Sobhi: From executive chef to AI engineer
Sobhi Malak had it all: a prestigious career as an executive chef in Stockholm, a spacious apartment, and a great car. But during a solo trip to Spain, he had a life-changing realization: “I’m not happy with my job anymore.” So, he quit and changed his life.
While traveling alone in Spain, Sobhi took a rare moment to reflect on his life. He had everything society deems successful. But something was missing. The relentless demands of his career had drained his happiness.
“I basically lived in the kitchen,” Sobhi recalls. “And when I finally had time off, everyone else was working. I had no personal life.”
It was then he made the bold decision: “I have to change my job and my life.”
Quitting my high-profile job was scary
Leaving behind a career he had dedicated nearly a quarter-century to wasn’t easy. Sobhi had reached the pinnacle of his profession as an executive chef in a top Stockholm restaurant. But the weight of success had taken its toll.
“It was the scariest thing I have ever done,” he admits. When Sobhi handed in his resignation, his boss thought he was joking, assuming he was angling for a raise or promotion. His friends, however, were less understanding.
“They said things like, ‘You’ll never find another job,’ or ‘You’re 48—what are you thinking?’ It was hard to hear, very destructive.”
From the kitchen to the classroom
Sobhi’s bold career change shocked everyone even more when he revealed his next move: studying AI engineering. The field is notoriously difficult, with a high dropout rate, and Sobhi had no prior experience in technology. Yet, his determination was unwavering.
“I wanted to quit my studies every single day!”
“I wanted to quit my studies every single day during those two years,” Sobhi admits. But whenever he doubted himself, he asked one simple question: “Do you want to go back to the kitchen?” Every time, the answer was a resounding “no.” To afford this life-changing decision, Sobhi made sacrifices. He moved into a smaller apartment, changed his car and embraced a simpler lifestyle to support his education.
Why he got a job offer as an intern
Sobhi’s perseverance paid off. Not only did he graduate, but his hard-earned skills—combined with his leadership experience and discipline from his chef career—set him apart. He landed an internship in the AI engineering division of a major international car company. Before even completing the internship, he was offered a full-time role. Today, Sobhi is thriving as an AI engineer. His success is proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Why he started a morning ritual
When Sobhi decided to change his career he started a new habit: a morning routine. “I go to a café, have a coffee. And just sit, reflect and plan my day.” Questions he asks himself daily:
👉What am I doing? Am I on the right path or not?
👉 What can I do better?
💪The biggest benefit: I feel more in balance with myself when I do my morning ritual.
😎When I skip my morning ritual I feel lost and my day doesn’t really work out well.
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Sobhi’s advice: change!
For anyone stuck in a job that no longer brings joy, Sobhi has a simple message:
“Change. Do it. If I can do it, anyone can.”
Congratulations, Sobhi, on having the courage to listen to your intuition and quit your prestigious job. Your discipline and powerful mindset to persevere through your AI studies are truly inspiring. You’ve shown so many people that it’s never too late to change careers. Wishing you all the very best on your exciting new path!