Chelmari Hospitality

I am referring to hospitality as a career, not a side hustle for pocket money or tuition.

As with any career, there is information you should know before committing, especially if you’re going to spend thousands on tuition or take on a study loan. And FYI: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows like they make it seem at a career expo.

You do not have to study hospitality to work in hospitality

Studying tourism or hospitality is not the only way into the industry.

I have met managers who started as housekeepers, no degree, just ambition.
Department heads who began as waiters and worked their way up to head chef or bar manager, again, no degree, just drive.

This raises an obvious question: Is it worth spending the money to study if you can start at the bottom and work your way up? That’s a debate for another day.

Hospitality doesn’t automatically mean travel

One of the biggest myths: a hospitality career equals a life of travel.

Yes, some career paths do involve travel, like working on a cruise liner or a yacht, but remember, your job and responsibilities are on the vessel, not sightseeing. The same applies to air hostess roles.

The good news? If you join a company that pays well, you can travel in your own time. But you’ll need to rest too, burnout is real, and long hours in hospitality are no joke.

It’s not a get-rich-quick Career

If you enter the field as a graduate, you will likely find people with four or five years of experience earning the same as you. Your diploma or degree will start making a difference only once you reach management or higher-level positions.

You’ll probably start on a low salary until you gain experience. It’s not a quick journey to a good income. In hospitality, attitude matters a lot. Work hard, stand out, and show commitment, managers won’t invest in someone who just clocks in and out, arrives late, or constantly complains.

That said, do not make the mistake I did, do not overwork yourself to death for the wrong people for too long. Know when to move on and when you are being taken advantage of.

💡 My motto: Early is on time, and on time is late.

Passion is non-negotiable

I wouldn’t recommend the hospitality or tourism field if you don’t have a passion for it.

It’s a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. You will have colleagues and guests depending on you, sometimes without the support of a competent manager (which, by the way, is the fastest way to learn).

While it’s exciting to work with different cultures, it can also be challenging. You will need to keep your cool and, in some cases, silently remind yourself: “The customer is always right, I can’t say anything now.”

Over time, you’ll learn how to diplomatically correct or assist misinformed guests. Some guests know they’re wrong and still push it to get freebies. If you’re not driven to advance and grow, you could end up stuck in a low-paying position for a long time.

Before you start studying, shadow as much as you can

I never shadowed before starting my studies and I wish I had.

It all worked out in the end, but a warning would have been nice. If you can, spend time in different hotel departments before committing to a course.

You might dislike one department but fall in love with another.
For example, you will never see me in a Food and Beverage role again.

Your social life will change

While your friends and family work 8–5 weekday jobs, you’ll often be working longer hours, weekends, and some public holidays, Christmas included. Your off days may fall during the week, when everyone else is busy.

The upside? With the right company, the compensation for working those “unsociable” hours can be worthwhile. But it’s still an adjustment, especially if you value spending holidays and weekends with loved ones.

Conflict management is part of the job

Hospitality is built on teamwork, and with so many departments needing to function as one, conflict management becomes a daily skill.

You will be working with colleagues from different backgrounds, personalities, and stress levels , and you will be engaging with guests almost every day. Learn to be teachable, accept constructive criticism, and choose to be the bigger person when tension rises. Sometimes the difference between chaos and calm is simply how you respond.

It’s Not always glamorous

Your title,no matter how senior,  won’t protect you from the less glamorous tasks. You might find yourself unclogging a toilet, cleaning a room during a housekeeping strike, or carrying luggage when the porter is sick.

In hospitality, the show can’t stop. We have to keep things running smoothly and maintain the appearance of luxury for the guests, even when chaos is happening behind the scenes.

Stewardship Perspective

Hospitality is more than service—it’s stewardship. In this industry, our actions can either lift someone’s day or make it heavier. Every guest interaction is an opportunity to show kindness, patience, and grace, even when it’s undeserved.

Colossians 3:23 reminds us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

If you choose this career path, remember, it’s not just about the skills you gain or the money you earn. It’s about the heart you bring to the table, the lives you touch, and the God you represent through your work.