Many people like to count their blessings around the holidays, and as a hospitality professional, your job offers a number of advantages to be thankful for. Some of these have to do with career prospects and the chance to advance professionally, while others are more personal and stem from the satisfaction of a job well done.

Of course, you’re probably also thankful for some things that are specific to your workplace, like a great boss or a speedy commute, but you also have the following benefits in common with just about everybody who works in the industry:

You make it possible for people to see the world. Travel wouldn’t be the same without the hospitality industry, which provides people with a place to stay, food to eat when they’re away from home, and amazing experiences that make their trips memorable. People can journey around the world and broaden their horizons thanks to you.

You can branch out. If you ever want a change of pace, there are many opportunities available to you. Someone who works in a restaurant, for instance, can make a career move to a caterer, casino, resort, winery, or restaurant consultancy. There is no one path your career has to follow; the direction is up to you.

Your skills are in demand. Your customer service skills and professionalism are top-notch as a result of your experience and training. Employers throughout the hospitality industry appreciate your capabilities and know that it’s not easy to find someone with your talent.

You strive for perfection. Your employer has high standards—and that’s a good thing. There are so many jobs out there that push people to keep up output without paying attention to quality. Employees at those jobs often feel frustrated and unfulfilled. But in hospitality, each guest’s experience matters. Your employer won’t pressure you to cut corners or do less than your best work.

You get to talk to someone new every day. There may be some regulars you see often, but there are also lots of new guests coming through your venue all the time. You meet so many new people without even having to step foot out of your workplace.

You can rise through the ranks. It’s possible to work your way up to the executive level if you’re motivated and give 100 percent to your work. There’s always another promotion or career advance that you can aim for, and you never have to worry that your career can’t go any further.

You’re part of an exciting industry. Hotel developments and restaurant openings often top local business headlines, and with good reason; hospitality businesses help bring customers to their neighborhood and buoy the local economy. Deloitte has called the travel and tourism industry “one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.” The hospitality industry doesn’t stand still, and you play a part in its success.

You get to stretch yourself. The constant need to multitask keeps you on your toes. There’s no time for boredom, and your qualifications are always improving because you put your skills into practice daily.

You know your coworkers really well. You spend many hours with the other members of your team, and you’re close to them. Your workplace sometimes feels more like a family or a group of tight-knit friends.

You make people smile every day. Guests’ eyes light up when they see candles on a birthday cake or a bouquet for an anniversary. You help create those special moments in their lives.