What does a baker do on a daily basis?

I'm thinking about working in a bakery or pursuing a career in baking after high school, but I'm not sure what the job fully entails. Can someone break down a typical day for a baker?

A career in baking can be incredibly rewarding, though also physically demanding and requiring early starts. A baker's typical day would usually start early in the morning, often before sunrise. This is to ensure that fresh baked goods are available when the bakery opens or when customers start their day.

A baker's day can usually be broken down into several stages:

1. Preparation: The first task is to check the stock, evaluate the availability of ingredients, and prepare baking equipment. The baker would review orders or anticipate customer demand to determine what and how much to bake for the day.

2. Baking: The baker then starts off by measuring and mixing ingredients according to established recipes or instructions. The consistency and quality of the dough is a crucial part, and bakers may need to knead, roll, cut, and shape the dough manually or using machines. The prepared dough will then be put into an oven and baked. During this process, bakers need to monitor temperatures and time so as not to over- or under-bake the goods.

3. Decorating and Display: Some baked goods, like pastries, cakes, and cupcakes, usually require decoration. Such work may need artistic skills and detail-oriented work. Once baked goods have sufficiently cooled, they can be arranged and displayed for sale.

4. Cleaning and Maintenance: At the end of each day, cleanup is an important task, including washing and sanitizing baking utensils, machines, and workspaces, and properly storing leftover supplies. Regular maintenance of the equipment is also a part of a baker's responsibilities.

5. Administration: For those running their own bakery, tasks may also include ordering supplies, maintaining records, planning menus, pricing baked goods, and dealing with customers.

Keep in mind that a baker's daily schedule can be physically demanding and usually involves working in a hot environment. Also, depending on the size of the bakery, the tasks and responsibilities may vary. For instance, in a small local bakery, a baker might be involved in all aspects of the workflow, whereas in a larger establishment, tasks may be more divided. But overall, it's a satisfying job for someone who loves baking and puts a premium on creativity and craftsmanship.