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The aroma of freshly brewed coffee hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the clatter of silverware and the chatter of early-morning patrons. A young Heather Koleser, eyes sparkling with childish wonder, meticulously arranges napkins and cutlery on tables, a sense of calm amidst the bustling chaos of the local luncheonette. This seemingly simple act, a symphony of crisp linen and gleaming metal, ignites a spark within her – a love affair with the vibrant world of hospitality.
Years later, this passion propels Heather through a whirlwind career. Her days are filled with the adrenaline rush of managing franchises, the thrill of tackling new challenges, and the quiet satisfaction of building successful teams. Yet, beneath the veneer of success, a hidden threat lurks – the relentless pace of the industry begins to take its toll. The long hours blur into one another, the pressure mounting with each passing day. The joy that once fuelled her work starts to fade, replaced by a gnawing sense of exhaustion and depletion.
One particularly gruelling day, amidst the chaos of a busy restaurant service, a stark realisation hits Heather: "I was losing myself in the process," she confides, a tremor in her voice betraying the emotional toll. This becomes a wake-up call, a fork in the road where she must choose between her passion and her well-being.
With a courageous heart, Heather makes a bold decision. In 2022, she stepped away from the high-pressure world of operations and embarks on a new path: hospitality recruitment. This shift isn't just a career change, it's a conscious choice to reclaim her health and rediscover the joy that initially drew her to the industry.
A turning point came with a health scare. "My doctor's words were a wake-up call," she says, reflecting on the moment she decided to shift gears. "I knew I had to find a new way to engage with the work I loved."
Transitioning into recruitment, Heather found a new way to channel her passion for hospitality, one that also allowed her to focus on self-care.
"Recruitment allows me to stay connected to my passion while carving out space for self-care," Heather explains, a radiant smile lighting up her face. The experience has not only transformed her career but also empowered her to become an advocate for self-care within the industry.
Heather shares her wisdom, offering a toolkit of practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, even if you are working long or irregular hours as hospitality can demand.
Short-Term Strategies:
Proiritise Sleep: "Rest isn't just a luxury, it's a fuel for optimal performance," Heather advises. This strategy came from her own experience, where adequate rest transformed her daily productivity and decision-making abilities.
Set Boundaries: "Create clear distinctions between work and personal life." Heather learned the importance of disconnecting from work to maintain her mental health.
Communicate Openly: "Let your team know about your boundaries and encourage open communication." This approach fostered a supportive work environment in her teams.
Empower Your Team: "Train your team to handle diverse situations and promote collaboration." By doing so, Heather built a self-sufficient team, reducing stress and pressure on herself.
Regular Self-Check-Ins: "Stay mindful of your energy levels and take breaks when needed." Heather found that regular self-assessment was key to managing her well-being.
Embrace Flexibility: "Create schedules that are realistic and adjust when necessary." Flexibility in scheduling allowed Heather to balance her professional and personal life effectively.
Long-Term Strategies:
Health is Paramount: "Prioritise healthy habits like exercise and a balanced diet." Heather stresses the importance of physical health in sustaining a long career.
Nurture Your Passions: "Pursue activities outside of work that bring you joy and fulfilment." Heather found solace in hobbies that helped her unwind and disconnect.
Focus on the Positive: "Identify the aspects of your job that you truly enjoy." This mindset shift helped Heather stay motivated and engaged in her work.
Leverage Your Network: "Seek guidance and support from colleagues and mentors." Heather's network provided her with invaluable support and advice.
Plan Strategically: "Carefully consider the potential rewards and challenges before making any career shifts." Thoughtful planning was crucial in Heather's successful transition to recruitment.
Embrace Change: "View change as an opportunity for growth and personal development." Heather's openness to change was a critical factor in her career evolution.
Heather's is a testament to the power of self-awareness and the pursuit of balance. She reminds us that even in the demanding world of hospitality, we can find a path that nourishes our well-being while allowing us to pursue our passions. Her journey echoes a crucial message: self-care is not a luxury, it's a necessity for a fulfilling and sustainable career.
By embracing Heather's wisdom and prioritising our well-being, we can create a thriving hospitality community where passion and purpose coexist with personal fulfilment, just like the delicate arrangement of napkins and cutlery that sparked a lifelong love affair in a young girl named Heather.
Anton Safonov and Michelle Jensen Session, co-founders of Aquarius Hospitality Solutions, bring a combined 34 years of hospitality experience to their unique consultancy. Their mission is to guide hoteliers through the complex world of sustainability expectations. At Aquarius, we highlight your existing sustainability efforts, identify impactful, low-effort changes, and help communicate these effectively. We assist in obtaining relevant certifications and craft compelling narratives that resonate with guests, enhancing your brand value in the competitive market. With Aquarius, navigate and thrive in the sustainability journey, building on your current efforts and making meaningful improvements that matter to your guests and the world. Learn more at www.aquariushs.net.