Answer: Pros and cons of working in hospitality
Some of the main advantages of working in the hospitality sector are:
It can help you improve your communication skills. Most hospitality roles, including those that don't require constant interaction with guests, require extensive communication with various parties. This can help you communicate better, which is a soft skill that 's useful in most roles and your personal life.
It can make traveling easier and more affordable. Some hospitality roles require extensive traveling, which can be a major advantage for someone who's passionate about seeing other places. Also, working for a hospitality venue can help you get preferential prices for accommodation.
It can enable you to advance quicker in your career. The hospitality industry grows and changes faster than other industries, meaning that jobs are constantly available. If you can relocate to an area where a new hospitality facility opened, you may get the chance to interview for a higher position than your current one, including managerial roles.
It can open up many networking opportunities. Networking is one of the most effective ways of generating new career opportunities. By working in hospitality, you usually interact directly with many fellow employees, and some hospitality roles also require attending industry-specific conferences.
It can help you become more proactive. When your main job requirement is to make sure that your guests are satisfied and comfortable, you often have to anticipate some of your guests' needs and desires. Learning to anticipate and take action can help you develop a proactive way of dealing with issues, instead of mitigating them once they occur.
It can provide a very diverse experience. Most hospitality roles involve dealing with different issues every day. This can be a major advantage if you don't enjoy performing repetitive tasks.
It can give you the opportunity to earn tips and bonuses. Working in a customer-facing role in the hospitality industry can lead to additional income from tips and other bonuses. Taking care of your customers' needs can persuade them to offer you tips, while working within the facility's customer service standards may entitle you to bonuses.
Some of the main drawbacks of working in the hospitality industry are:
It can involve long working hours. Although many hospitality roles are flexible, the fact that most facilities need to be available for their guests on a permanent basis means that you may be working longer hours than in other industries. Although you may be working longer hours, you're also likely to have more time off after finishing your shift, so it can also be an advantage.
It usually comprises a high-pressure environment. Constantly making sure that every guest is receiving the best possible care and swiftly resolving any issue can lead to high amounts of stress, especially if you work in a highly rated hospitality venue. It can be useful for your career, though, as the ability to perform under pressure is a common desirable trait for most professions.
It may involve extensive physical work. Most entry-level hospitality roles tend to require constant physical activity, like climbing stairs, carrying luggage, walking for long distances and other related activities. Although this can make the job more challenging, it can also enhance your physical condition. Have a great day :)