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Article from The Sunday Times, 25 Feb 2007
Explore options first before you switch to hotel industry
I am in my early 30s and I've been working mostly in banks since graduating with an economics degree from a local university. My annual income is around $45,000, not including variable and performance bonus. I have never really enjoyed my work even though people think it pays well. I like the fact that the hours are regular and there isn't a lot of overtime work. Since I'm not really interested in banking products and only know the minimum to get by, I do not see a future for myself in this career.
Recently, I developed an interest in the hotel and hospitality industry. I enjoy travelling and understand that a job in this industry provides the opportunity to work in other countries and deal with many people. Other than that, I do not know much about this industry. Could you tell me what are the requirements to get into it? Is it true that the hours are very long? Would my banking experience, mostly in back-office functions, be relevant?
Is it too late to go back to school to do a hospitality programme? Do you think it is better for me to look for a job in hospitality and see if it works out pursuing further studies?
Paul’s Response
Many people of your age group ask similar career questions.
Among other reasons, you seem to suggest that you decided to venture into the banking industry as it is a “lucrative” one. Indeed, the industry can make you rich – however, you will probably find this rather difficult to achieve if you stay in the back office. You seemed to have some of the right reasons for exploring outside the industry now – such as never really enjoying your work.
Remember this: In making career decisions, separate your interest from your competencies. To enhance personal job satisfaction – in fact, anything else you do in your life -you must always have the interest first. Competencies can come in later.
Regarding your recent interest in the hotel and hospitality industry, I suggest that you not invest in any programme, overseas or otherwise. Cost is one issue to consider.
Since you say that you do not know much about it, do make efforts to read up and talk to people who are familiar with that industry. Two things worth highlighting:
Ø It is not the only industry that gives you opportunity to travel, work overseas and interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ø The hours are rarely regular.
Depends on the area of work you are interested in, the entry requirements could be different. One thing you must have though, is the genuine interest to be of service to others. That is what the industry is all about.
Can you return to the banking industry later? It largely depends on the stage of your career then, and what work you want to do. I suggest that you be more than 70 per cent sure before you make the switch. When it comes to your career, once you hit the age of 38 or thereabouts, you should be traveling on the fourth gear already.
In managing your career, always focus on three things: where you came from, where you are now, and where you wish to go. For now, the last bit is key for you. If you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there. Based on the information you’ve shared in your letter, it does seems to me that the hotel and hospitality industry may not quite be your only cup of tea. Explore options – go back to basics as I said. Focus on your areas of interest. Also, at this stage of your career, you should be building a strong foundation, and that will have to include working really hard and putting in the hours, sorry to say.
Good luck!
Paul Heng
Founder
NeXT Career Consulting Group, Asia
(www.nextcareer.net)
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