Many young people, not specially attracted by studies or simply school work, decide to work from 16 years old in the catering industry. The possibility to work and study allows early starts in brilliant careers. The jobs are very demanding, and it is difficult to settle down, to have a private life, to enjoy quiet time with friends on a regular basis. The latent crisis of the sector has been totally revealed in the post COVID-19 crisis of recruitment in the sector. Like in other professions, a lot of workers in the catering industry are questioning their career path and want to be able to enjoy career developments.
Becoming a household staff member as a career development.
The demand for reliable people in great household is increasing. High profile business people, aristocratic and royal families, successful artists have several houses and need to be assisted. We are far from the cliché showed in films. The families need loyal and discreet domestic staff to assist them in the management of their properties and to support them while travelling and working. It must be understood that the higher the profile in society, the higher the requests about the care and assistance. A high profile will have to be perfect and to have a perfect household. Judgment and critics are always ready at hand, and these types of families have an absolute need of strong support. One must bear in mind that the British Royal household for example is nicknamed “the firm”. Expectancies are that any detail will be displayed on perfection, there is no room for mistake or lack of knowledge. So, if you are a perfectionist, and if you have experience in catering in deluxe hotels or palaces, you may contemplate a switch in your career.
People working in the catering industry already enjoy caring for others, and this character trait will play in your favour during the recruitment stage. Sometimes, when the families are away, you will have to take responsibilities or initiatives about conditions of travel or the maintenance of the properties. All in all, you will have to work as a team member. Secrecy is of the essence, do not expect to be able to sell pictures or confidential information to tabloids. But All these requirements are already among your skills if you are a professional in the sector. What if you are interested in the job but without the profile? You may:
- study about catering in the deluxe hotel sector;
- apply to a domestic agency and start from minor jobs;
- take the courses of some domestic agencies.
The demand is high and all over the world. Of course, you have to speak English fluently and probably one or two other languages. You will not need to have super skills. The capacity for example to clean precious and delicate pieces of decoration and beautiful materials is the type of skills that will put your profile in high demand. Also, if you want to maintain properties, knowledge in maintaining swimming-pools or security systems will be a plus. The array of professions is vast. You may use abilities straight from experience working in hotel palaces, or from working with other families as a nanny for example.
Let’s do not forget the chef who are also in a high demand. The professional qualities are essential, nonetheless the capacity to listen and support is vital. There may be members of the family with special needs, or specific likes and dislikes to follow. It is a drastic change from dealing with different patrons from all over the world, it means tailoring work to the requests of some people. But the advantages of this kind of professional experience are massive. Firstly, the salary. This type of work is well paid, and you have to consider if you will have to pay a separate lodging or not. In some cases, even a car is supplied. The cliché of household people working their socks off is also dated. Nowadays, some families rotate the staff and want to enjoy some privacy with their children. What is noticeable is the willingness of the families to keep the staff, for many years. It brings stability in life and an income safety. It is highly recommended for the profiles to remain about five years with the same employer.
The jobs will provide the opportunities to meet, even from afar, interesting or famous people. Travels may also be a component of the job, and in the best conditions. On the other hand, if you are maintaining a property, there might be times during the year when the family will not be staying at this home. Whatever your skills, you will enjoy stability and the development of your professional knowledge. After a couple of years, you will have new perspective in life and about your career. Soft skills are essential in any type of jobs, the choice will be all yours!