While hospitality careers are popular for the many personal
and professional rewards they offer, it is possible for employees to become overwhelmed
by the demands of working in such a fast-paced, hectic environment. Thankfully, you can excel in your hospitality
job while avoiding burnout caused by long hours, stress and a demanding
position!
Are You Cut Out for a Hospitality Job?
Front line hospitality jobs (those dealing directly with the
public) are best suited to people who love working with people. The social interaction and active lifestyle that
come with these positions are great for outgoing, extroverted employees. However, there is no time for a bad day when
you work with the public. You must arrive
to work each day in a good mood, polished and ready to handle whatever your job
and customers will throw at you!
Back of house employees, meanwhile, are those who support
the restaurant, hotel or cruise ship operations in cooking, cleaning, financial
and other positions. These employees
usually choose the hospitality industry because the job opportunities are
endless, with abundant promotions and training opportunities.
Hospitality Industry Offers Unique Rewards and Challenges
The nature of the hospitality business is such that 9-5,
Monday to Friday shifts are rare.
Hospitality jobs usually involve various hours and shifts on weekends,
holidays and evenings. Most restaurants
and hotels experience a “peak” and “down” time cycle, when hours of work change
according to the amount of work that is available. Hospitality employees need to be flexible and
able to adapt to the constantly changing environment.
Amanda Manke, server at the trendy Toronto Japanese
restaurant and Bar Ki, has enjoyed the rewards of her hospitality career since
she first began serving in 1998. “When I first started out in the hospitality industry, I didn’t know how
much money I could make. In the
beginning, it wasn’t about the money,” she says. “I started serving because I enjoy a job that
is completely different each day and it’s great to have interaction with new
individuals. But I’ve stayed because the
money is great if you are good at it!”
Manke has since worked in nine different dining
establishments in city and resort settings.
She credits her success in hospitality to her passion for her work and
outgoing personality. Manke used her
hospitality career as a stepping stone to help her financially through college
and understands the importance of balancing work with the obligations of her
personal life. Her advice for new
hospitality employees:
- Plan your day and learn to prioritize in your
work and personal lives.
- Take time to do the things you enjoy in your
personal life. Remember, the
business won’t collapse if you take a few days off!
- Do what you love and love what you do! Be happy in your hospitality job, or
find one that better suits your talents.
- Take advantage of training opportunities
offered by employers. Learning the
skills required to excel at your job reduces the stress involved in your
daily routine.
Professionalism--Multi-Tasking Key to Successful Work/Personal
Relationships
Hospitality employees must be able to handle several tasks
at once to accomplish all of their duties within their shift. Multitasking is an important skill to master
and requires a good memory and the ability to prioritize. Remember that you are only human and will
make mistakes – and the restaurant or hotel won’t fall down around you! Recognize your strengths and work on
overcoming your weaknesses.
Whether you work with the public or behind the scenes, it is
important to keep your job in perspective – especially in environments such as
resorts, where you may be living and working with the same people each
day. Forming relationships with
coworkers and loyal customers is a natural part of the job, but it is important
to maintain a professional attitude, keeping work and home life separate.
Dedicating every second of the day to your work can be as
detrimental to your performance as not trying hard enough. Leave work at work and set aside time at home
at the end of each day to do something you truly enjoy doing.