Chapter 1: The Strain of Constant Interaction

I must admit, being around people isn’t my favorite activity. I enjoy the company of my close friends and family, but that’s about it. My 15-year career in tourism has taken place in a bustling restaurant located in one of Tenerife's busiest tourist spots. For five days a week, I have been surrounded by throngs of tourists, which can be overwhelming.

Each customer brings their own set of requests or complaints, whether it’s seeking a special deal because they claim to know the owner—or worse, when they don’t realize that the boss has no clue who they are. The customer’s experience is paramount; they wield significant influence and can easily leave a negative review on platforms like TripAdvisor. This could stem from a variety of reasons, such as their meal being served too hot (yes, it has happened) or too cold (after they took a smoke break while waiting).

No matter how well I perform my job, a single mishap can lead to dissatisfaction. Customers often overlook the fact that we are understaffed and doing our utmost to provide exceptional service, all while creating that wow factor.

I often recall my boss’s advice:

"Be like a swan; glide gracefully on the surface while paddling hard beneath the water."

After 15 years of tirelessly paddling, I find myself struggling not to roll my eyes when the fourth customer in a row asks about our sauce options. Inside, I’m screaming, “Just read the menu!”

I think we can all agree that it’s time for a career change. Honestly, it’s been overdue for at least a decade. Yet, the pay is decent for all the effort we put in.

When my shift ends, the last thing I want is to engage in conversation until absolutely necessary.

Consider the woman who arrived late for her reservation and lost her table. We managed to rectify the situation and found her a new table within 10 minutes, but she remained visibly displeased throughout the evening.

Or think about the family that visits twice a year, always arguing loudly. The father consistently orders the roast chicken, and without fail, he sends it back, claiming it’s undercooked or tastes different than usual. He keeps ordering it—perhaps because it’s complimentary!

Despite these frustrations, my career has also brought countless joyful moments. I've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of people who have become like family to me. And yes, my daughter graduated with a law degree! However, I now feel that this job has turned toxic.

As Anthony Ray Hinton wisely said:

"Bitterness kills the soul."

Perhaps it’s time for me to move on, to take the plunge and step away from this security blanket before my feelings of resentment become unmanageable. But I’m grateful for everything I’ve experienced.

Chapter 2: The Reality of Hospitality Work

In the first video, titled "10 Things I HATE About Working In Hospitality," the creator dives into the common frustrations and experiences that can make hospitality work challenging.

The second video, "5 Reasons I Quit My Job In The Hospitality Industry | My Front Office Hotel Job Experience," shares personal insights about the reasons behind leaving the industry and what one can learn from the experience.