After 19 years working in hospitality and reaching the highest achievements within the occupation, I have become disenfranchised with the industry at large. The sector only thrives through rampant abuse of workers, spontaneous but constant harm to local communities, and promotion of alcohol - the most harmful drug widely available in Aotearoa/New Zealand. I opened my first restaurant, Civil & Naval, at 21. I am proud of my accomplishments as a young entrepreneur – and my reputation in the community as someone who cares deeply about employee well-being – but after selling my business last year I could not see a way to make significant positive change chasing further success in the field.
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My Mum reminded me this week that I’m still giving the same answer I always have. When she asked me the same question around the age I started school, I replied: “It hasn’t been invented yet.” When I answered this question last time, I wasn’t sure of the specifics on where my education at Dev Academy would take me and not much has changed in the following 20 days.
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Coming from a privileged background, I have never been forced to consciously cultivate a counter to the major stressors befalling others. Whilst it’s important to take note of and count my blessings, when stress does I am starting off less equipped than some. My own response can be overwhelming, and the fight, flight, or freeze reactions sometimes take over - adding to the vicious cycle of stressing about stress.
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Looking through my first learning plan was a laugh. I was obsessed with my career and scared of the future. I feared giving up and well… I’m here, fixing up some of the last pieces on my Trello board. I’m “ready” for “graduation”.
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