Some Days You’ve Got Nothing Left

“Some Days You’ve Got Nothing Left” – What Chefs Are Telling Us About Mental Health in the Kitchen

At Quartz Hospitality Recruitment, we speak with chefs every day.

Some are excited to take the next step in their careers. Others? They’re just trying to get through the week. Quietly struggling with stress, long hours, and the pressure to keep pushing—often without anyone to talk to.

This blog isn’t about job ads or CV tips. It’s about something more important: mental health. And it’s not coming from us—it’s coming from the chefs we speak to.

“I love what I do. But it’s taken a toll.”

If you’ve worked in a kitchen, you’ll know the feeling.

You’re drained. There’s barely time to grab a coffee. The pressure never stops. You’re proud of the food you serve, but some days, you feel like you’ve got nothing left in the tank.

The chefs we support have told us the same things:

“I feel guilty taking time off, even when I’m exhausted.” “There’s this attitude that if you can’t hack it, you don’t belong.” “I’ve lost count of the number of birthdays I’ve missed.”

This job asks a lot—and too often, it’s mental health that pays the price.

It's Time to Talk About It

Things are slowly improving in the industry, but for too long, kitchen culture has been about pushing through. Head down, get on with it, no fuss.

But here’s the truth: being tough isn’t the same as being well.

We need to create kitchens where chefs feel supported, not just used. Where they can grow their careers without burning out. And where talking about mental health isn’t taboo—it’s expected.

What Chefs Are Asking For

When we ask chefs what would make a difference, they say:

Real work-life balance

Not just lip service. Proper rota planning, days off that are actually respected, and leaders who understand that rest is part of the job.

Respect for the person, not just the plate

Chefs want to be treated like professionals, not machines. That means fair pay, clear communication, and being heard.

Employers who value wellbeing

Mental health days, supportive managers, and team cultures that don’t glorify burnout.

How We Help

At Quartz, we don’t do temporary work. We focus on permanent placements because we believe that stability matters—for your career and your mental health.

We take the time to get to know our candidates. We ask the right questions. We never pressure you into roles that don’t feel right. And if something’s not working—we want to hear about it.

Because recruitment isn’t just about filling gaps. It’s about helping chefs build sustainable careers in kitchens where they can actually thrive.

Final Word

If you’re a chef who’s struggling right now—please know you’re not alone. So many others are feeling the same. And things can get better.

Ready for a fresh start?

If you’re looking for a permanent role in a supportive kitchen, or just want to talk about your next step, we’re here to help.

Get intouch with Hazel at Quartz Hospitality Recruitment on 07801 736709 or email hazel@quartzrecruitment.co.uk

Let’s find a role where you’re not just valued for your skills—but supported as a person too.