Is There Longevity in a Career in Hospitality?

Is There Longevity in a Career in Hospitality? 

For many years, roles within the hospitality industry have been perceived as “stop-gap” jobs — temporary positions taken to support studies or bridge gaps between careers. While this arrangement works well for some individuals and businesses, it is unfortunate that hospitality is not more often viewed as a long-term career option. 

Throughout my time in this industry, I have witnessed countless team members successfully balance their roles in hospitality with other commitments, demonstrating immense energy, passion, and resilience — qualities that are foundational to this field, but we would love to see more people choose this as a long term option. When developing new teams, we recognise the importance of embracing individuals' unique talents and life experiences, encouraging team members to apply their skills to the workplace. By fostering this inclusive environment, we enable their talents to thrive alongside their work with us. 

Personally, and for many of my friends, hospitality is not a secondary commitment — it is our career, our passion, and our drive. In this challenging, ever-evolving industry, we are committed to building, teams, businesses and experiences that empower individuals to succeed and thrive. 

Creating an Environment for Change 

When creating a new team or consulting for an existing one, we strive to help individuals grow alongside the business, transforming their passion into a fulfilling and lasting career. As a business, building sustainable careers in hospitality should always be a tangible goal, without being cliché, hospitality businesses, more so than most, are nothing without the right team, one break in the team can have a vast impact on all operations. From the inception of a business,  a strong framework that supports and inspires individuals is key. 

During my time in hospitality, I have seen and experienced firsthand the systemic issues that need to change. Far too often, hospitality workers are undervalued, underpaid, and unsupported, treated as disposable assets rather than the backbone of a business. The traditional, impersonal management structures have, at times, hindered progress, leaving team members unmotivated and disconnected. 

The goal should be to provide opportunities, invest in teams, and treat individuals with the recognition and respect they deserve. From sharing ideas to delivering constructive feedback without fear of consequences, I believe the hospitality industry must evolve to foster collaboration, growth, and progress.  If someone shows enthusiasm, puts forward ideas and wants to be more involved in a certain area, they should be given a chance. In a fast-paced environment, it is often too easy to keep doing things the way that they have always been done for speed and efficiency, this leads to demotivation and high staff turnover, forcing the business to change when a core member leaves, rather than working with them to grow together.

A Personal Perspective 

My journey in hospitality began at a young age, working in a kitchen where I eagerly seized every opportunity to learn and grow. While I developed invaluable skills, the experience often came at a cost — long hours and low remuneration compared to my peers. By age nineteen, I earned my personal license and took on management roles in front-of-house operations. However, the traditional demands of hospitality began to take their toll, and I stepped away, disillusioned with an industry I once loved only a few years later.

Nine years on, I returned to hospitality, initially seeking a “fun bar job” as a secondary commitment. Yet, the supportive and empowering environment within the business reignited my passion. I rediscovered what I loved about this industry, and three years later, hospitality is, once again my chosen career — fulfilling, challenging, and endlessly exciting.  I want to continue to pass this on to others, after training many individuals over this period and seeing their drive for the industry and to learn new skills flourish.

The Push for Change

Over the years I have seen people sceptical about change within the industry, from owners to managers and the wider team. It is time to put our own negative experiences behind us and provide the environment we would have wanted to grow our careers in and stop replicating the ones that once caused us so much stress and anxiety.

Due to previous experiences within the industry, when getting to know new team members, I have been met with confusion when I have tried to provide teaching moments instead of punishments when mistakes are made. Trepidation when new team members have had to ask to take personal time or needed a break when they have been met with understanding. Hospitality is fast paced and tough at times, but as leaders we need to ease that pressure and make sure every member of the team feels confident and looks forward to coming to their place of work.

Promoting Hospitality as a Career 

Our mission is clear: to transform perceptions of hospitality and provide teams with the tools and opportunities to forge meaningful careers. 

1. Work-Life Balance: Prioritise fair working hours and schedules that respect personal lives, enabling teams to thrive both professionally and personally. 

2. Empowerment Through Learning: By involving team members in key business processes, we equip them with valuable skills — from marketing, accounting, and social media management to mixology, event planning, and project management. 

3. Career Development: We aspire to see individuals grow within businesses and, when the time comes, use their experience to launch businesses of their own — staying within hospitality, rather than leaving out of frustration. 

Businesses should not simply be looking for employees; they should be looking for passionate individuals ready to embrace the opportunities hospitality offers. With the right mindset, support, and guidance, hospitality can be whatever you make it — fulfilling, versatile, and full of potential. 

The opportunities in this industry are limitless — whether your interests lie in business operations, customer experience, creative marketing, or leadership development. With energy, imagination, and determination, a career in hospitality can be tailored to fit your unique goals and aspirations. 

Through training and consultancy, we aim to help others invest in their teams, fostering a culture of growth, support, and respect, hoping to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals and leaders. 

If you share our passion, we invite you take the next step in your hospitality career and be part of a new and exciting journey.