Growing up, I promised myself two things:
1. I would never work in an office
2. I would never work for anything less than 60K
Both of which I soon realised were not in the slightest realistic, unless I either wanted to sell my body or enter some other illegal trade. Or, get incredibly lucky I suppose. The reality was I was in my final year of university and although having numerous business plans drawn up, had nothing I truly felt passionate about so when my uncle recommended the Vodafone graduate scheme, I decided (with a bit of pressurising from my Dad) to give it a go. And bob’s your uncle, I started an office job and on much less than £60K.
My first day at Vodafone HQ! Check out that smile!
In all honesty, I wasn’t my happiest at Vodafone. Although it taught me valuable lessons on organisation, people skills and in self awareness, all I kept thinking was “is this what life’s about?” I found office work so monotonous that I ended up feeling pretty sad, and not wanting to go to sleep on a Sunday evening. So, rather than lose sleep over my misery, I decided to do something about it and after two years, I handed in my notice. And wow did it feel good! The reactions I received were pretty mixed – some were of shock “wow you’re brave”, others were jealous “I wish I could do something like that!” and some just laughed but all I could feel was excitement.
My last month at Vodafone was one of handing over, coffee catch ups and goodbyes. Every day I’d wake up with a smile and bounce into work because I knew I was finally on the path to doing what I really wanted – opening my own restaurant. Although my actions might seem a little risky and bold, I’m actually very realistic about my future. The people who’ve never worked in the catering trade, and say “I’d love to own a restaurant” are mad. Talk to anyone in the catering industry, and they’ll tell you these people don’t have a clue about how hard it’d be. Working in the trade since the age of 11, I’m fully aware. I also know that to be truly successful and to minimise all chance of failure, I need experience in everything and the main area I’ve lacked it, is in managing a restaurant. So, that’s where my next venture is taking me… to the King John Inn, in Tollard Royal.
