If you work hard and perform well, your hospitality career will take off, right? Not exactly. While hard work is indeed the crux of a successful career, it will only get you so far. If you aren’t sure why your hospitality career has stalled despite performing well and working hard, it may be time to take your career into your own hands. Here are some of the top pieces of advice from our hospitality recruiters for when your hospitality career feels stuck:
Leverage your Performance
You get top marks in your performance reviews and meet all your financial goals and KPIs, yet still only scrape together a cost-of-living raise each year. What is going on? We have news for you: Your employer is not responsible for your career growth. It’s up to you to decide what you want, whether it’s more competitive pay, benefits, or a promotion. Then, be the one to approach leadership with what you need, while pointing to your proven results. A good employer will be responsive to your initiative and self-advocacy.
Always Seek Learning Opportunities
Learning does not have to happen in a classroom, but it does require you to be proactive. Ask your manager about training or mentoring programs available with the company. Then actually sign up for and complete them. Approach an experienced colleague about possibly being your mentor. Ask questions about anything you don’t fully understand. Deepening your skillset gives you that much more leverage when seeking promotions, new projects, and raises.
Set Boundaries
It can feel counterintuitive to say “no” in the hospitality industry. However, setting boundaries is essential to long-term personal success in such an intense industry. Define where your priorities are at this point in your life, whether it is family, professional growth, or health, and assess how that fits into your career. Boundaries can be as small as saying no to after-hours drinks with coworkers or as impactful as turning down a promotion that does not further your career. If communicated thoroughly with your team and supervisors, these boundaries will prevent you from feeling exhausted and bitter, while propelling your career in the correct direction. Take time to reassess your life priorities every few years and adjust your boundaries accordingly.
Don’t be Afraid to Move On
Our team has seen plenty of hospitality careers suffer from staying in one place for too long, waiting for their career to grow. Yes, professional loyalty can be a strength in hospitality, and excessive job-hopping can raise flags with employers. However, if there is just no place for your career to go within your company, or you are in a toxic environment that does not support growth, then it is time to leave the nest.
Trust Hospitality Recruitment Experts
When you are ready to take the next step in your career, you can trust the hospitality recruiters at Horizon Hospitality. Each one has years of experience within the hospitality industry and has opportunities with top hospitality clients nationwide.
Search through our hospitality job board for our current opportunities or upload your resume for future consideration!
