try to find that kind of thing.  I've done a few web searches and haven't gotten very far.

I ended up not working today.  I was going to go in and work the dinner service and just try to be really careful, but they got someone else to fill in.  This sucks for me, because I can't afford to lose the hours, but sometimes I guess it can't be helped.  Since I've only been there for a short time, I am afraid of losing my job; not because they're mean, but if you run a small business you may not be able to afford keeping someone on who can't work 100%.  Argh.

Kit,

that was such a great, informative post!

Man, I can't believe you used to do all of that croissiant work by hand.

At the French joint, the only kind of tough thing I have to do is beat the hell out of the butter inside of the "package".

Which is harder then one might think.

I just thought of the perfect tool to use.

Instead of a rolling pin, I should use a baseball bat!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeniac,

The best place to probably start the search is at a state aid office, that's where people usually get medicaid and such.

As far as the gig goes, go in and tell them how much you like working for them, that you need the job, and you'll do whatever they have open that won't interfere with the healing of your injury.

And read that kit post again, a lot of good stuff there.

Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you need anything.

Edited June 5, 2004 by tan319 (log)

[jeniac42]

I really appreciate all the nice words and support. It's hard for me, because I just made this major career change and am finally doing something I enjoy (most of the time), and along comes my wrist, making me afraid I won't be able to continue doing it.

I spoke with the owner of the bakery today. He's being very understanding, and said that since it's very busy today he does need someone who can keep pace with the work that needs to be done and has someone who can fill in for me. He also said that my job is completely secure, because I've been doing well and I will be there for the longer term, so make sure the wrist is rested and well so I don't burn myself out. It's nice to work for good people.

I think I have found a free clinic here that's open on Mondays, which happens to be my day off, so I will probably try that this week. Maybe they can suggest some theraputic exercises or something so I can get myself back to working 100%.

Meantime I think I might go to the library and see if they have the Kaffehaus book mentioned earlier... do some research in my down time.