There’s a reason that people look back fondly on their time working in hospitality. It’s an atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else. Whether it’s busy, it’s quiet, you’re working by yourself, or it’s an all-hands-on-deck moment, there’s something fun and exciting to take away from every shift. Let’s take a look at just a few of the things that make working a hospo gig such a vibe:
The friends you make
If you’re looking for a job where you make friends quickly, hospitality is a great shout. On any given shift you’re usually working in a small, tightly-knit team to get things done when they need to be – and you don’t get efficient without learning how to get along with each other.
It’s pretty likely that loads of your co-workers will be in a similar life stage to you. They might be saving up for a gap year, studying at TAFE or Uni, or they’re just starting out in their dream hospo career – which means you’ll already have heaps in common!
On the other hand, some of the best mates I made working in hospo came from totally different backgrounds. Hospitality attracts people from all walks of life, from the patrons to the staff, and you’re bound to learn a little more about life by getting to know the people around you.
Staffies and hospo nights
Staffies are a long-standing tradition in hospitality, and one of the best times to get together with your team. If you’re working in beverage service, it’s pretty common after a shift to get together, have a drink of your choice and talk through the day that’s been. Some restaurants will offer a sit-down meal before service starts, so you get a good feed in while they take you through that night’s menu and specials.
Another thing to look forward to are hospitality nights. It can be a bit tricky to wrap your head around at first, but working in hospo usually means your work week is off-set. Most venues and restaurants are open over the weekends, and maybe close for a couple of days a week on Monday or Tuesday. That means that Sunday or Monday night kind of become Friday night for people working in restaurants, bars and clubs all over town. Over time this has led to ‘hospo night’ promotions, where venues offer events and discounts for people looking for a fun time out early in the week! It’s a great way to have a night out with your mates, meet other people from the hospo industry and maybe enjoy a cheap meal too.
Helping people make memories for life
At its core, your job in hospitality is to help the customer have an awesome time, and it’s a really special feeling when it all comes together. I’ve worked at all kinds of events, from music festivals and weddings through to ANZAC commemorative services, and each one has been a super-fulfilling experience. This is a bit of a side note, but quite a few music festivals and events offer you the chance to head out and enjoy the rest of the day once your shift ends, meaning you get paid AND you get a free ticket too!
If you’re the kind of person who really enjoys cooking for their friends, is the first to help the clean-up the morning after a house party, or doesn’t mind a chat with a stranger at the bus stop, you’re bound to love working in hospo.
The funny thing is that people love working in hospo, but for some reason some people get the idea that you can’t keep enjoying yourself, and that once you finish studying or you get back from your gap year trip you have to do something else. But the truth is that you can find a super-rewarding, challenging career in hospitality where the good times can keep rolling. Whether you’re interested in running your own business, trying your hand at events or festivals or travelling the world plying your trade, hospitality has something to offer you. If you’re keen to get started in hospitality, why not check out an RSA course at the Hospitality Institute of NSW?
