Like most people my 2020 year started like any other; back to work after the Christmas and New Year break as a Hospitality Manager in a large corporate site in Canary Wharf.
By mid-January, we were hearing stories of a new virus and possible pandemic but we’ve heard this type of thing before and it’s never impacted me so I carried on as usual but life was about to change for all of us.
By mid-March, everyone was worried then lockdown happened and thankfully furlough was announced. Whilst furlough was hugely helpful, the uncertain future was a constant worry. The hospitality industry has been hit harder than most with so many people losing their jobs and, sadly, in November, my role was also made redundant.
I knew my redundancy was through no fault of my own, or for that matter, anyone else’s, but it is still unsettling and distressing. You worry about the bills, how to pay my rent, and there are obvious concerns about when the potential next wage is going to come from. It was particularly being in hospitality with very little light at the end of the tunnel with our industry being pulled from beneath us. You question yourself, what to do and where to start.
There are great tools and webinars out there on social media platforms and I benefited from the strength of friends and family to reassure me that things will get better. I knew that, in order to succeed, you have to set yourself goals both work and personal related to ensure your health and wellbeing. Some goals may be straightforward but others may go beyond your comfort zone.
I learned to build my network and reach out to others that may not be in my field. With personal goals exercise is important to clear the mind and put perspective in things. Also, getting a hobby or interest has been invaluable; I started to do a photography course. I also started lots of baking, although not great on the waistline!
With work goals, I think its important to target yourself to 3/5 things a day. Whether that may be network connections, job searches, webinars or general industry research and keeping up to date. Record, document and track jobs you apply for. It’s soul destroying when you don’t hear back from some applications but you have to keep applying. There are days when you’ve had enough and you feel down but also days when you feel you can dust yourself off and keep persevering.
I’d also heard about Food Service Circle and used the site to support me at this time. The hints and tips for updating my CV were invaluable and I also used the mentoring tab and connected with Nikki who helped me stay focused and positive. Most times when jobs are found they are through a network of friends or family, which means a lot and you can’t thank people enough.
On December the 29th I got a call about one such opportunity and, whilst it’s only temporary and isn’t what I’m looking to do on a permanent basis, I now find myself working in a Lateral Flow Test Centre.
Be positive, be strong, be patient and have hope. I wish you all good luck.
What a difference a year makes! A Hospitality Manager to my new look…(see pic).
Will Johnstone, Hospitality Manager