Any Lapsed women chefs or cooks out there? Need your story!

I'm conducting an informal survey of women who were once line cooks, pastry chefs, or worked in any capacity as a cook in a professional kitchen - from the lowliest prep position to executive chef - and left the industry.

I'm curious why you left, what factors were involved in your decision to leave, and what you are doing now. You can remain anonymous if you like.

The motivation for my research was an email from the WCR urging its members to apply to be the next "Top Chef" -- Bravo's much-loved culinary competition. When I asked someone connected to the show why they were recruiting from the WCR, the answer was they really wanted to find experienced women cooks and chefs, but were very challenged to find any as most women seem to leave the kitchen more rapidly than men.

I'll write the results up and include them in an essay I'm writing for my blog (yes, my blog).

PM me or drop me a line at wademarchand[at]y a h o o[dot]com