Cookbook author/foodie Becky Selengut's cool job

Cool Jobs

March 13, 2012

Cookbook author/foodie Becky Selengut's cool job

1 Comment |
E-mail |
Print
- Share:

(Photo by Mark Eskenazi / Special to NWjobs)

What do you do? I'm a private chef who prepares dinners for small groups of diners. I teach cooking classes out of my home, in client's homes, at PCC, Bastyr University and The Pantry. I lead foraging trips in the spring. I write a humor column for Edible Seattle and I write cookbooks. Currently, I'm working on a proposal for my third book.

What's a typical day like? That's just it. I'm lucky enough to have absolutely no typical day. Some days I'm in the woods, some days I'm writing in a cafe, some days I'm teaching, other days I'm cooking in a client's home, volunteering or public speaking. The less exciting days I'm answering emails, doing paperwork, taxes, bookkeeping, etc.

How does someone get a job like yours? Be willing to scribble outside the lines a little -- I didn't force myself to own a restaurant when friends wanted me to; I created opportunities for myself that were more appealing. The other key is to get bored easily. See, if you are constantly bored (and bonus points for commitment issues) you'll always be doing something new!

What's the best part of your work? The best part is that I'm a people person and I get to meet so many fun-loving people. I learn from my students and I'm inspired by other chefs. The other best part (does that make it a second-best part?) is that I will never go hungry in my career and I will always have a warm welcome and a seat at my friend's restaurants.

What surprises people about your work? That I don't really make much money doing this kind of work. I have found that my happiness quotient goes up as the money goes down. My bottom line is different -- don't get me wrong, I wouldn't turn down more money, but I wouldn't trade what I do for anything and because of that, I've accepted that I'll always be on a tight budget.

--NWjobs staff