I know someone well who is a chef. He is actually very good, and all of the meals I've had that he's cooked have been great.

Unfortunately, unless you become somewhat famous/well-known in the culinary community, or if you get partial ownership in a restaurant, you make lousy money. This is overlooked by much of the general public. Often the waitresses are making more money than the chefs -- especially at high-end restaurants where the tips are much larger.

"Executive chefs" (the ones that design the menu items) get paid better, but still don't typically do all that well unless they own a piece of the place.

The problem with being a chef is similar to the problems faced by professional actors and athletes. You can be very good, but if you don't get noticed by the right people (and don't run into a certain amount of luck and/or have connections), you will probably struggle financially.