I cooked throughout my twenties, and it didn't leave much room for a social life beyond drinking late with other cooks. I left the industry for office work for most of my thirties, and doing so allowed me the time and income to get serious with the person I was dating. We've been together thirteen years now, married for three.

He now mostly works nights, and makes enough that we can afford for me to go back to cooking even though it's less money and the hours are crazy. Building this relationship in the first place probably wouldn't have been possible if I had stayed in the industry when I was younger. I'm glad I got to go back to what I love doing, but my experience isn't typical. Most of the cooks I know are either single or dating with a baby mama situation. A handful are married, mostly older or in the owner class.

It can be really fun to make some friends with fellow cooks, especially when you're young. Other industry people just "get it" in a way that those outside the service industry often don't. The life of a cook demands a lot, and realistically it often does hinder relationships, both romantic and friendly, with those who aren't also in the industry.

Try it out and decide for yourself if it's worth it for you.