Irregular hours can cause a strain, but there are other options available in the hospitality industry, as our expert advises...
The issue
My boyfriend is working as an Executive/Head Chef for a well known hotel chain, but because of the long hours and the stain that puts on our home life, he'd like to find a job that's less demanding. Preferably, we'd like it to be something that didn't require him to work 14 hours a day and on weekends.
Could you please advise him on how to find a job in, say, industrial catering in the North-west?
Where do I go from here?
Expert answer
Ian Hall, director of human resources at Aramark replies:
I can understand your boyfriend's desire to move out of the long hours and irregular shifts of a busy hotel environment. While this frantic, busy atmosphere is precisely what many people enjoy, it can be very tiring and inconvenient.
I'm not sure that the work is less demanding in Contract Catering, but the hours are often less and certainly more regular.
Take action
It's difficult to advise on any particular companies to try for catering jobs in the North-west, but to make a start:
- Try searching for jobs by location on the Caterer.com job search
- Call companies cold. To find lists of contract catering companies, try websites such as Yell and Scoot
- Choose the contact catering unit carefully so that it reflects the skill level your boyfriend has been used to ? otherwise he may become frustrated.
...and remember
One of the key things to bear in mind for anyone switching from one area of hospitality to another is: don't set your sights too high.
Above all, be realistic about the positions you are applying for. Don't over-reach or over-sell yourself. If you have the confidence in your ability to progress in contact catering, then be prepared to get a toe on the ladder and work your way up.