so i'm withdrawing from culinary school...

I am currently attending The Art Institute of California and it's a great school don't get me wrong but it's extremly expensive and i had a mental breakdown the other day (i have bipolar disorder) and i just feel like i don't really need to go there in order to accomplish my dreams, i recently talked to a manager from a local bakery and they said i can volunteer there so that's where i can gain experience also there's alot of other careers i want to pursue so that's what i want to focus on right now. But are there any tips or books i should read cause i eventually want to own my own bakery someday but i just feel like going to school isn't really necessary in order for the careers i want to have

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7 replies since 5th April 2012 • Last reply 5th April 2012

Reply #1:

I think speaking with actual shop owners would be even better than any book you could pick up and read. This way you're able to converse w/ them and have the oppertunity to get advice. I would speak with a couple of local bakeries around. Once you've volunteered enough of your time and they know your hard working then they'll offer you a job and from there you can start working on plans for your own shop.

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Reply #2:

Thanks i think that's a great idea as well! Happy I think i may just start calling or going around and start interviewing people haha

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Reply #3:

good luckHappy

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Reply #4:

school is really good for basics. i've been out of culinary school for a long time, but found that i use a lot of the things i learned in my everyday job.
experience it key, but basics are a must. if you want to open your on store..business courses are essential as well..
take local classes or even night classes to find your niche.
i wanted to be a baker, but i found that a lot of places just don't hire bakers because of how expensive ingredients are.
start small....think big..

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Reply #5:

My sister wants to go into the baking business, & shes never went to school. Shes learning by just trying out online recipes (which r free!), & mix/matching them & creating her own! She mostly likes cupcakes, so shes bought a lot of cupcake books. Volunteering or getting a job at a shop sounds like a perfect idea! Just take notes on how they do it, & ask questions.

I feel your pain tho. I went to art school, & dropped out bc of money, stress, & bc i KNEW i didnt need a degree to do what i love. I have aspergers syndrome (which gives me social anxiety & stress), so it was rough on me too. Its not always the right thing to leave, but i know it was right for me. Happy When i get more money, i plan to go back & just take art classes to learn more for myself.

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Reply #6:

I know how you feel. I have Bipolar disorder and BPD and it was hell going through school. I finished and managed to have a career for two years and ultimately ended up getting disability. If you can work part time that will probably be best for your mental state. There was a chef in my former building who didn't go to culinary school and just worked his way up the ladder, apprenticing and such. It can be done. Best of luck to you!

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Reply #7:

If you can read, you can learn to do anything. Keep your dream in focus and keep notes of everything you learn towards that goal.
College is not for everyone but Culinary school is very demanding- My Daughter in at Culinary Institute of Michigan.
Chefs are very dramatic and if you find someone as a mentor that is your style then stick to them. Mod Podge yourself to them. Ha ha Cooking

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