It may seem like a mystery, but it's far from it. A professional kitchen is a narcissistic breeding ground and a place where you can't hide.

Each dish will display your weaknesses, lack of flavour equals a bland personality, a plain dish, a lack of soul. But every creation that hits? Instant gratification, awe, and reverence.

Control must be asserted and dominant as leading a kitchen you manage chaos. Every night is battle of all the elements thrust against you. It's an ego surge announcing, "I will not be defeated." Anyone's misstep reflects on the chef, so abuse is rampant and swiftly delivered.

As a chef, the kitchen is your entire world and you are God. Sexism? Everywhere. Harassment? Constant. Bullying? Soup of the day.

It's better now than when I apprenticed under a Nazi who threw pans and knives but it's still a toxic environment. With shit pay as a bonus.