Former Microsoft Employee Follows His Dream To Become a Chef

March 30, 2006

Kirkland, Wash - After ten years in the software industry, Matt Jones decided to leave his successful career at Microsoft to follow his dream of becoming a chef.

Jones first considered leaving the corporate world during a two week "volunteer vacation" to teach English in Spain. "I met so many people in Spain who believed that life was too short to spend in a cubicle," said Jones. "My passion has always been food. I realized I had the ability to become a chef, and I didn't have to settle for a corporate job."

Jones left Microsoft in 2004 and spent an intensive year in a culinary internship, studying with Gabriel Claycamp of Culinary Communion, a prominent local chef. Incorporating his other passion, Jones traveled to both Thailand and Indonesia to round out his culinary skills. Upon graduation in September 2005, Jones realized his dream and earned the title of Chef.

But Jones took his dream one step further: he decided to become his own boss. Chef Jones is now the owner and executive chef of Starry Nights Catering & Events in Kirkland.

"Most people don't think they can leave the safety of their jobs," says Jones. "I'm proof that if you are passionate about something, you can follow your dreams and change your life."

Starry Nights Catering & Events' Grand Opening House is Thursday, April 6, from 2pm to 8pm. Starry Nights is located at 11200 Kirkland Way #220, Kirkland, WA 98033.