Table of Contents

1. Learning a new skill
2. Remind yourself why you started
3. Consider trying out a new department or workplace
4. Invest in yourself outside of work

Many hospitality professionals have been working tirelessly during and since the pandemic, taking on extra responsibilities, worrying about their health and safety, and working extra hours. Career ruts can cause workers to feel less motivated, which can then lead to less productivity, feeling unenthusiastic, and can create bad interactions between workers and guests or team members. 

If you’ve been feeling this way about work, these 4 tips can help you have a fresh outlook on your career.

1. Learning a new skill

Although learning a new skill may sound daunting, it can give you a renewed sense of excitement. 

Professional development can spark a new level of motivation at work and make you feel proud of yourself once you accomplish a task with this newfound skill. Find out if your work offers any professional development opportunities or see if you can help a team member or department with a task you’ve never done before. Typically work as a server? Ask the bartender if you can learn how to mix beverages for the guests. Are you a front desk agent? Ask your general manager if you can help with budgeting and finances.

2. Remind yourself why you started

Most hospitality professionals go into hospitality because they love creating experiences and helping guests. But when you lose your motivation, it can be hard to remember why you started. 

Create a fun and unique experience for a guest, like having the kitchen create a cake for an anniversary or booking a local experience for a guest based on their interest. Seeing a smile on a guest’s face will help give you a new sense of accomplishment and excitement.

If that’s not possible right away, find some good reviews online to read through, or read some past reviews guests left about you specifically to help boost your morale.  

Focusing on the why of your career path and goals can help you get back to being and staying motivated in the workplace. 

3. Consider trying out a new department or workplace

Sometimes being in a career rut means you need to try a new career. With the hospitality industry picking back up, there are plenty of opportunities to try out a new position! 

If you like your employer and workplace, start by asking if you can change departments if there is an opening. Are you currently a front desk agent but interested in the food and beverage department? Ask to become a server or a line cook. If you’re ready to move up see if it’s possible to become a front desk supervisor or general manager. 

Having new responsibilities and team members can bring back the excitement of coming to work every day and change things up to create new motivation. 

4. Invest in yourself outside of work

Sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves outside of work since we spend so much time at work. There are many opportunities outside of work that can help you feel motivated for work. 

If you need a boost of creativity, try taking an art class or comedy class, or just visiting a museum or comedy show. You can gain a new perspective, or even spark some inspiration for a marketing campaign. 

Try to find a volunteer opportunity, it can help you interact with others and work on your communication skills while you help your community. Or if you enjoy spending time with animals, see if there is a local pet shelter that needs volunteers! Volunteering can not only help you feel good, but it looks good on a resume as well. 

Don’t forget to add in a few self-care days as well to help you feel relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on a new day!