Anybody out there a professional baker?

Thanks everyone for the responses! Sorry it took so long to get back, have been without a computer for a while. After doing some research, and talking to my doctor, I've decided to go ahead and pursue my dream! I realize that I may not be able to work in a fast-paced environment like our local Costco bakery (not that I'd want to, would prefer a place where I could be more creative than just cranking out products a corporation determines), but I will modify things if I have to. I did go talk to a couple of local bakers, they were both really pretty positive. One is re-opening his bakery in a month and has adapted it so it is more "user friendly". I guess that is the new wave of bakeries in the future, whether remodeling or building a new bakery. Another baker in another small bakery told me the same thing, they are hoping to update in a couple of years. I will see how it goes, and I can always tweak my degree to include a couple extra classes for restaurant/bakery management if things don't work out like I want them to. If I don't at least try, I'll always wonder. And if nothing else, I'll be the most qualified counter person they've ever had! ;)

Hi, i say go for it. The day we stop going for it is a sad one indeed. Modify modify modify & if your determined you can do anything! If you cant well you at least tried a new thing in life. Win win i say :)

Thanks, I agree!!!

I am not a professional baker by any means but I love baking! It is an outlet for me to escape pain. I have family members who are professional bakers and chiefs. It is a lot of work, however, if it is your dream who is to say you cannot do it. Today there are hundreds of tools that can assist you in adapting baking to fit your needs. You may need to invest in those tools as a bakery may not have them. Usually pior to graduation you have to complete an internship. You could find one that is willing and able to adjust to your needs. If you do great at the internship most companies will hire you on. Another option could be running a small baking service out of your home (some states require you do it out of a seperate kitchen than a home due to codes so you will need to check) and you
could take on only what you could handle.
Age does not matter when it comes to fullfilling dreams. My godmother went to school at the age of 65 to get her under graduate and graduate degree.

Thanks for your reply, Kelseymarie. I had checked into baking out of my home, but right now our state law requires using a commercial kitchen, though there is talk of that changing in the future.

P. S…
Those big multi tiered cakes are heavy. Really heavy, you could be shifting hundreds of pounds of cakes and ingredients.
I have OA in my feet. So it would take me a week to recover from the big cakes. Smaller ones were easier.
And are you good with numbers? You can also research what it takes to run the business aspect of it.
Let me know?
Sparklyhthr

Hi there!
I am not a professional baker- but I have made hundreds of cakes. Wedding, shower and others. I haven't been able to do much baking recently. I do love to bake still.
Just a thought - is there a bakery close by that you could check out? Maybe ask to be an intern - so you can see how things work and if you are able to survive the hectic pace? I would imagine that you can get a good idea of how things are. And whether it is a good fit for you.
Keep us posted?
Hugs.
Sparklyhthr

Thanks for the reply…and thank you for suggesting I check out a bakery itself, doubt I would have thought of that!

It may be a challenge but if you have the time and money and passion to prpceed in following your dreams, go for it. You only have one life to live. Make it the happiest you can.
Prayers to you,
Bri

Thank you Bri for your reply. Luckily we don't count on my working to make ends meet, so I'm able to give this a try at least. My husband said to go for it if it makes me happy. :)

And I should have mentioned, is it possible with someone with OA like I have to hold up to the rigors of being a professional baker!