Jobhop Jobhop's blog : What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Baker?

Are you absolutely loving the return of Bake Off? Have you been itching to get into the kitchen? If the answer is yes, then you will be pleased to hear that, this week (16th-22nd October) it's National Baking Week!

Baking is having a moment; thanks to the Great British Bake Off, more and more of us are reaching for our wooden spoons, KitchenAids, and grandma's recipe books. So today we're sharing the benefits if you were to go one step further and turn baking into your actual career.

Bakers are responsible for preparing and baking a variety of sweet and savoury goods - including everything from bread, pies, and pastries, to cakes, muffins, and croissants. They use a range of different techniques and equipment to form and shape these goods, from the rolling, cutting and shaping stage, to the baking, finishing, and packaging stage.

On the surface, this job sounds ideal. Hours and hours spent surrounded by sugary and iced goodies - it sounds like a dream. Bakers - sometimes given titles like pastry chef - do spend their fair share of time surrounded by highly desirable treats. While there are some disadvantages to becoming a baker, such as the long hours and a potential sweets overload, there are also some clear benefits...

Working unusual hours

For individuals who don't like the typical 9-5 work schedule, becoming a baker could be an ideal career move. While some bakers do have the traditional schedules, there are also positions that work into all hours of the night and into the early morning. Fresh bakery items are distributed to shops before they open for their regular shopping hours. These items are made overnight, therefore, becoming a baker could appeal to those night owls.

Versatility

While job growth may be limited, bakers do have a lot of career options. You can work for supermarket chains or in various types of restaurants ranging from casual to formal. Many bakers also open their own bakeries or restaurants or take over family businesses. In this case, your income potential is higher if your business ends up being successful. You would also have the ability to control the business environment and the types of goods you bake.

Enjoying mobility

The job of a baker keeps you moving, it's not a mundane desk job. Office jobs can take a toll on your health, so the physicality of being a baker has its advantages. While a baker may be exposed to more opportunities to gain some weight by eating their creations, the physical movement helps to improve health. A typical day for a baker involves gathering ingredients and cooking utensils before putting together a recipe and placing the items in the oven for baking. It also involves greeting customers and taking orders. All of these tasks keep a baker active.

Creativity

Bakers are essentially pastry artists. In some mass production workplaces, your creative opportunities may be limited. However, bakers in many chains and shops have the ability to come up with new creations or to put a personal touch on favourites, such as doughnuts or cupcakes. A passion for baking and flexible opportunities gives bakers a chance to use their creative talents.

Gaining popularity

The local baker is able to easily gain popularity in the neighbourhood, simply by producing a product that makes people happy. Unlike having to go to the dentist, buying cookies and cakes puts people in a good mood. Clients also order baked goods for uplifting events like birthdays and weddings. Like any other business, bakers, of course, can run into demanding and grumpy customers, but in general, their money-making product puts a smile on customers faces.

There are only a few of the benefits of becoming as baker, but how do you know if this is the right career path for you?

Consider talking to a careers advisor at your school or a local college, or ty to find an entry-level position that requires limited experience. By expanding your knowledge, discovering your talents and discovering what work environment is ideal for you is the only way to know for certain.