A couple of nights ago, I had the longest conversation with my oldest son. This in itself is an event since these chats have become rarer now that he is an adult…. Gosh… An adult… Never gonna get used to that one…

We were talking about his plans for the next few days and what time I am expecting him to come visit on Friday so I can make plans for the weekend.

Then the conversation turned towards work. You see… He’s been working as a chef, something he assured me would be just till he decides what step to take next in his professional life.

Then he hit me with a curveball

“Yeah, I’ve decided to stay on my job for now. The offered to pay for my MVQ, which I’ll need as an official qualification from the chefs Guild”

I had to stop and think a second. All that came to mind was to ask him:

Oh… so you wanna be a chef long term then?

He went on to explain that he’s been thinking a lot about it. He’s decided to go to a culinary school instead of the computer science degree he had chosen. That he’s worked with a few really good chefs so far, and an ex-Michelin Star chef told him he’s talented. That he just needs to learn not to rush into things and find his own path.

Long as you know is not gonna be easy and you have a game plan, then I am 100% behind you. I know you are going far. You totally rock! – was my answer.

Yeah, I know it’s gonna suck. But I love it. – his answer.

Now I don’t know if I am proud or worried… Maybe both.

But the second thing I think is the parent inner voice only wanting the best for your kids.

Truth is, I am kinda chuffed. I still remember little him helping me in the kitchen, shouting “yes chef” whenever I asked him for something.

You see, a lot of our quality time is spent in the kitchen (or cooking in general… Since we cook on the fire when we’re camping, etc). And when he started apprenticing in a wedding venue down south, I was super proud he chose something so close to both our hearts… I never thought it would be what he would do as a serious career, though. I thought it would phase out like so many things do when we’re young…

I was thinking about it driving home today… I saw in another stack a post that talked to me a lot. There is a difference between saying I have to do this and I get to do this.

And he gets to do something he loves. And yes… It is going to suck for a bit, but he loves it.

The take? Follow your dream… It might suck for a bit, but if you love it, then it’s worth the temporary suckage…

I’m still giving a few steps back before I can stride forward again… But I am happy he is steaming forward at full speed… One proud dad here.

Now if you’ll excuse me… I’ve just been notified that I am doing Spagheti Bolognaise for dinner tonight… And here i thought I was going to be catered for tonight… lol

Carpe diem, my friends!