In my last blogs, I have recommended why you should stay in a job, when to consider leaving it, and when to look for alternatives. Let me say this: Young hoteliers are ambitious, and I do understand everyone’s urge to get promoted and move upward. However, leaving a job in a good company just because one is not promoted within the first two years is foolish; it is like plundering your investment account before it generates actual returns.
I have clearly demonstrated the need to stay in a job and also provided reasons when to leave a job. You must accept reality for what it is, and the amount of misinformation online shapes a mindset with young people that there are plenty of opportunities to make more money. It is scary, and money should never be the sole reason for a job change. It is shortsighted and happens mainly to those who work at lower salaries and have no real vision for their long-term development. You may disagree with me, but hear me out. One example of my career development is working as an executive in the 1082 room at the LAX Hilton, Asst. F&B, I was young, ambitious, and impatient. I knew I was on “The List”. My boss, the VP of Hilton Western Region, would respond to my promotion inquiry like this: “Helmut, be patient. You are on “the list,” but there are a few people with seniority. So just hang in there!”
I felt good being on “The List” but was unwilling to “Hang in There” and wait an undefined number of months or even years? I simply did not know better. A few weeks later, my wonderful secretary Cora called. “Mr. Meckelburg, it is an overseas call. Looks like it is important. Let me put it through.” – A crack in the line, and a familiar voice comes on: “Helmut, how are You? Listen, I have something for You. Something you have been waiting for. I need a GM for a 300-room hotel in Dubai. Interested? Please send your resume. It’s just pro forma, and be available for an interview in Boston. The owner will meet you there. Don’t worry. You have the job already; just confirm you are coming and sign the deal. The sooner, the better.” – a 35-second call would change the direction of my entire career and my life.
Fast forward 3 months, I had arrived, and my dream had come true. I was finally a General Manager. Not with Hilton, Hyatt, or Marriott, but in Dubai’s Five -Star Diamond Hotel, The Royal Abjar. An excellent Hotel with a great team, city, and owners. And just as I had started, an old Hilton buddy calls me: “Helmut,” he says,” why did you leave. Did you not know? You were shortlisted for the GM position in Miami . Why did you leave? You had 6 years with the company and were one of us. Too bad, but I wish you all the best. Keep in touch from time to time.”
Looking back, (I know – we should never look back) – but I have to say this: I did not regret leaving Hilton back then and realized the consequences of this step only years later. I gave up working with an excellent company for my own short-term benefit. Seven months after I left, I would have been promoted to the GM of an 800-room Hilton in Miami. I liked Dubai, but 45 degrees Celsius outside, permanent AC inside, a little greenery, and dessert adventures with lots of camels and covering up when on the water where not exactly my original vision. I did not realize then that my life had just turned from an exiting career into an adventurous expedition which would take me to many unexpected places and present some serious challenges.
Keep this story in mind when making a move. The years You have been with your company, consider a time investment; the longer you stay with a good company, the better is your growth potential. However, you have to bide your time and be patient. If you have been 4 years with a company and doing a good job, you will be on the way to being promoted. Even, if none of this rings with You, ask yourself a few questions before you finally decide to move on.
Soul-Searching:
Dive deep into your career desires and values. Assess your current alignment with your aspirations and the company you work for. Are you content, or do you feel dissatisfied? Have you communicated your concerns and explored potential solutions? Remember, transitioning into a new role or company requires thorough consideration and alignment with your goals and standards. In my book, “The Perfect Hotel Career,” I extensively address such scenarios. While introspection is valuable, it’s crucial to eventually act on your findings and employ appropriate strategies when transitioning to a new role or organization. For individuals with experience in hospitality giants like Hilton, Marriott, Taj, Accord, Wyndham or Hyatt, selecting your next career move is critical. While departing from your current position might seem straightforward, regaining momentum can prove challenging. Keep in mind that starting afresh in a new job requires considerable effort. Thus, it’s imperative to ensure that the opportunity aligns with your goals and that the prospective company mirrors the quality and standards of your current employer.
Explore the Landscape
Before you move, ask yourself: Have you studied the job market well enough to find positions that align with your goals and values? Are you approaching potential employers with precision, ensuring each opportunity fits your long-term ambitions? Rather than rushing, consider if you’re casting your net too wide, diluting your focus and effectiveness especially on the modern job portals?
Are you only chasing roles for which you’re genuinely qualified? Have you honestly assessed your skills? Seek counsel from trusted and proven sources, not self-proclaimed experts or online charlatans. With decades of experience in hospitality, trust those who truly understand the field. If you’re within the Marriott, Hilton, or Accor ecosystem, have you explored the wealth of opportunities within? Staying within these established brands often means quicker and more rewarding growth. A sometimes lower salary should not be a concern rather you should see it as your investment, which will pay off a few years down the line. Not only in money terms, but also in terms of image and credibility. Consider the uncertainties before venturing elsewhere. Ponder these questions deeply before you chart your course.
When opportunity knocks, are you prepared?
Have you readied your career arsenal? In today’s job market, timing and speed is vital. Recruiters demand your details promptly, not leisurely. Your arsenal, comprising five essentials, must be sharp and ever-ready.
Firstly, your resume and cover letter must showcase your prowess and accomplishments and be a marketing tool, not a story line of past grandeur. Keep a folder of hard copies with certificates and recommendations close at hand. Attire matters. Dress smartly – not just a suit and tie for men, but the right suit. Same is valid for a professional ensemble for women – and leave distractions like jewelry, tattoos or flamboyant hair behind. Appearance counts too. Keep it neat and professional, without frills. Lastly, arm yourself with tools – a pad, phone, and pen – ready for action. In a world of online chaos, I’ll provide clarity in future posts, saving you from the pitfalls of misinformation. Your career arsenal speaks volumes about your readiness and professionalism. Keep it sharp, just like your job search and career journey aim.
Be a “Pro” when your network.
When reaching out to your network contacts, do it with caution. Don’t flit around like a butterfly, spread the news everywhere, or show off that “Open to Work” badge on LinkedIn. That’s unfair to your boss or yourself and might bug real pros. Keeping your job search and career moves on the down-low is vital. Getting a thumbs-up from your boss in writing can be tricky but super important. You can use specific techniques. I happily share them with my clients. Stick to confiding in your closest connections, the ones who’ve got your back like a gentle breeze. Don’t shout your plans from the rooftops; keep ’em quiet and safe. Use brilliant timing and talk carefully. Only some people in your network can help, so pick your allies wisely. And remember, one day, you might be lending a hand to someone else.
Last things:
Before you say your goodbyes, ensure you have everything in place. Your company usually handles the necessary steps, but you’ll need a letter confirming your time there and your performance. Both you and your employer should agree on your departure terms. Check over your final payments and paperwork – once that’s sorted, you’re good to go. Finally, seal the deal in style; it’s time to say farewell; do it with class. Wrap up your tasks, leaving behind a hard work and dedication legacy. A short note of “tasks on hand” for your potential successor is good taste and shows dedication beyond true professionalism. In my experience, most companies throw a small party to say goodbye, showing appreciation for your time with them. If your company doesn’t organize one, consider arranging it yourself. A formal send-off at work and a more intimate gathering with close colleagues is a great way to reminisce, strengthen bonds, and plan for the future. Ensure you exchange contact info so you can stay in touch after leaving.
Conclusion:
As I end this post, I think about the twists and turns you will face in your career. Breaking away from a stagnant job can be scary but also exciting. By recognizing when it’s time to move on, making a plan, and embracing uncertainty, you set yourself up for a “different” future. So, it is vital to consider the consequences of your decision. Whether for the better or the worse, that is really up to You.
Looking back on my own experience and that of others, I’ve learned that patience and persistence are crucial, but often, we give in to exciting and new opportunities. As long these align with your final career objective, this is just fine. However giving up on certain criteria might come back and bite you at a later time.
While most companies care about their employees, there are moments when we feel stuck. Remember, though: Give yourself at least two years, better 3 years in a job before considering leaving. That’s often when opportunities arise, and companies feel comfortable to promote you. Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I’ll discuss the opposite case, and you face job layoff or even being terminated from your company. Until then, follow your dream and manage your career wisely. And if you hit a rough patch, I’m here to help.
